Teaching meditation to kids
You’re probably familiar with the practice of meditation for adults, and you may even be aware of the many advantages it provides, but have you ever given thought to the practice of meditation for children? Even while the idea of coaxing your kid into sitting quietly for an extended period of time so that they may experience the benefits of meditation may sound intimidating, it doesn’t have to be.
What is meditation?
Meditation, at its foundation, is a discipline that emphasizes both mindfulness and self-awareness; the same holds true for children who meditate. We can train our minds to observe stressful thoughts without passing judgement on them and learn to relax when we need it the most by meditating on a regular basis and doing so consistently.
We give ourselves very little downtime to breathe, relax, and simply be with our thoughts, which is especially problematic in today’s society, which is plagued by a never-ending onslaught of information and technology that comes at us nonstop throughout the day.
The practice of meditation enables us to maintain our attention on the here and now, even when faced with distracting stimuli, whether they come from the outside world (like a storm) or from inside (like ideas that are running through our heads).
Fundamentals of meditation for kids
You could want to begin your meditation session by having a dance party that lasts for thirty seconds, stretching or running in place — anything to assist your kid get those wiggles out and be ready to sit quietly and have some concentrated time.
After you’ve both finished getting ready, it’s time to settle down somewhere comfy and start getting ready to meditate. It’s not always necessary to sit with your legs crossed and your hands on your knees while you meditate, unlike what you would imagine when you think of meditation. Your kid should start their meditation practice by finding a comfortable posture, either sitting or lying down, depending on what they like.
It is a terrific method to begin practicing mindfulness and meditation. And it is especially helpful for younger children who may have difficulties focusing for extended periods of time. It is to begin by focusing on the sensations they experience in their bodies. To begin, bring your attention to the simple act of inhaling and exhaling. Tell your little one to place one hand on their stomach and the other hand on their chest. Ask them to pay attention to the way the chest and belly fall as they exhale and rise as they take a breath in.
Counting out loud is a good activity to undertake in conjunction with this breathing exercise. You may try taking in air for the count of four, holding your breath for the count of two. And then exhaling for the count of six. Your kid may discover that closing their eyes during this activity helps them relax. However, they may decide that keeping their eyes open is more comfortable for them.
Conclusion
By making meditation for kids a regular part of your child’s routine. Also, you are teaching them how to utilize meditation as a technique to alleviate stress. And concentrate their attention anytime they find that they need it! Your kid will quickly begin to look forward to their regular meditation sessions. It is if you are consistent and give them plenty of practice.
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