Mindfulness Quotes For Teachers And One Student’s Story

Mindfulness quotes for teachers can be a powerful tool to help any mindfulness teacher stay focused and connected to their students in today’s rush. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to one’s thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment.

It can help teachers stay grounded, further cultivate inner peace, and stay connected to their students, as well as provide a sense of calm in the classroom. There are many inspiring mindfulness quotes that can help teachers stay mindful in their teaching practice. Here are many favorite quotes and some of the most inspiring mindfulness quotes for teachers to use in class and in daily life:

“Having a calm or peaceful state of mind doesn’t mean being spaced out or completely empty. Peace of mind or a calm state of mind is rooted in affection and compassion and is sensitive and responsive to others.” – Dalai Lama

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh

“The real secret of life is to be fully present in the moment.” – Jack Kornfield

“The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh “Today’s rush makes tomorrow’s rust; take time for rest and renewal.” – Amit Ray

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

“Acceptance of the present experience is the cornerstone of mindfulness practice.” – Sharon Salzberg

“The only way out of suffering is through awareness.” – Eckhart Tolle

“We have a lamp inside us. The oil of that lamp is our breathing, our steps, and our peaceful smile. Our practice is to light up the lamp.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“In everyday life, we can make a conscious effort to notice new things, appreciate them, and exhale any tension we may be holding.” – Tara Brach

“When you become aware of silence, immediately there is that state of inner still alertness.” – Pema Chödrön

“Mindfulness does not mean pushing oneself toward something or hanging on to something. It means allowing oneself to be there in the very moment of what is happening in the living process – and then letting go.” – Chögyam Trungpa

“Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute-by-minute, day by dragging day, in all the small uncaring way.” – Stephen Vincent Benet

“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” – Mother Teresa

“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

“Take a walk outside – it will serve you far more than pacing around in your mind.” – Rasheed Ogunlaru

These mindful quotes can help teachers stay mindful in their teaching practice by reminding them to be present with their students and focus on what matters most: connection and learning. By taking time each day to reflect on these favorite mindfulness quotes or even post them around your classroom or office space, any teacher can use them in their practice of mindfulness as reminders. Teachers can cultivate a more mindful environment for themselves and their students. You don’t need to be a buddhist monk to practice mindfulness or teach it to your students. These inspirational quotes can be a mirror of mindfulness to cultivate the basic root of happiness and provide a foundation as a spiritual teacher inside or outside any meditation practice.

As a teacher sometimes we find students who are just grasping onto the idea of meditation and mindfulness. These quotes will help newer students be able to better focus on the actual moment and pay close attention to their physiology. This is a great way to introduce a mindful means of conscious breathing into their life.

How Mindfulness Changed My Life As a Student: Bill Womack’s Story

While attending the University of Alabama, I experienced severe stress and test anxiety. This roadblock significantly hindered my ability to perform at my best and highest level. It wasn’t uncommon for me to experience anxiety attacks before exams and sometimes while taking them.

I had to use every homework assignment and extra credit assignment to do well and compensate for low midterm and final exam scores that resulted from my anxiety.

Before starting at the University of Alabama, I realized I would have to change my relationship with stress and anxiety because studying to be a doctor was going to be different. I had been used to having many homework assignments, small quizzes, and extra credit assignments to prove my comprehension of the course material and boost my overall grade. Now I would be on a different course and the pressure was much greater than I had ever seen.

I knew if I couldn’t get a handle on my test anxiety, I wouldn’t make it through med school. I didn’t want my test anxiety to define who I was and, even worse, having to report to my family that I had failed out of med school.

When I saw a group at the university was offering mindfulness training, I was hopeful it would give me the tools I needed to manage my stress and anxiety of taking exams. Following the recommendation given in the first session, I started practicing mindfulness at home besides the scheduled weekly training. I saw a difference after about only about two weeks.

I noticed some positive changes from mindfulness in my personal life first. Although these were small things, like how I was calmer while driving in heavy traffic instead of getting frustrated, and began rolling down my windows and enjoying the morning air. My personal relationships became more solid and became healthier as I found myself consistently more patient and less anxious.

I also noticed a difference in my university studies. In class, I became less anxious about getting called upon to answer, and I became more comfortable answering questions classroom questions. My daydreaming that had distracted my concentration my entire life had slowed dramatically. And when it came time for exams, mindfulness came through for me big time.

Now, with mindfulness methods, I could stop my test anxiety instead of it stopping me.

I remember sitting for my first final. When I opened the exam, I could feel my anxiety rise. “Oh no,” I said to myself. My heart rate elevated, my breathing intensified, and my body tensed up. I thought back to my mindfulness training, closed my eyes, took several deep breaths, and told myself I was ready and said to myself, “I did everything to prepare. I know the material and when my eyes open, I’m going to read, outline, and write until time is called.” And I did just that!

What’s made it even better happened when I left the testing room. I left all my emotions in the room and didn’t worry about what I wrote, what I could have written, or what I didn’t write. I left it in the past and now with my new mindset, thanks to my mindfulness training, that was where it was going to stay. This would have never have been possible for me to accomplish before using mindfulness methods.