Using Mindfulness Actively - The 'Head, Hand, Heart' approach
Duration: 11 mins
Publication Date: 9 Feb 2024
Next Review Date: 9 Feb 2027
DOI: 10.13056/acamh.13588
Description
Mindfulness means “presence”—being fully present in the moment. It is often associated with stillness, quietness, and focusing on our inner experience. An effective way to practice mindfulness is through everyday activities that engage both body and mind. This can be summarized as “head, hand, and heart”: choosing activities that require focus (head), physical involvement (hand), and are enjoyable (heart). The goal is to reach a state of “flow” or focus on the present moment. Another approach involves focusing on an object or collection of objects—asking questions like how it feels, its weight, or even imagining it as an emotion. These strategies foster creativity and curiosity, offering a “circuit break” from distractions or overthinking. It is important to note, however, that recent research suggests mindfulness practices may not be suitable for all young people, particularly those with mental health challenges. Caution is advised when introducing mindfulness in these cases.
Learning Objectives
A. To introduce techniques for engaging children and young people in mindfulness.
B. To demonstrate how the "head, heart, hand" approach enhances mindfulness and supports emotional regulation.
C. To explore the integration of mindfulness practices with therapeutic approaches to promote well-being.
