Mindfulness at AISM: Increasing Self-Awareness with Mindfulness at Home

Self-awareness is the “keystone” of emotional intelligence. Without self-awareness, we cannot know what’s happening to us, let alone manage relationships with others. Mindfulness is a practice which teaches you to be more aware of your surroundings. Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) has in recent years updated aspects of our approach to student wellbeing by embedding mindfulness practices in school. Here are some basic exercises for children to enhance their self-awareness at home. 

1. Spider-Man Senses

One of Spider-Man’s superpowers is his ability to tune into his senses. Like a spider, he has super smell and sight and can hear very tiny noises. 

a. Ask your child to activate their spidey-senses and pay attention to what’s going on around them.

b. Ask them the following (and this will prompt them to notice their senses):

●What can you hear?

●What can you see?

●What can you taste?

●What can you smell?

●What can you feel?

c. Guide your child to explore the room or outdoor space as they stay in this spidey state for 2-3 minutes.

Guiding Questions: 

How long can your child pay attention to their senses? Explain that when you pay very close attention to your senses, you enter into the present moment and this calms your mind and starts to rid you of all those noisy thoughts swirling around in your head. With practice, you can refine this skill to tune into the present moment whenever you choose.

2. Googly Eyes

In this exercise, we will pay close attention to the experience of seeing. 

a. Before sitting, find a flower or plant for your child to use as a “focus flower.” We will look at this flower very closely and notice all of its interesting details.

b. Once you have your flower, sit on the floor with your legs crossed, or on a chair if more comfortable. 

c. Rest hands on knees and sit up tall and reach for the sun, (like a flower or plant) but keep your neck and shoulders relaxed. 

d. You both now close your eyes and take ten deep breaths.

e. Open your eyes and examine your flowers. Notice the colours, the smell, the intricate lines, and details. Notice the texture and the overall shape.

Guiding Questions : 

Does your flower look different when you pay close attention?  Discuss your observations together.

3. Watchful Walk

a. Go for a stroll in your garden or on your balcony or just take a good look out the window. 

b. Designate 5 minutes of your time to discuss what your child sees, feels, hears, and smells.

c. Designate short periods of time to zone into your senses.

●LOOK at the trees, dandelions, butterflies. Try to find bugs, ants, and other creepy crawlies.

●LISTEN for birds, sparrows, and other noise making animals.

●FEEL the weather and the sensations in your body.

●SMELL the flowers, spring scents, or even rain.

Guiding Questions : 

Ask your child what they notice using their senses. Spend one minute in complete silence just noticing and feeling what’s around you both.

Take part in AISM’s Virtual Open Week from 1 to 5 June 2020 to have a sneak preview into life at AISM and discover more about the School’s impressive facilities, extensive curriculum and how they incorporate mindfulness in school. Join in the diversified programme of presentations and ask questions about studying at Australian International School Malaysia. Our Principal (Liam King) and Heads of Schools (Michelle Chaplin and Ivan McLean) will happily respond to all your enquiries.

Register now at http://www.aism.edu.my/admissions/virtual-open-week.