lenny

Mindful Leadership: Cultivating Inner Calm

user image

Lesson Plan

Mindful Leadership: Cultivating Inner Calm

Explore calm leadership and decision-making

This lesson engages students in guided meditation and reflection exercises to explore the concepts of calm leadership and mindful decision-making. These practices will help students navigate personal challenges and lead by example, fostering a sense of inner calm and thoughtful decision-making skills. By focusing on mindsets such as empathy, self-awareness, and resilience, students will develop behaviors that support effective leadership. The lesson aligns with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors, promoting positive attitudes and skills for success.

Audience

Grades 9-12 Students

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Explore calm leadership and decision-making

Materials

Guided Meditation Script, Reflection Worksheet, and Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief introduction to the concept of mindful leadership and its importance in personal and professional settings.
  • Explain the objectives of the lesson: to explore calm leadership and mindful decision-making through meditation and reflection.
  • Highlight the mindsets and behaviors such as empathy, self-awareness, and resilience that are essential for effective leadership.
  • Note that the lesson aligns with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors standards, specifically focusing on M 1: Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being, and B-LS 1: Demonstrate critical-thinking skills to make informed decisions.

Step 2

Guided Meditation

10 minutes

  • Lead the students through a guided meditation session using the provided script.
  • Encourage students to focus on their breathing and let go of any distractions.
  • Allow a few moments of silence at the end for students to reflect on their experience and how it relates to self-awareness and inner calm.

Step 3

Reflection Exercise

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Reflection Worksheet to each student.
  • Ask students to write down their thoughts and feelings experienced during the meditation.
  • Encourage them to consider how these feelings relate to leadership and decision-making, focusing on empathy and resilience.
  • Connect their reflections to the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors standards.

Step 4

Group Discussion

8 minutes

  • Facilitate a group discussion using the provided questions.
  • Encourage students to share their reflections and insights on how mindfulness can influence leadership.
  • Guide the discussion to explore real-life applications of mindful decision-making, emphasizing the development of empathetic and resilient behaviors.
  • Discuss how these align with the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors standards.

Step 5

Closure

2 minutes

  • Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson.
  • Encourage students to practice mindfulness regularly to enhance their leadership skills and develop positive mindsets and behaviors.
  • Highlight the connection to ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors and their importance in personal and academic success.
  • Thank the students for their participation and engagement.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Reading

Guided Meditation Script

A script to guide students through a meditation session focused on cultivating inner calm and mindfulness.

Guided Meditation Script

  • Find a comfortable seated position, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in.
  • As you exhale, let go of any tension in your body.
  • Focus on your breath, noticing the rise and fall of your chest.
  • If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
  • Imagine a place where you feel calm and at peace.
  • Spend a few moments in this place, absorbing the tranquility.
  • When you're ready, slowly bring your awareness back to the room and open your eyes.
lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet

A worksheet for students to reflect on their meditation experience and its connection to leadership.

Describe how you felt during the meditation. What thoughts or emotions came up for you?

Consider any physical sensations, emotions, or thoughts that arose.







How can the feelings of calmness and focus experienced in meditation be applied to leadership?

Think about situations where calmness and focus are important in decision-making.







Reflect on a personal challenge you are facing. How might mindful decision-making help you navigate this challenge?

Consider how taking a moment to breathe and reflect might change your approach.







lenny
lenny

Discussion

Discussion Questions

Questions to facilitate a group discussion on mindful leadership and decision-making.

What does mindful leadership mean to you?

Encourage students to think about leaders they admire and how mindfulness might play a role in their leadership style.







Can you think of a situation where a mindful approach to decision-making could be beneficial?

Guide students to consider both personal and professional scenarios where mindfulness could lead to better outcomes.







How can practicing mindfulness regularly impact your ability to lead and make decisions?

Discuss the long-term benefits of mindfulness on stress management, focus, and empathy.







lenny
lenny
Mindful Leadership: Cultivating Inner Calm • Lenny Learning