TuneIn
In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, host Sean Fargo sits down with Dr. Steve Haberlin — educator, mindfulness teacher, and researcher passionate about bringing mindfulness into classrooms with authenticity and care.
Together, Sean and Steve explore the challenges facing today’s students, including academic stress, constant distraction, and the growing mental health crisis on campuses. Drawing from years of teaching and research, Dr. Haberlin shares how mindfulness can be introduced in educational settings to support focus, resilience, and emotional well-being.
From simple practices like breath awareness and loving-kindness to evidence-based techniques like box breathing, Steve explains how mindfulness tools can help students regulate stress and unlock their potential. He also highlights the barriers that educators often face when integrating mindfulness, emphasizing the need for patience, compassion, and realistic expectations.
This inspiring conversation is full of insights for teachers, parents, and students alike, offering practical strategies for cultivating balance and presence in the classroom and beyond.
Sponsored by our Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program MindfulnessExercises.com/Certify
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Dr. Haberlin discovered meditation at a young age and brought it into his teaching career
- What the research reveals about mindfulness reducing stress and anxiety in students
- The unique barriers students face when first learning mindfulness practices
- Why balance is key when introducing mindfulness in academic settings
- The most effective techniques for student well-being: MBSR, loving-kindness, and box breathing
- The risks of pushing practices too quickly and how to avoid them
- How mindfulness technology — apps, neurofeedback, and AI — may play a role in the future of education
Show Notes:
Discovering Meditation Early in Life
Dr. Haberlin shares his journey with meditation, which began at age 12 and gradually deepened into a lifelong practice. This early exposure laid the foundation for bringing mindfulness into his professional work as an educator and researcher.
Mindfulness in the Classroom
As a professor and teacher, Steve began weaving mindfulness into academic settings. He explains how small practices, such as guided breathing or brief meditations, can help students manage stress and prepare their minds for learning.
Research on Stress and Student Well-Being
Drawing from his studies, Dr. Haberlin highlights the positive effects of mindfulness on reducing stress and anxiety among students. He discusses both the promising outcomes and the barriers that arise when students encounter mindfulness for the first time.
Practices That Work Best
From Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to loving-kindness and box breathing, Steve explains which practices resonate most with students and why. These tools offer immediate and practical ways to regulate stress while also supporting long-term growth.
Risks, Balance, and the Role of Technology
Dr. Haberlin emphasizes the importance of introducing mindfulness gradually, avoiding pressure or overexposure. He also reflects on the evolving role of mindfulness technology — including apps and AI — and how it can complement traditional teaching.
Connect with Dr. Steve Haberlin
📧 Email: steve.haberlin@ucf.edu
Additional Resources:
- Free Training with Sean Fargo: How to Teach Mindfulness With Confidence & Credibility
- Certification: Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program
- Blog: Powerful Letting Go Quotes for Renewal and Growth
- Blog: Growth Mindset Quotes: 60 Inspiring Quotes for Personal Transformation
