Mindful Drama

Tons of drama at school today. Such is life at a middle school just prior to Spring.

I have been studying this type of "drama" for many years.  Middle School students are in a strange developmental place.  They are neither child or adult.  Some psychologists have called this place "marginal man' as they are lost in the in-between. 

Kids try on being an adult...especially when they are preparing for high school in 13 short school days.  They react.  Some react how they think they are supposed to, some just react.

The biggest issue is that they are no longer mindful or their thinking or actions.  They are reacting in such a way that it feels like life is happening to them.

I pulled a couple of students aside today and helped bring them to a mindful place.  I simply asked, how important to you is this drama.  Their immediate reaction was the it was the most important thing in the world.  I then asked the same question again..how important is this drama to you.

They stopped.  They looked at each other.  They laughed.

Sometimes our students need a little guidance in being mindful of the realities of the situation.  They are not aware or always in control of their developmental changes as they are happening.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites