Mind Happy - blogging on mindfulness for children, schools, teachers & parents

Be the sunshine...

183:736869135 (Jessie Field) — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 12:46:26 GMT

When you can't find the sunshine, be the SUNSHINE...

Autumn is well and truly here - nights are drawing in, the beautiful bronze leaves are beginning to fall, and hats are being brought out of storage. I really enjoy this time of year, but at times, when the sky is dull and we have yet more rain, it can really start to effect how I feel on the inside.

I was looking through some planning the other morning and this beautiful, yet simplistic quote, jumped out at me - 'When you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine,' it was just what I needed! These simple words made me reconsider my outlook, I was able to pick myself up with this simple thought - I can decide how I want to feel right now. I can choose to be the sunshine for me, and others around me.

This imagery is wonderful to use with children during mindfulness practice. The idea that they, as individuals, have the power to choose how they feel, regardless of what it happening around them, is a biggie! We can begin to empower our children to take responsibility for their behaviour, to help them to understand that all feelings have a place, and that they can choose whether to react or respond, even though it doesn't always feel like it.

With regular practice, we can all learn to regulate our feelings.

Remember...you can be the SUNSHINE!

Your bubble

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 13:46:21 GMT

Helping children to understand that respecting their own space & time is important...

Part of beginning a Mind Happy practice is to ask children to sit, or step, inside a bubble.
"Draw it round yourself. Smile, close your eyes (if you can), mouths closed. Respect all those around you and yourself...this is time for you."

Teaching children that it is okay to have time out for themselves anywhere, anytime, is a relatively simple task but one that needs practise. Just as mindfulness requires patience and perseverance, our 'bubbles' need to be cultivated too. Children enjoy the imagery of a bubble - a light, ethereal sphere, gently glowing and floating, with themselves in the centre, sitting or standing tall, enjoying the peace that 'bubble time' can bring.

This initial settling before a practice allows the children to pause and to 'be.' They are able to consciously make the decision to respect themselves and others, by being still, quiet and alert. I always explain that as individuals they have a choice - a choice to actively take part, a choice to respect the time that is being offered to them, and also a choice to respect their friends and adults in the room. If they choose not to engage with the session, they still have the choice to let those around them have their time, by staying inside their bubbles, not disturbing others.

With younger children I play 'Pop the bubble,' where I attempt to burst the imaginary sphere they've drawn around themselves. This brings a sense of fun to the idea whilst allowing the children ownership, awareness, and stillness of their 'space.'

We can all create our own bubble time. I often imagine mine when I'm feeling mindful, outside on a beautiful walk, sitting on a train, just before beginning my own practice, whilst working with a group. I relish my individuality and stillness whilst being respectful of others around me...just being.

National Hug Day

183:736869135 (Jessie Field) — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 13:39:34 GMT

A hug a day keeps the doctor away...

In fact we need as many hugs a we can get!

Touch is as vital as our breath. From the moment we're born we require physical kindness and this is still the same no matter what age we are.
Fact, hugging is good for you!
According to scientists, the benefits of hugging go beyond that warm feeling you get when you hold someone in your arms - hugging reduces stress & anxiety, reduces pain, can be good for your heart health, can make you healthier, happier, and can reassure when words aren't able to.
Wow, hugs are amazing! One of the most wonderful things about hugging is, like massage, both the giver & receiver benefit from the effects of positive touch!
So whenever you can, go and hug, hug away and feel the benefits.
Mind Happy x

New Beginnings & New Challenges

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 10:32:32 GMT

There is no time like the present

I feel at the beginning of a new adventure, "Where will this moment take me, what new challenges will I take up?"

2019 is the start of an adventure - every moment, every day something new to notice, something new to see. Often we need to decide consciously to feel in this way, and I have decided that a new challenge would be to share on this online format.

Writing can be an incredibly mindful activity - the mind focused, flowing and free, to create. I'm hoping to share mindfully - ideas, lessons, practices and meditations that can be used at home or in the classroom.

Jessie - Mind Happy