Classroom Meditation

The Tadd Technique helps students learn to shift out of their emotional reactions and into appropriate, focused response. As students practice this skill, they become like young Sages—applying their innate wisdom to the details of their relationships, schooling and perceptions of the world.

The following example took place during a life-skills session (we call it WISE Education) with k-5 children. All the children observed intently as one pair worked together on the Technique. The pair, Emily and Amy, closed their eyes, and focused their attention in their center of feelings, then shifted gears to perceive from their center of focus.

Maureen: Amy, you first. What did you notice in the solar plexus?

Amy: Churning up like hot lava—it was boiling. I was mad and my feelings were getting really hurt when my friends were making fun of my mistake.

Maureen: Could you shift focus?

Amy: Yes! When I looked from my wise focus I felt just fine. My mistakes are just fine! They are good for me because, well, that’s just how I learn and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. They’re good for my friends too (my mistakes)—because my friends don’t feel so good about their mistakes. I saw my friends were teasing me because they think mistakes are embarrassing. If I don’t feel bad, I’ll show them it’s okay too.

Maureen: Great. What did the rest of you notice?

Kids: I could tell when she changed gear.....Me too--her whole face changed....etc.

Everyone then wanted to be next to demonstrate the Technique. It's powerful to watch children make this shift, remarkable to hear their own thoughtful perspectives on the challenges in their lives.