Meditation for Minis

This is a fabulous way to teach your child the easy to inner calm. However if you're a busy mum or dad, the words 'meditation' and 'kids' might seem mutually exclusive. Especially if the thought of getting your child to sit quietly and still for more than a nano-second seems like an impossible dream. When your home is packed with noisy toddlers and a mountain of ironing, creating a sacred space and tapping into deep peace might feel like a bit of a stretch. But the good news is that meditation is simple and free and you can do it anywhere.

And it's not difficult because kids are natural mediators and teaching them how to take time out, however briefly, in a world that is often chaotic and pressurized is one of the greatest life tools you can give them. So, for a more peaceful prodigy try these three short meditations for minis:

Mindful Meditation

One of the most common misconceptions about meditation is that you have to be in silence for long periods of time. The real meaning of meditation is to bring your total awareness to whatever you are doing. Children do this beautifully when they are absorbed in something they love. They automatically bring their full attention to their activity. Doing a 'mindful meditation' with your child is an extension of this.

Choose a project to do with your child - it can be anything from peeling potatoes to planting seeds. Engage them in it fully and really bring their awareness to all that’s involved in it, the choices that are being made, how it feels and smells, and what it looks like. As they focus on these things they will become fully present in the experience and what is normally routine can become magical.

Moving Meditation

Not all mediation needs to be about stillness. Children love to be dynamic and active mediation is great for them. Again, the purpose of doing a moving meditation is to get them to be really aware of what they are doing - drawing their attention to how their body feels and how it makes them feel to move in that way. After doing this, many children will find it easier to play independently and in a more peaceful way.

Find a safe space indoors or outside, where you and your child can move your bodies. Put on some music. It can be fun to experiment with different styles. Just do whatever feels good for both of you. It can be helpful to talk to them afterwards about what it felt like.

Nature Meditation

Being in nature is a meditation in itself. The sound of birds, waves and trees or the silence of open spaces are deeply soothing for children.

Take your child into the garden or a park or down to the beach. Spend some time really looking at the flowers and plants or lying down starting at the sky. Really take in the detail of a shell or a stone and let your child feel the wonder of exploring the natural world.

Meditation is known to boost immune function, reduce stress level and help centre us emotionally. Fifteen minutes of meditation is also believed to be the equivalent of two hours sleep. If you wan to do meditations with your little one then try doing them together - that way you both get the benefits. Remember to make it fun for the kids; experiment with it and vary how you do it. You'll get the most benefits if your practise it regularly - ideally make time every day even if it's just for five to ten minutes. It’s worth it!

This is an extract from Generation Intuitive – A Guide to Nurturing Your Child's Infinite Potential. To order, visit www.blueangelonline.com

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