What role does mindfulness play in student-teacher relationships?
Mindfulness, the practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, has become increasingly recognized in educational settings. It involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there's a "right" or "wrong" way to think or feel in a given moment. In student-teacher relationships, mindfulness can foster a nurturing environment where both parties are present and engaged, laying a foundation for deepened mutual respect and understanding.