Thanks, Linda. Agree that it doesn't have to be "either/or" and a few quick breathing exercises can be helpful (and may be the perfect way to use mindfulness if you use it).

I love the use of "wait time." As a journalist, I've often had to impose that "wait time" on myself to avoid responding too quickly to what someone I'm interviewing has said. You can get much better answers if you pause to see if your source has more to say instead of rushing forward with another question.

My problems are mainly a) the money and time schools are investing in mindfulness and b) the way some are overselling the benefits of mindfulness a cure-all for student woes. Thanks a million for sharing your perspective as a teacher who's tried some of the techniques I've mentioned.