introduction
“Observing the Mind,” encourages students to discuss and practice meta-awareness. It utilizes the “sky and clouds” metaphor to teach students to observe thoughts and emotions as passing experiences without judgment or immediate reaction. By practicing and strengthening this ability, students can create a space between stimulus and response, leading to more intentional decision-making and improved impulse control. This practice starts students on the journey of developing a “map of the mind” by categorizing their experiences, helping them to observe their thoughts and emotions non-judgmentally to create a crucial “gap” for impulse control.