Improved cognitive outcomes (e.g., better attention and focus, higher grades). However, there are some benefits specific to children, including: Increasing intellectual skills (e.g., improved sustained attention, visuospatial memory, working memory, and concentration (Weare, 2012). Enhancing important social and emotional skills (e.g., the ability to feel in control, to make and maintain meaningful relationships, to accept reality, to manage difficult feelings, and to be calmer, more resilient, more compassionate, and more empathetic). Improving mental health (e.g., helping to address substance abuse issues, stress, anxiety, and depression, and improving sleep). Improving physical health (e.g., reducing pain, lowering blood pressure, improving symptoms of conditions like psoriasis and fibromyalgia). Many of the benefits of mindfulness for children are the same as the benefits for adults, including: In addition to getting started early, it’s important to note that the very best way to teach mindfulness to your children is to practice it yourself and model it for them. Mindful children grow to be mindful teenagers, mindful adolescents, and mindful adults. How Can We Best Teach Mindfulness to Kids?Īs is the case for most traits, habits, and skills, the best way to instill mindfulness in children is to start early. For example, mindfulness expert David Gelles defines it as “ the simple practice of bringing a gentle, accepting attitude to the present moment” (n.d.).Ĭhildren should find it easy to understand what mindfulness is based on this definition, but you might need to discuss it with them to make sure they have a good grasp on it-especially if they are young. Mindfulness can be defined in simpler, easier-to-understand terms for children. 8 Mindfulness Quotes for Kids and Young Children. 6 Books to Teach Kids About Mindfulness. 3 Videos that Explain the Concept to Kids. How Toys Help Children Learn About Mindfulness. What is Mindfulness Music for Kids and Where to Find it?. 4 Mindfulness Meditation Scripts for All Ages. 4 Mindfulness Worksheets for Kids (Incl. 12 Mindfulness Activities and Exercises for Kids. How Can We Best Teach Mindfulness to Kids?. One of my favorite things ever is walking in the woods and I had a rare opportunity to go for a walk all by myself! Instead of thinking about what I planned to cook for dinner or the errands I needed to run when I got home, I just walked. 
I had the chance to go for a mindful walk this past week up at a friend’s cabin in the woods of Wisconsin. Usually when I am out walking, it’s for exercise. Given my busy life, I find it hard to justify taking a walk with no purpose other than to simply be present with my mind, body and spirit. Someone who appears to be really in tune with their surroundings and is truly present. But far less frequently you encounter someone who is clearly walking with a deeper purpose. Some people walk with friends for company.
The minister pointed out that there are many styles of walking. Yes, walking! Not being a traditionally religious type of person, this is my favorite type of sermon. During a recent visit back home, I went to the Unitarian Church with my mom.
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