Tai-Chi and Mindfulness in Boston Public Schools

“Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction in a Boston Public Middle School”
Robert B. Wall M. Div., MSN, FNP, CNS1, ,

Journal of Pediatric Health Care, Volume 19, Issue 4, July-August 2005, Pages 230-237.

Abstract

This article provides a description of a clinical project that used combined Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction as an educational program. The 5-week program demonstrated that sustained interest in this material in middle school–aged boys and girls is possible. Statements the boys and girls made in the process suggested that they experienced well-being, calmness, relaxation, improved sleep, less reactivity, increased self-care, self-awareness, and a sense of interconnection or interdependence with nature. The curriculum is described in detail for nurses, teachers, and counselors who want to replicate this type of instruction for adolescent children. This project infers that Tai Chi and mindfulness-based stress reduction may be transformational tools that can be used in educational programs appropriate for middle school–aged children. Recommendations are made for further study in schools and other pediatric settings.

References

Ekai (trans. n.d.). The gateless gate. In P. Reps & N. Senzaki, Zen flesh and Zen bones (N. Senzaki, Trans. n.d.). New York: Anchor Books Doubleday.

Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_method=citationSearch&_uoikey=B6WK-4GKFMDSH&_origin=SDEMFRASCII&_version=1&md5=25b44bb807893d71caee47979d026b4e

(might have to cut and paste the whole link, or go to Science Direct and search under keyword “mindfulness-based”)