Get Involved in the Mindfulness Movement

Emotional health education and training of mind and heart have never been so readily available to children and adults as they are today. There are many programs and practices that are now being brought into schools and integrated into children’s curriculum. We understand that parents are just as eager to learn about emotional health, mindfulness practices, managing stress, and regulating their own emotions as the kids are. Mindfulness skills and tools can foster greater compassion and empathy as well as develop skills for the whole family. 

By getting involved as a parent you can approach mindfulness with curiosity and a sense of adventure. These emotional skills and tools can be implemented in your home and bring opportunities for fun, silliness, connection and even healing. 

Yes, helping your children learn to practice mindfulness is a worthy impulse as long as you don’t force it on them. As a gentle reminder, too much enthusiasm, or too strong of an attachment to a specific outcome could backfire, possibly turning children off to emotional health principles and mindfulness altogether. Pressure of that kind is not in keeping with the open-ended, growth minded approach to a mindfulness practice. 

As parents we may need to be aware of unrealistic expectations and come with the intent to honor the “invitation” to enter into sacred heart space between you and the child. Give yourself permission to bring a spirit of willingness and playfulness. We want to approach these opportunities for learning with a tone of non-judgement, patience and something more akin to a game, an experiment, or an adventure, rather than a burden. 

Let’s keep things light-hearted and understand that being able to implement these principles will take commitment and practice over a period of time. If moods start to decline and emotions unravel, set the activities aside and come back to them when it feels like it is a better time for everyone, and or let the child explore and discover on their own.  Both approaches work there are many right answers.

Many parents include mindfulness practices as part of their own bedtime routine or when trying to put their kids to bed. Helping children to connect to the breath and learn to calm their thoughts and their bodies can help them prepare for better sleep. Here is an example of a calming and relaxing mindfulness meditation you can practice at home.

THE POWER OF PURPLE

1. Sit mindfully with your spine straight and your body relaxed or you can be lying down and moving into a relaxed position. Close your eyes and hold your hands over your heart.

2. Breathe in and picture a purple ball of light just above your head. See this soft purple ball of light gently come into the top of your head. Feel it soften the top of your head and your forehead. Feel it release any tension or worry you might be carrying from the day. Imagine it calming your thoughts.  

3. Notice your breath. Focus on the slow gentle rhythm of inhaling and then exhaling. Picture the purple ball of light dropping to your throat. Imagine it clearing out any unkind thoughts and words you might be holding onto.

4. Breathe in and see the purple light glowing brighter. Breathe out and picture it dropping into your heart. Imagine it soothing any hurt feelings you might have. Allow yourself to receive the comforting feelings of love and acceptance from the purple ball of light.

5. Breathe in again and picture the purple ball of light filling your body. Breathe out and feel it all the way down to your toes. See the purple ball of light hugging you on the inside and the outside like a warm beautiful blanket. Let your body feel relaxed and calm and ready for a peaceful night’s rest. Give permission to the purple ball of light to absorb any other unwanted thoughts or worries. Allow your mind and your body to become even more relaxed with every breath. Slip into a slower breathing pattern as your mind and body drift off to a peaceful night’s sleep.     Good night . . .  . . .   Pleasant dreams . . . 

Be sure to sign up for the IHA Children’s Clinic on Saturday, March 7 at the American Fork library. You can also sign up to participate online. This is a great opportunity to teach the children in your life about self-awareness and mindfulness practices. 

God bless you on your journey to peace as you bring mindfulness practices into your daily life.

Loves always,

Pam Robinson