Educating Mindfully Learncast

The Space Between Doing and Being: Reclaiming Your Inner Connection

Season 1 Episode 5

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Episode Overview: The episode is focused on the framework component of Mindful Self-Connection within Educating Mindfully's Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework.

Matt and Lindsey distinguished how mindful self-connection is different from self-awareness by emphasizing embodiment. They highlighted that this process is not linear but a continuous cycle. Matt emphasized that mindful self-connection requires flexibility and understanding that transformation can occur at any stage.

They explored strategies and how educators' internal states and emotional literacy influence school climates, the importance of self-connection for fostering safety in educational settings, barriers to mindful self-connection, and the importance of mindful self-connection in the face of technological and societal changes.

Episode Resources: 

Educating Mindfully Website

Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework

Educating Mindfully's Book (Chapters 27, 29, 33, 34, 35, 40)

Educator and Leader Embodiment Cards (Mindful Self-Connection Card Practices)

How We Feel App

Feelings Wheel Example

Restorative Practices Resource

Nonviolent Communication Tool

Tethered & Whole Podcast and Newsletter (MatthewWeld.com)

Books: 

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself

Permission to Feel 

How Emotions are Made

Mindfulness in Plain English

Full Catastrophe Living

Guest Bio: Matthew Weld is the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach for Illinois’ SEL Hub #5, where he leads regional and statewide initiatives to strengthen educator well-being, mindfulness, and emotional resilience. Through workshops, coaching, and his weekly Jumpstart SEL newsletter, he empowers educators to integrate self-awareness and regulation into their classrooms and lives. Matt also directs TeachIllinois.org, chairs the New Directions in Education Conference, and hosts the Tethered & Whole podcast. A Registered Yoga Instructor, Google Certified Trainer, and former Educating Mindfully Board Member, Matt helps build healthier school cultures by modeling calm leadership, compassionate communication, and mindful professional practice.

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