Conflicts, disagreements, and differing perspectives are part of everyday school life. But for MindKids founder Daniela Degani—a leading figure in the implementation of mindfulness in Brazilian schools—what defines healthy relationships is not the absence of conflict, but rather the ability to maintain respect and active listening, even in the face of differences. “Healthy relationships do not require agreement or the absence of conflict. They require respect, active listening, and a willingness to exchange points of view constructively,” she says.

Daniela points out that the idealized vision of a harmonious school environment often clashes with reality. “That scenario where everyone agrees and admires one another all the time simply doesn’t exist. Realistically speaking, that would be Narnia,” she jokes. For her, the starting point is to cultivate genuine motivation to build these relationships, even in the midst of disagreements. “You don’t have to like someone to respect them. It’s possible to create a space for dialogue, where people listen to one another and, even if they continue to disagree, maintain respect for one another,” she says.

According to Daniela, one of the obstacles to this process is the way in which, in everyday life, interactions happen on “autopilot.” “Often, we don’t listen to understand, but to respond. While the other person is speaking, we’re already formulating our reply. This prevents us from truly listening,” she explains.

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Mindfulness

Mindfulness, an ancient practice of full awareness, is a tool for improving the quality of relationships and well-being in the school environment. Today, science has been measuring its benefits through clinical, scientific, and quantitative studies. According to Daniela, the evidence suggests that regular practitioners develop a greater ability to regulate their own emotions, improve the quality of their sleep, and enhance their attention.

Neuroscience has also been shedding light on how this process occurs: MRI scans show that regions such as the prefrontal cortex—which is associated with emotional regulation and impulse control—are directly stimulated.

“What was once seen as something mystical is now explained by the concept of neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to develop throughout life in response to the stimuli it receives). Mindfulness is nothing more than providing the brain with stimuli that strengthen areas essential for emotional balance and attention—skills that are indispensable for learning and for healthier relationships,” he adds.

In the daily school routine, incorporating mindfulness doesn’t have to be yet another burden for teachers. On the contrary, it can help save time. Daniela cites research indicating that up to 20% of class time is wasted trying to get students’ attention.

“Instead of wasting that time, we can use it to develop life skills,” he says. In schools that have adopted the program, these activities take place daily, with a curriculum of varied activities throughout the year. Among the skills being developed are: paying attention, being present, fostering empathy and compassion, regulating emotions, and managing thoughts more effectively.

For the founder of MindKids, the biggest challenge lies in balancing the school’s many demands—ranging from compliance with the BNCC to inclusion practices, as well as educators’ mental health, students’ physical safety, and legal requirements—without losing sight of what’s essential. “Without calm and attention, nothing else works. It’s like trying to build a house without a foundation. Teachers need to be mentally present for the relationship with students to develop and for learning to flourish,” she says.

Bett Northeast 2025 Conference

Daniela Degani is one of the guest speakers at the 2025 Bett Nordeste Conference, which will be held on August 27 and 28 at the Recife Expo Center. She will participate in the panel “Conscious Coexistence: Building a School of Healthy Relationships, ” alongside Rossana Fonseca—supervisor of Recife’s Specialized Social Services and a language teacher—with journalist Mirella Araújo serving as moderator.

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