The Sati Pasala mindfulness program was held on the 28th September 2017 at the main hall of the Kadugannawa Jathika Pasala from 8.30 am to 10.30 am. The participants consisted approximately 236 students of year 8 and 9 and about 13 Teachers. The Principal of the college, Mrs K. M. A. Ranasinghe was very enthusiastic about the program and she actively participatedin the program; remaining with the students for the greater part of the training session. Venerable Pilimatalawe Thilakadamma thero of Daulagala Temple was also present as an observer. The program was very well organized.
The activities conducted during the program was as follows;
(1) Introduction to Mindfulness 8.30 am to 9.00 am
(2) ‘Toffee eating’ – a Sati game 9.00 am to 9.15 am
(3) ‘Body scanning’ – a Sati game 9.15 am to 9.30 am
(3) Explanation and carrying out mindful walking (in the ground) 9.30 am to 10.00 am
(4) Explanation and carrying out mindful sitting (in the main Hall) 10.00 am to 10.15 am
(5) Mindfulness in day-to-day activities, feedback, conclusion 10.15 am to 10.30 am
Even though students were of a fairly younger age group, it was very clear that they had grasped what ‘Sati’ can do for them. They were able to eat the toffee mindfully deriving a high degree of enjoyment. They all felt quite relaxed & calm during the session on body scanning. Initially they were a bit reluctant to go to the grounds bare footed as the grounds were slightly wet & muddy, but it seemed that subsequently they had all experienced a feeling of relaxation whilst being aware of an inner energy. It was extremely heartening to note the student’s feedback especially as they felt that ‘Sati’ would be a useful tool that would be friend them when doing their studies.
Feedback from students:
