29 Aug How to Teach your Kids to Meditate

Meditation is often viewed as an adult pursuit. But little do we know its benefits for kids. Kids, like adults, also go through both physical as well as mental stress. The stress and anxiety of exams, acceptance in the peer, keeping up with the trends, updating their knowledge of the universe, etc. All of these issues handled by that minuscule brain and innocent heart. At such times, mediation acts as a supporting hand to help them sail through tricky situations. It teaches them at a very early stage the different avatars of life and how best they can mold their present to happiness, mindfulness, and calmness.
Meditation is not rocket science, kids can learn it from anyone. But it is best absorbed when taught by the one they adore such as a parent or a sibling or even an adult friend. Here are a few simple tips to help kids begin their journey into the world of meditation:

Breathing
Breathing forms the crux of meditation. The technique of controlling your breath is very important to reflect control on your mind. This is not like swimming that one struggles to achieve in the first few laps but more on the lines of lying on the beach sun-bathing. To breathe fresh air and become aware of the surroundings to cherish every element of your living self. It is a very easy exercise and if kids are taught this at an early stage, they will grow up to be more patient and understanding of the present moment.
Forgiveness
Young people often face a crisis when it comes to controlling their anger. This leads to the rise of dangerous emotions such as revenge and wrath. To avoid these, with the help of meditation, one must focus on being a forgiving person. The way it can be taught to kids is to show them the bigger picture of life through their forgiving nature and open armed acceptance in the world.
Imagination
Kids have no issues with imagining. Thankfully, as an imagination is the best route to escape a situation to a zone that makes one happy, kids master this practice with utmost grace. Imagination also gives rise to creativity, therefore, allow the kids to imagine far and wide where their mind can reach to help them develop their unique paths to find creative solutions to problems.

Patience
Kids have an impatient nature. They react to situations without giving much thought. They desire for everything they find attractive. Simple meditation of observing breathing will help a child be more patient and analyze things better. They will also be calm and not adamant on everything.
Health
Junk food. Pollution. Poor lifestyle. Your kids will be victims of them eventually if you don’t act now. Teach your kids deep breathing, an exercise that is fun if done in groups. This exercise will make the lungs of your kids stronger, improve blood circulation and boost nerve cells in the brain.
Practice
Meditation is not a one off thing. It is not like an annual examination which is practiced only when a situation of crises arises. It must be done every day to master the skills and strengthen various elements of our nature.

So you see, meditation can help mold a child’s future to help them appreciate their fellow beings with compassion and gratitude.

If you want to share your mindfulness tips and experience with us, write to us at [email protected].

Additional Resources:

Interested in learning more about mindfulness or meditation in general? Here are a few posts to get you started:

1. 5 Things Meditation Taught Me about Parenting
2. 3 Healing Powers of Mind Against Depression
3. The Revolutionary Art of Mindfulness Meditation
4. 10 Myths about Meditation and Mindfulness
5. Manage your thoughts with Mindfulness
6. Mindfulness can help you develop Compassion & Gratitude
7. 10 Scientifically proven benefits of Mindfulness
8. Using Mindfulness to reduce Pain
9. Using Mindfulness to stop ruining our lives
10. How Mindfulness is helpful in dealing with emotions
11. 10 Powerful life lessons from Mindfulness - Part 1
12. 10 Powerful life lessons from Mindfulness - Part 2