Children today can be overwhelmed by busy after-school lives, too much television, rising classroom expectations and challenges at home. Some East Bay schools are trying something different—mindfulness—to help kids learn to focus better and handle difficult situations more smoothly. Children from kindergarten to eighth grade are learning to listen—really listen—to the chime of the brass bowl and live more in the moment. Teachers and kids say it’s helping, both in the classroom and on the playground.