Mindfulness and Yoga in Schools A Guide for Teachers and Practitioners

138 • PART II: MINDFULNESS IN EDUCATING FOR SELF-REGULATION AND ENGAGEMENT

solving problems is not always the best approach. Surfing the waves of life’s ups and downs
with joy and gratitude can, at times, be the best option.
Informal mindful practices are like bringing the surfer mind to everyday activities.
They are defined as the daily cultivation of mindful awareness, inquiry, a half smile (i.e.,
an inclination toward happiness), gratitude, and a sense of nonattachment to daily activi-
ties and challenges (Cook-Cottone, 2015; Kabat-Zinn, 2013; Rechtschaffen, 2014; Stahl &
Goldstein, 2010). This chapter provides an overview of the methodology for informal
mindfulness techniques. The first section of the chapter addresses the cultivation of
thought processes and attitudes, such as being in inquiry and cultivating thoughts, feel-
ings, and actions that serve you. The second section provides instruction for and examples
of informal practices.

THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES THAT CULTIVATE AND SUPPORT

MINDFUL AWARENESS

Informal mindful practices are the cultivating of a mindful way of being throughout the day.
The thoughts and attitudes that support mindful awareness throughout the day include
inquiry, happiness, and gratitude (Rechtschaffen, 2014).

Inquiry

Sustaining presence and mindfulness within the context of intra- and interpersonal chal-
lenges can be difficult (Brach, 2012). Recall the Mindful and Yogic Self as Effective Learner
Model (MY-SEL, see Chapter 2) and the ongoing tensions and attunements that move
through the internal and external aspects of self. It can be a challenge to be in active self-care
and reflective, intentional engagement without effective, daily tools. Brach (2012) describes
RAIN (i.e., Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nonidentification), a methodology for cul-
tivating mindful awareness and engagement in difficult weather or rough seas. Figure 7.1
illustrates the experience of self as learner through the perspective of informal practice (i.e.,
RAIN) in the embodied expression of self.

EXTERNAL

Family, Community,

and Culture

INTERNAL

Thoughts, Feelings,

and Body

Informal

Mindfulness

• Recognize
  
  
  • Allow
  
  
  
  


• Investigate
  
  
  • Non-
    identification
  
  
  
  

FIGURE 7.1 Informal practice as the embodied expression of self.

Source: Brach (2012) and Cook-Cottone (2015).