What are some common barriers or misconceptions about social emotional learning and mindfulness?

Hi there! I wanted to share some thoughts on the importance of modeling social and emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness during recess, movement classes, or physical education (PE). As we know, teachers are the best resources for teaching students SEL skills, and one way to integrate these practices into the classroom is by making it a routine to come in from recess and practice some regulation skills. By doing this, we are normalizing these practices for children and showing them how simple and fast a regulation tool can be used. It's important to model these skills and show students how they can use them in their daily lives to manage their emotions and promote their mental wellness. Thank you for considering this approach!

I’m my experience, finding a point in your day, each day when you are in the same place, doing the same thing is a great time to add in a scheduled activity. This could be a breathing exercise in the shower, a gratitude sentence whilst boiling the kettle or an affirmation when doing your make-up. Small changes make a big difference.

I've heard SEL be called a "bandaid" for behavior issues. I've also heard it be referred to as an excuse for unacceptable behavior and disrespect, when in fact social emotional learning, specifically for students, is much more than that. Learning self-awareneness, social awareness, self-managenent, relationship skills, and responsible decision are all necessary life skills that should be a foundational part of youth development. Barriers 1. Lack of buy in from administrative staff and teachers 2. Who's teaching the teachers about SEL? If they don't understand what it is and how to implement it in the classroom how can they teach it to our students? 3. Time: lack of time for explicit SEL instruction

Social-emotional learning and mindfulness are interconnected in the way we are geared towards being more discipline with our thoughts and actions so that we can heal ourselves. This means that as we are coping with the indignity of working long hours and depending on others to help it is useful to bring the feeling of contentment to the fore. WE must take a few minutes each hour to simply connect with our inner wisdom and allow the light of our bodies to radiate more truth and blessings into our lives. In the workspaces it is especially important to tune into the inner wisdom and breath softly with gratitude for each breath. This will allow the oxygen of the body to flow in a better way and dislodge the density we are facing.

In my experience, and I think with many of us resistance to change is a common phenomenon that can affect individuals, groups, or organizations. One way to overcome resistance to change is to foster social-emotional learning and mindfulness. Social-emotional learning and mindfulness can help people cope with uncertainty, stress, and emotions from change. They can also enhance creativity, collaboration, and adaptability in changing environments.

One of the biggest barriers for SEL is the ability to monitor progress and assess growth. There isn't always a straightforward "right" or "wrong" way of doing things, and there isn't a lot of "grading". So it can be challenging to see growth. You don't get that same dopamine hit when you answer a math problem correctly. This can often lead to the feeling that time spent on SEL isn't ineffective or leading to tangible outcomes. But actively working on SEL leads to benefits that creep into all areas of life, be it academic or career success. Olympic athletes significantly benefit from visualization and CEOs rave about journaling and self-reflection. The growth from investment into SEL is always in hindsight, so you need to trust the process.

From experience, here are some misconceptions of mindfulness and SEL: - Mindfulness and SEL are only for people who have problems or difficulties. This is not true. Mindfulness and SEL can benefit anyone who wants to improve their self-esteem, self-awareness, and empathy. - Mindfulness and SEL are easy and quick fixes. This is incorrect. Mindfulness and SEL require regular practice, commitment, and support to achieve lasting results. - Mindfulness and SEL are one-size-fits-all solutions. Incorrect statement. Mindfulness and SEL can be adapted to different contexts, cultures, ages, and needs.

A common barrier to social intelligence is the lack motivation and indignity, faced by people who has too much density in their lives. This means that there are millions of employees who lack the motivation to be productive and accountable. It is the ones who hold the leadership positions that must challenge themselves to cooperate with others who are not doing too well and allow them to be lifted to higher levels of awareness in the way they feel about themselves and the work they are asked to do.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is often misunderstood as therapy in education. It's crucial to clarify that SEL is NOT therapy. Educators need not be psychologists to use SEL effectively. SEL nurtures "protective factors" like caring relationships and emotionally supportive environments. It doesn't replace mental health services but complements them. SEL equips students with vital life skills, such as emotional intelligence and social awareness, fostering a supportive learning environment and preventing isolation and disengagement.