Tim Belmont is a special guest because he is a long-standing member of our Optimalist community, and he’s also the editor of this podcast. Tim is a High School English Teacher & Technology Specialist based in New Jersey. Over the past ten years, he has explored how technology can enhance instruction through projects such as student podcasting, and has shared his experiences at various conferences. His own personal interest in mindfulness and meditation continues to affect his teaching practice, encouraging students to be present.
Listen as Tim and I discuss his own journey through mindfulness, how he now applies that experience to his teaching, and why it’s so important right now for us to help students find sustainable ways to have better attention in all areas of their lives. We also discuss how we need to developing your attention on something before you're interested in it. This is a great discussion where we really want to challenge you all to talk to us about this stuff!
Links Mentioned
Reading: The Secret Life of Programs
Italian Folktales
Watching: Twitch - GDQ (Games Done Quick), a 24/7 week-long fundraiser in which participants try to beat games as fast as possible
Listening: Bird names - Lifted by Bright Eyes on vinyl
Follow Tim on Twitter: @tbelmontedu
Web: timbelmont.com
Tim's Focus Method - Remind yourself to be present throughout your day - either with an object or something on your phone. And don’t be too hard on yourself if you find yourself wondering. Just recognize it.
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The Optimalist Podcast is brought to you by Focusable, the only app that gives you the pulse you need to find better attention. Sign up for free today at getfocusable.com or by downloading on any iOs or Android device.
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Credits:
Music: “Goodnight, Shapeshifter” by MusicForNothing, used under Creative Commons BY-ND 3.0.
Audio Editing & Production: Tim Belmont (@tbelmontedu)
Podcast Ep 7: Classroom Mindfulness & Developing Attention w/ Tim Belmont