Sarah Abdelal, Clinical hypnotherapist at Life’n One, shares simple tips to introduce mindfulness to children
“In today’s rush, we all think to much, of being overwhelmed. There are many seek too much, want too much, and forget about the joy of just being” (Eckhart Tolle). Being mindful is simply being aware of the moment with all our senses. Living in the moment has been a difficult path for many of us, including our children, as we are so programmed to live in the past or future, missing out the only moment we actually have which is the now. Here are some ways you and your child can learn to be mindful:
Gratitude jar
Having an attitude of gratitude is a life enhancer and yet so simple to have. Focusing on what we already have
and to be grateful for, forces us to not only become a more positive person,
but to attract more positive people and circumstances into our lives. All you need is a simple jar ready to be recycled. Decorate it and use it daily or weekly. Fill the jar with small pieces of folded paper, on which you and your child have written what you are grateful for in that moment. This practice helps to be more mindful as it guides you to be focused and aware of your blessing in the now.
Practice mindful eating
Mindful eating guides us to have a healthy and grateful relationship with our food. Being mindful in eating means that you are totally aware of the smell, taste, heat, texture of the food, the associated feelings, and the physical body, allowing this eating process to complete. Kids will learn, from a young age, to create healthy mindful habits about food they will carry on as adults.
Meditation
Meditation is an excellent tool for adults and children to give themselves a “break” from all the responsibilities they have, that causes them stress and the feeling different techniques to meditate, however for children, the preferred technique is guided visualisation, breathing exercises or simply listening to relaxing music and floating in a daydream.
Connect with nature on a deeper level
We live in a concrete jungle and are completely disconnected from nature. By connecting with nature, your child can become more aware of all the small details of a tree, the sky, butterfly, a bird singing, and the feeling of soil under the feet. Nature is a five-sense activator and helps our energy to balance and be in a mindful state effortlessly, just by becoming an awakened observer.
Mindful applications
We are in an age where kids are almost inseparable from technology. So why not use this fact and truth in a positive and productive way? Download apps such as The DreamyKid, Kids Yogaverse: I am love; Stop Breathe and Think Kids, and Breathing Bubbles.
Mindful creativity
Creativity is one of the easiest ways to experience mindfulness. When we do something creative, our mind is focused and aware of that act of creativity only as if the outer world stops for few moments and this kind of activity is sometimes called active meditation. Examples of mindful creativity are mindfulness coloring, creative dancing, chanting, or just taking few minutes to doodle on a piece of paper. Children who learn mindfulness from an early age tend to grow positively in a relaxed stress-free environment, and become adults who are more aware, conscious and have a relaxed and joyful journey of life.