Preventing Violent Extremism, Education 

This manuscript illustrates the concept of violent extremism and briefly explains one methodology, that of mindful compassion, which may be integrated into existing curriculum that fosters critical thinking, perspective taking inquiry, non-violent communication, and restorative justice practices in order to prevent violent extremism. Five basic mindful compassion practices are identified along with ways to evaluate those practices. Providing the five basic mindful compassion practices of “focused breathing,” “mindful and active listening,” “body scan,” “just like
me,” and “loving kindness” as well as evaluating their effectiveness may inform just how much training is needed for each age-group and where this training should be placed in order to optimize the benefits of these practices. Understanding that adolescents and young adults (approximately 12 years of age to 25 years of age) have difficulty regulating their emotions due to the normal process of brain development, ensuring that students are given more strategies to meet their emotional reactivity will likely enable their success. In addition, considerations for
integrating these practices across cultures and age-groups are introduced.
 

9 p.; 26 cm