Meditation

 

Mindfulness Meditation Practice for Kids

Mindfulness can boost the quality of our lives in numerous ways. In today’s rush, we all overthink—seek too much—want too much—and forget about the joy of just being.

What does mindfulness do to spark “the joy of just being” that Tolle references? And, how can we teach kids to start benefiting from its practice?

This article delves into these questions and includes many activities to start using today.

Mindfulness Practice for Kids and Teenagers

When you are trying to teach your kids or young clients about mindfulness and its benefits, we recommend you begin with a few guidelines:

1. Make sure they are ready to give mindfulness a try; if they are full of energy and itching to run and play, it may not be the best time to practice mindfulness for the first time.
2. Explain what mindfulness is and what it is not; give examples of what seems similar to mindfulness but is not (i.e., introspection or chasing thoughts down the “rabbit hole” versus listening to our bodies).
3. Say it in an age-appropriate way, with words they will understand.
4. Offer to practice mindfulness with them; sometimes having a model makes all the difference.
5. Assure them that it’s okay to get off track, and how to gently guide themselves back to mindfulness when they realize they lost focus.
6. Finish the practice by doing something they enjoy with them to ensure they have a positive experience.

15-Minute Guided Meditation to Reset Your Nervous System

For this guided meditation, choose whatever position feels most comfortable for your body at this moment. Whether that's lying down, sitting in a chair, or sitting upright without any back support, ensure that your whole body is at ease and comfortable. Find yourself in a quiet, safe, and private space, just for you.

Now, become aware of your breath. As you observe your breath moving in and out of your body, see if you can identify any places that feel tight or tense. Just notice how you are in this moment, as we will return to this sense of self at the end of the practice to see how it may have been helpful for you.