Slowly becoming more understood, mindfulness is a centuries-old way of living that has the power to change the brain. Studies show reduction in anxiety and depression and increase in concentration and ability to recover from addiction with a mindfulness practice.
Saying 'yes' to practicing mindfulness can feel overwhelming because it requires us to stop some of the behaviors we've grown accustomed to, such as numbing our feelings, multi-tasking, or covering up pain with more 'doing.' It is only when we take a step back and realize that there is no finish line, that we can appreciate the importance of being in each moment, fully, as it comes.
As humans, our brains get caught in cycles of self-judgement, anger or sadness for things that happened in the past, and worry or anxiety for things that we fear may happen in the future. This happens to adults, and it also happens with children.
Patiently and lovingly training our brains to recognize when we are stuck in the past or thinking about the future and gently returning to the present moment has powerful implications. Physiologically it can slow a racing heartbeat and mentally it can allow us to have a more clear mind, reducing "monkey brain" and making room for focus. It can pull us out of repetitive thoughts, and can even help us deescalate outbursts or breakdowns. The best part is that it is free, and it can be learned one, simple step at a time. The secret is to try it every day. Stick with me and I'll show you how you can add it to you and your family's life.
If I don't practice it yet, why teach it to my kids?
While I encourage everyone to try it on for size (the benefits speak for themselves), I find that by sharing some very simple tools with your kids, you can't help but end up practicing it for yourself in the same moment.
I get it. Meditation and mindfulness can sound like something for hippies or for people with slow, simple lives. What I'll offer is this: make a decision to try it, not for you, but for the tiny humans living in your home - whether you birthed them or not. Try it because you know that the stressors and trauma facing ALL kiddos (with a heavy burden on those in the foster care system) are heavy to carry and build up in the body. Tools you teach to your kids today will change their ability to handle hard things as live move forward.
Ready to get started? Try this!