Mindfulness meditation is achieved when the practice of attending to the present moment is aligned with the allowance of any emotions and thoughts to flow without judgment. It can include activities such as focusing on particular physical sensations such as breathing. For instance, an individual can use his breath and observes it as thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Every inhale and exhale can be used as an anchor to help him focus on only the “here” and “now” without any resistance hence with openness and acceptance. Since ancient history, mindfulness and contemplation are found and linked to many religions as well as spiritual practices. Buddhists, Muslim, and Christians have practiced mindfulness and it has been linked to achieving long-lasting serenity, focus, and happiness.
Having the capability to linger in the present moment is scrutinized as a desirable trait. Back in the days, we might have believed that some people were just gifted to achieve this state, luckily having a more ‘centered’ or ‘calm’ personality. Nowadays we are aware that our brain circuitry can be modified, and that we are able to reprogram ourselves to support present-moment awareness.
Neuroscientific evidence shows that changes occur in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula, temporo-parietal junction, fronto limbic network, and default mode structures known as the default mode network DMN. Furthermore, a considerable amount of research has shown that mindfulness meditation can elevate positive emotions, has stress-reducing effects, is able to help manage pain perception, and can increase attention regulation as well as deep focus.
Aim: In our study, we sought to investigate the impact of mindfulness meditation on performance, attention span, and focus on Lebanese students aged 16-17 using the “Smiling Mind” application for 8 weeks.
Methods: We invited 14 students to fill the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale for Children (MAAS-C) to assess their mindful attention before, during, and after their practice. In parallel, their corresponding teachers filled the
Emotional Competence (SEC) questionnaire in order to assess the students’ engagement and performance, pre, throughout, and post the meditation practice. Finally, we referred to the students’ grades also, as an assessment tool to identify if any change happened during the mindfulness practice.
Results: Our 8-week cohort study conducted on 11th-grade students showed that mindfulness meditation has a significant impact on performance, attention span, and focus on the Lebanese students. This study shows the importance of mindfulness meditation practice on the wellbeing of children in general, as well as on their attention and focus in particular.