Information about Mindfulness
Mindfulness classes combine stretching, breathing and visualisation techniques to help children feel calm and cope with strong emotions.
Mindfulness is about acknowledging our emotions and physical reactions as a normal part of life and learning strategies to find a healthy balance when times are tough. Mindfulness is about being calm, but also creating a healthy exertion of energy, enjoyment of life and connection with others.
Mindful Mover will be working at Rawhiti throughout 2017 and also run private monthly workshops. For more information, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.
Mindfulness is about acknowledging our emotions and physical reactions as a normal part of life and learning strategies to find a healthy balance when times are tough. Mindfulness is about being calm, but also creating a healthy exertion of energy, enjoyment of life and connection with others.
Mindful Mover will be working at Rawhiti throughout 2017 and also run private monthly workshops. For more information, visit their website and follow them on Facebook.
Suggestions for mindfulness at home
Connect
5 minutes of just being with your child. Just a quiet hug or sitting side by side. Don’t underestimate the power of a silent hug. Note, this may not work for an already upset child who wants space. So don’t force it.
Nature
Take a minute to go outside, sit and listen to the world around you. Ask your child what they can hear – birds, cars, grass growing? This will help recharge your batteries.
Flip the Switch
When things get tense and grumpy, tell your child that “we need to flip the switch” then put on a great dance song, pump it up loud and shake it out.
Physical Challenge
Try to balance on one leg for 60 seconds. Don’t hide your struggle if it is hard – model persistence in the face of failure.
Walk it Out
When the household is getting crazy suggest a walk and focus on some strong, deep breaths. Let it be fun, follow your child’s pace – stop and smell the flowers, and let yourself be taken on a mini adventure.
Pause and Be Still
Let your child shake a snow globe or glitter jar then practice being still and quiet while watching the glitter or snow slowly settle. Encourage them to calm their breath as they do this.
5 minutes of just being with your child. Just a quiet hug or sitting side by side. Don’t underestimate the power of a silent hug. Note, this may not work for an already upset child who wants space. So don’t force it.
Nature
Take a minute to go outside, sit and listen to the world around you. Ask your child what they can hear – birds, cars, grass growing? This will help recharge your batteries.
Flip the Switch
When things get tense and grumpy, tell your child that “we need to flip the switch” then put on a great dance song, pump it up loud and shake it out.
Physical Challenge
Try to balance on one leg for 60 seconds. Don’t hide your struggle if it is hard – model persistence in the face of failure.
Walk it Out
When the household is getting crazy suggest a walk and focus on some strong, deep breaths. Let it be fun, follow your child’s pace – stop and smell the flowers, and let yourself be taken on a mini adventure.
Pause and Be Still
Let your child shake a snow globe or glitter jar then practice being still and quiet while watching the glitter or snow slowly settle. Encourage them to calm their breath as they do this.
Useful links & VIDEOS
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Mindful Mover's Silence Candle Video
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Why Mindfulness is a Superpower - Happify
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Books for Mindfulness
Sitting Still Like A Frog Making Mindful Magic Websites & Organisations about Mindfulness Mindful Schools Mindful Aotearoa |