Mindfulness for Kiddos
A collection of strategies (and videos) that highlight a few ways I have come to practice and share mindfulness.
(Please note: I have since adopted new and improved ways of sharing mindfulness that I will hopefully be able to add here soon!)
Shaking & Dancing
In his book, The Transformation, Dr. James Gordon highlights the healing power of 'expressive meditation,' referrencing shaking and dancing as a method that "Indigenous people in Asia, Africa, and the Americas use to free tribal members from fear and depression, to promote emotional expression and bring about spiritual as well as physical and emotional healing" (72).
Inviting one another to shake and dance together is a simple, yet profound way we can collectively let go of our tensions, and increase endorphins. In keeping with Dr. Gordon's teachings, I start many of my mindful sessions with shaking and dancing!
Dancing has brought pure joy to my heart since a very young age. Many memorable years of childhood recitals, high school & college dance team performances, followed by coaching cheer and teaching Zumba have all lead to this. Being able to weave dance and movement into mindfulness is truly a blessing.
Mindful Movement
When we pay attention to our bodily sensations, we can recognize the ebb and flow of our emotions and, with that, increase our control over them (Van Der Kolk, 210).
By noticing and naming what is happening with our bodies, we are learning to love and appreciate ourselves in the moment. Learning to love our bodies is something that we all struggle with from time to time. I started to embrace the practice of Yoga years ago after reading Yoga for Depression by Amy Weintraub. Even though I loved Yoga, and taught Yoga to kiddos for many years, my personal practice remained inconsistent and flat ... until I began to fully embrace the practice of mindfulness.
By learning to bring mindfulness to the practice of yoga, stretching, and movement, I have finally found the peace that I had been missing. This peace comes in waves and certainly takes work. Teaching mindfulness to children has reconnected me with a childlike, pure joy that got lost while I was struggling with depression and anxiety.
Mindful Meditation & Breathing
Practicing mindfulness calms down the sympathetic nervous system, calming the storms in our mind and body. Practicing easy breath (or soft belly breathing) allows us to relax our body, quiet our mind, and decrease fear and anxiety (Van Der Kolk, 47). When our muscles relax, our mind relaxes.
I acknowledge that it may be hard (at first) to embrace stillness and stay with the breath due to feelings of restlessness, distractibility or boredom - especially with the kiddos! This is completely normal and to be expected! I encourage you to keep at it and keep trying! A consistent practice of easy breath/soft belly breathing, mindfulness, and meditation will slowly but surely transform your headspace, your heart and ultimately, your life. xo
Mindfulness for Kids 1
This is the very first video I made! My 6 year old daughter, Saige graciously joined me for most of the video! This is a tad long for the little ones, but might be doable if you break it up! I learned a lot while creating this video and hope that as I continue to make more, each one will become smoother and more concise!
Mindfulness for Kids 2
This is the second video that Saige and I made together!! It is a little shorter than the first one and includes some color changes throughout! We had a lot of fun and also look really silly throughout! Ava helped out by playing the drum during the "Mindful Movement" section.
Mindful Movement
w/ Ms. Katie
Katie Huber and I have collaborated together to teach mindfulness classes at the Yoga Center of Columbia and at RSPS, where our children attend school. We each created a video that reviewed the skills and strategies we taught during our Christian Mindfulness Project that was spearheaded by our School Nurse and Health Council. Ms. Katie is a talented and creative Yoga & Fitness Instructor and you can reach her @ brightearlyyoga@gmail.com
Be Still & Notice RSPS Mindfulness Project
I created this video to compliment Katie's intro (posted above). Katie & I began teaching christian based mindfulness w/ members of the RSPS Health Council and other students before the Corona Virus. We wanted to share a few strategies that the students experienced in our time together.
These videos are not affiliated with Resurrection-St. Paul School.
Jordan Lally
Meditations for All
Jordan Lally is a singer-songwriter, meditation teacher and mental health advocate. Through his music, teachings and community events, Jordan promotes mental health via meditation, mindfulness and creative expression.
More guided meditations from Jordan are available on his YouTube channel.
Learn more about Jordan @ www.jordanlally.com
As with all mindfulness, stretching and exercise programs, when using these videos, please use common sense. To reduce and avoid injury, you will want to check with your doctor before beginning any mindfulness program. By performing any mindfulness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Bestillandnotice.com will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our mindfulness exercises or information shared on our website. This includes videos and text. Thanks for your understanding.