The document features an interview with Sündüz Şule Yalçın, a mindfulness expert and educator, discussing the importance of mindfulness in promoting overall well-being and its applications in educational settings. Yalçın emphasizes that mindfulness cultivates awareness, reduces stress, and improves focus, providing practical techniques for integrating mindfulness into classroom environments. The document also outlines qualifications for becoming a well-being expert and offers advice for students pursuing careers in this field.

1. GLOBAL WELLBEING
ORGANIZATION
WELLBEING E-MAGAZINE
JOURNALIST TEAM

2. SÜNDÜZ
SULE YALÇIN
MINDFULNESS EXPERT

3. This week our quest is Sündüz Şule Yalçın.
She is going to answer our questions about
mindfulness and wellbeing.Before starting,
lets learn more about her.

4. Workshop: Mindfulness in Language
Classrooms, Özyeğin University
Workshop: Mindfulness in Language
Classrooms, Istanbul Techni University
Workshop: A Mindful Break for Students,
Özyeğin University
Webinar: A Mindful Approach to Language
Lessons
.
SÜNDÜZ SULE YALÇIN
An educational line manager and
English instructor who aims to
bring a more holistic approach to
educational settings to inspire well-
being and excelence in teaching
and learning
sulebakircan@gmail.com
ABOUT ΜΕ
-Breathing Mind Mindfulness Coaching 2024
-University of Cambridge Celta Trainer 2022
-Mindful Schools- Mindful Educator Essentials
2020
-University of Cambridge DELTA 2017
-Cihangir Yoga - Yoga Trainer 2012
-University of Cambridge CELTA 2011
-Boğaziçi University Istanbul Master of Arts:
Sociology 2006
-Boğaziçi University Bachelor of Arts: English
Translation and Interpreting 2002 Mindful School
-Self-Compassion for Educators
-Sibel Aydoğmuş Introduction to Somatic
Psyschology
EDUCATION
PRESENTATIONS

5. Question
&
Answer

6. What is mindfulness and why is it
important?
In modern life, we are all bombarded with non-stop triggers and stimulants. We try to
find our way through this chaotic environment by thinking, rationalizing and
suppressing our feelings. Therefore, we are constantly chasing the next moment,
waiting for the next big thing and avoiding the present moment at all costs.
Mindfulness brings us to “here and now” where life happens. It is the practice of being
fully present and engaged in the moment, without judgment. It involves paying
attention to thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment
with openness and curiosity. Mindfulness is important because it helps individuals
cultivate awareness, manage stress, regulate emotions, improve focus and attention,
enhance interpersonal relationships, and promote overall well-being.

7. What is the difference between being positive and
mindfulness?
While being positive involves maintaining an optimistic outlook and
attitude, mindfulness goes beyond positivity by encouraging a deep
awareness of the present moment, including both positive and negative
experiences. Mindfulness allows individuals to acknowledge and accept
their thoughts and emotions without judgment, whereas positivity may
involve suppressing or ignoring negative feelings

8. What are signs that someone is a mindful
person?
Signs of a mindful person include being present in the moment,
exhibiting non-reactivity to thoughts and emotions, showing
empathy and compassion towards others, practicing self-
awareness and self-compassion, and engaging in mindful
communication and decision-making.

9. What are some ways people show a lack of mindfulness?
Signs of a lack of mindfulness may include constant
multitasking, mindlessly reacting to situations,
being easily distracted, experiencing chronic stress
or anxiety, having difficulty in focusing or staying
present, and engaging in impulsive behaviors.

10. What are the differences between well-
being and mindfulness?
Well-being refers to a state of optimal physical, mental,
and emotional health and happiness. Mindfulness, on the
other hand, is a specific practice and way of being that
contributes to overall well-being by fostering awareness,
presence, and acceptance.

11. vIntegrating mindfulness into schools can involve incorporating
mindfulness exercises into daily routines, teaching mindfulness
practices during classroom sessions, providing opportunities for
students to engage in mindful movement or meditation, and
creating a supportive environment that promotes emotional
regulation and stress management. Even 5-minute meditation
practices can make a big change in students’ lives. At an age
where they are still learning about feelings, they can really
benefit from a practice which will help them to just be an
observer of these feelings instead of reacting to them.
How can we integrate mindfulness and similar
techniques to enhance students' well-being in
schools?

12. How does exam mindfulness benefit
students?
Once mindfulness practices become a part of students’ lives, they will
learn to use them in stressful moments, too. Exam mindfulness can
benefit students by helping them manage test anxiety, improve focus
and concentration, enhance memory retention and recall, reduce
performance pressure, and promote a sense of calm and confidence
during exams.
.

13. Which are the key topics for mindfulness in a
classroom?
Key topics for mindfulness in a classroom may include
breath awareness, body scan meditation, mindful eating,
sensory awareness, emotional regulation, gratitude
practice, compassion and kindness exercises, and mindful
communication

14. What are some examples of mindfulness
exercises?
Examples of mindfulness exercises include mindful
breathing (such as deep belly breathing or the 4-7-8
breath), body scan meditation, mindful walking,
loving-kindness meditation, mindful eating
(savoring each bite), and sensory awareness
exercises (noticing sights, sounds, smells, tastes,
and textures).

15. Some mindfulness techniques to practice at home include setting
aside time for daily meditation, practicing gratitude journaling,
incorporating mindful movement into your routine (such as yoga),
taking mindful breaks throughout the day to pause and check in
with yourself, and cultivating present moment awareness during
daily activities like eating, showering, or walking.
What mindfulness techniques do you suggest we do on our own
at home?

16. My interest in mindfulness started early at the age of 25 when I
started my yoga practice. Then in time, I became interested in
mindfulness in educational contexts. It stemmed from a desire to
help individuals, particularly students during the pandemic and
cultivate inner peace, resilience, and well-being amidst the
challenges of modern life. Witnessing the transformative effects of
mindfulness in my own life and the lives of others inspired me to
deepen my understanding and share this valuable practice with .
others. I decided to receive mindfulness trainings that particularly
address teachers and students. I gave workshops to teachers and
students. At the beginning of this year, I also completed my
training in Mindfulness-based Life Coaching. I am currently giving
coaching sessions as part of the training program.
What made you study about
mindfulness?

17. Can you describe a typical day in your
profession?
A typical day in my profession involves mostly managerial
work leading a team of teachers and supporting students,
and supporting the professional development of the team
members. I lead weekly mindfulness sessions for teachers
and I also have one-on one coaching sessions.

18. What are some common challenges you face
in promoting wellbeing?
Some common challenges in promoting well-being include
resistance to change or skepticism about mindfulness,
limited resources or funding for implementing mindfulness
programs, addressing cultural or systemic barriers to well-
being, and overcoming misconceptions or
misunderstandings about mindfulness.

19. What qualifications and experience
are necessary to become a wellbeing
expert?
Qualifications for becoming a well-being
expert may vary, but typically include a
background in psychology, counseling,
education, or a related field, along with
specialized training in mindfulness-based
interventions, counseling techniques,
positive psychology, and/or social-
emotional learning. Personally, I benefited
a lot from my sociology background and
mindfulness trainings. Experience working
with diverse populations, strong
communication skills, and a passion for
promoting well-being are also important.

20. What advice do you have for students interested in
pursuing a career in wellbeing?
My advice for students interested in pursuing a career in well-being is
to first integrate daily practices to their lives and then to cultivate a
strong foundation in psychologyor education, while also exploring
specific areas of interest within the field, such as mindfulness, positive
psychology, or social-emotional learning. Seek out opportunities for
hands-on experience, such as internships, volunteering, or research
assistantships, and stay curious, open-minded, and passionate about
promoting well-being in yourself and others.

21. THANK
YOU