It can’t be emphasized enough that learning mindfulness is not a verbal skill that can be described and then absorbed and remembered somehow, like social studies or math facts. It is a personal awareness of one’s present moment embodied experience in all its fullness Most of us are unaware of some aspects of our experience, and we sometimes do our best to keep things out of awareness consciously or unconsciously. For example, Sometimes our bodies hurt a little, but we don’t pay attention. Sometimes we’re a little anxious or sad, but again we try to block it out. Mindfulness invites us to be as present as possible, both when life is pleasant and even when it’s a little hard, and so we really need to feel safe and comfortable in order to start this exploration.

Please don’t begin L2B without laying some groundwork. Participants need to feel comfortable, to the degree possible, so that’s why the curriculum is built in small steps that link together and reinforce each other. The structure repeats itself for each lesson, so participants can feel at ease. There is a lot of teacher guidance in the program, too, in order to support students throughout. Safety can be established by providing a preview practice experience for students, by working first or simultaneously with the adults in the school, by providing L2B for parents, by making the materials available for review, and by offering options (found in the manual) for students to opt out at their discretion.
Pay special attention to the setting of the course; if possible, a quiet setting, separate from the classroom, where students might be able to sit in a circle or on the floor, is preferable. Lowering lights, providing comfortable mats, pillows for seating or throws may be helpful.

The preliminary thought and effort that goes into this preparation is well worth the time because it can facilitate the spirit of openness and curiosity that is at the heart of mindful awareness. Inquiring into and accepting experience is best done in a safe space. L2B is not therapy, so no personal disclosures are sought or expected. First and foremost, it is about the universal human experience of life in the body, with the inevitable ups and downs that beset us all. The message: “Just show up as you are without needing to change anything. We are all in this together ” is the welcoming, compassionate message we want to extend.