School Meditation In Melbourne – Programs For Kids


For children
Infants and very young children have a natural ability to spontaneously relax and let go of tension.  This ability is usually lost by the time a child reaches school age, where habits of tension, apprehension and anxiety can lead to the experience of ‘stress’.  In teaching young children the art of stillness we are helping them to reconnect with the natural stillness and strength within themselves.  In the adolescent years, the introduction of stillness as a positive life-skill may intercept otherwise potentially dangerous outcomes.

Pauline McKinnon, Let’s Be Still – teaching SMT to Children and Adolescents

SMT at home

Family modelling is the first and most significant point of learning for any child. If tension is accepted as normal within a family, then it is likely that individual members will react with tension and suffer the consequences. On the other hand, if families are aware of the detrimental effect of tension and take steps to replace tension with ease and tranquillity, the home environment will remain reasonably relaxed. So, bringing Stillness Meditation into the home is an obvious step to better living and something to contribute to happier, more capable children who are less likely to succumb to stress. The less tension is generated, the less anxiety will be felt and the less stress will be experienced. Meditation at primary school, meditation for adolescents, individual and family programs – find out more!


Infants and very young children have a natural ability to spontaneously relax and let go of tension. This ability is usually lost by the time a child reaches school age, where habits of tension, apprehension and anxiety can lead to the experience of ‘stress’. In teaching young children the art of stillness as a form of meditation for children, we are helping them to reconnect with the natural stillness and strength within themselves.  The earlier this new learning takes place, the better

For adolescents

These are the years when ‘stress’ may become a reality. At this time the introduction of stillness as a positive life-skill may intercept otherwise potentially dangerous outcomes. At this age, there may be resistance to adopting  meditation therapy which, to the adolescent, may not qualify as being ‘cool’.  But ‘stillness’, skillfully introduced into a class situation, empowers kids in a positive way.  Benefits soon become apparent as individual confidence develops, confidence, resilience builds, relationships improve, studies flourish and independence (especially from substances and alcohol) brings serenity to a time of life when the need for productivity and achievement is at a premium.

Within the framework of education there is little to empower young people with the gentle discipline of calm control, mental relaxation and stress relief. There is little in formal education that can assist in averting tension and anxiety and the many symptoms that accompany it. The discipline of stillness and its acceptance at school can achieve this. Within school meditation training, children can also be led to a new sense of care and respect for themselves which in turn may lead to greater respect for others and for all of life. The practice of stillness could therefore be recognised within the classroom as a priority life educational tool.

As a form of therapy

Let’s find a natural way to assist our young to manages the challenges of life!  

Life’s challenges, especially in the developing years, give rise to emotional problems that may lead to a variety of mental illnesses.  The most popular forms of intervention include counselling, psychotherapy, behavioural modification and very likely, medication.   While these modalities may assist, they will be more effective when the sufferer becomes more relaxed. With the letting go of unnecessary tension and the empathic interaction between therapist and client that takes place in the experience of stillness, increased trust, better communication and gaining of insight can help lead to an ability to understand and deal with issues of importance.  Let us help you discover mental health through mental rest – good for everyone, across the life-span.


SMT for children supports their natural ability to relax

SMT in adolescence may intercept potentially dangerous outcomes

SMT can bring calm to families which in turn leads to a calmer child

A calmer child will respond more readily to other therapeutic interventions

A calmer classroom fills a major educational need and reinforces awareness of the values of discipline and respect

Children tell their stories

Stillness Meditation in Schools