Have you ever felt like your mind was racing a million miles a minute, and you just couldn’t keep up? Imagine being a kid, surrounded by the vibrancy and buzz of Bali, and trying to navigate school life on top of it all. It’s no wonder that mindfulness and meditation are finding a special place in Balinese schools. These practices aren’t just about calming the mind; they’re about fostering a deeper connection to the world around us, something that feels incredibly aligned with Bali’s spiritual heartbeat.
Table of Contents
1. A Fresh Take on Education: Beyond Books and Tests
Let’s be honest—school can be stressful. We’ve all been there, drowning in textbooks and cramming for tests. But what if education could be more than just memorizing facts and figures? In some Balinese schools, it already is.
I recently visited one such school, where the first period of the day isn’t about algebra or geography, but about centering yourself. Students sit together, close their eyes, and take a few deep breaths. This moment of mindfulness isn’t just about starting the day on a calm note; it’s about setting an intention. What do you want to achieve today? How do you want to feel? It’s a simple practice, but it makes a world of difference.
The shift towards incorporating mindfulness and meditation into the curriculum is helping students approach learning with a clear mind and a focused spirit. It’s a far cry from the chaotic mornings many of us might remember, and honestly, I think we could all benefit from a little more of this in our lives.
2. Stress? What Stress? The Power of Breathing
If you’ve ever been to Bali, you know there’s something about the island that just makes you want to take a deep breath and relax. Maybe it’s the swaying palm trees, the gentle ocean breeze, or the soothing sound of gamelan music. Whatever it is, Balinese schools are tapping into that energy by teaching students the power of breath.
During a visit to Empathy School International, I watched as a group of teenagers sat in a circle, practicing deep breathing exercises. The air was filled with a sense of calm that was almost palpable. The students took slow, measured breaths, focusing on the rise and fall of their chests. It was a simple exercise, but the impact was profound.
One student I spoke with mentioned that these breathing exercises help her feel less anxious during exams. “When I feel my heart start to race, I just focus on my breath,” she said. “It helps me stay calm and think clearly.”
And she’s not alone. Many students are finding that mindfulness and meditation aren’t just tools for the classroom; they’re tools for life.
3. Cultivating Compassion: It’s Not Just About You
One of the beautiful things about mindfulness is that it encourages you to think beyond yourself. In Balinese schools, this is taken to heart. Students are taught that mindfulness isn’t just about calming their own minds; it’s about being aware of the people and world around them.
I witnessed this firsthand during a visit to a small village school in Ubud. The students had just finished a session of walking meditation—a practice where you walk slowly and mindfully, paying attention to each step. Afterward, they gathered to discuss what they noticed.
“It makes you realize how connected everything is,” one student shared. “The way I walk affects the ground beneath me, just like the way I treat others affects them.”
This kind of reflection fosters a deep sense of compassion in students. They learn that their actions have consequences, and that mindfulness isn’t just about inner peace—it’s about creating a more peaceful world.
4. Bringing Tradition into the Modern World
Bali is a place where tradition and modernity coexist in a beautiful dance. You see it in the intricate offerings placed on bustling streets and the ancient temples that stand beside modern cafes. This blend of old and new is also present in how mindfulness and meditation are being woven into school life.
At Empathy School International, the practice of mindfulness is deeply rooted in the island’s spiritual traditions, yet it’s presented in a way that resonates with today’s students. They meditate under the shade of ancient banyan trees and practice yoga in open-air pavilions. These practices aren’t just about physical and mental health; they’re a way of connecting with Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
One teacher explained it to me like this: “We’re not just teaching students to be mindful; we’re teaching them to honor the traditions that have made Bali what it is. It’s about finding balance—between the old and the new, between the mind and the heart.”
5. A Community of Mindful Learners
There’s something incredibly powerful about practicing mindfulness and meditation as a community. In Balinese schools, this sense of community is at the heart of everything they do.
Students often meditate together, supporting each other through the practice. They share their experiences, their struggles, and their triumphs. This creates a bond that goes beyond the usual classroom friendships. It’s a bond rooted in shared mindfulness, in the understanding that they are all part of something bigger.
During one of my visits, I was struck by the way a group of students helped a younger child who was having trouble focusing during meditation. They didn’t scold or judge; they gently guided him, showing him how to breathe deeply and let go of his distractions. It was a small moment, but it spoke volumes about the kind of community these schools are building.
And that’s the real magic of mindfulness and meditation in Balinese schools. It’s not just about individual growth; it’s about growing together, as a community, in harmony with the world around us.
