I have stumbled across a clip from the movie Kung-fu Panda, that I am sure many of you have seen. However, this clip is special in the sense that it simplifies what Mindfulness is and give an easy to understand concept for children.
I teach Yoga and Mindfulness Meditations to school children on a weekly basis. Giving children simple practices (tools) that they can use to manage stress, anxiety and worries. But also to help them life live with an open heart and connected to their inner being and who they really are.
I love teaching the children, they are just so amazing at dropping into the present moment and connecting to their inner self.
Every week I come away totally amazed and inspired, feeling blessed to have the privilege to bring yoga and mindfulness meditations to children and to be part of their journey.
But back to Kung-fu Panda now.
There are a number of great messages in Kung-fu Panda movies, but one of them is great in helping children understand the essence and importance of Mindfulness meditation. The message being;
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a Gift.
That’s why they call it the Present.
The children watched the clip and really seemed to understand the message. Many Parents reported back, that their children have been using the Mantra Meditation (see below) during moments of anxiety, stress and worry.
Mantra Meditation
Sit comfortably with your back upright.
Rest your hands on your legs with your palms facing up.
Take a breath and relax your shoulders.
Check-in with yourself…
How do you feel?
How does your body feel?
How do you feel on the inside?
Do you have any thoughts?
Now bring your index finger (pointer) and your thumb together.
Notice/Feel the contact of your fingers.
Repeat with me
“Yesterday is history”
Now, bring your middle finger and your thumb together.
Notice/Feel the contact they make.
Repeat with me
“tomorrow is a mystery”
Now, bring your ring finger and your thumb together.
Notice/Feel the contact they make.
Repeat with me
“Today is a Gift”
Now bring you’re your thumb and little finger together.
Notice/Feel the contact they make.
Repeat with me
“That’s why they call it the present”
Repeat all over this time speaking quietly to yourself.
This time repeat all over silently to yourself.
Repeat Three Times
If you practice it with your children, I would love to hear how it went.
I teach Yoga and Mindfulness Meditations to school children on a weekly basis. Giving children simple practices (tools) that they can use to manage stress, anxiety and worries. But also to help them life live with an open heart and connected to their inner being and who they really are.
I love teaching the children, they are just so amazing at dropping into the present moment and connecting to their inner self.
Every week I come away totally amazed and inspired, feeling blessed to have the privilege to bring yoga and mindfulness meditations to children and to be part of their journey.
But back to Kung-fu Panda now.
There are a number of great messages in Kung-fu Panda movies, but one of them is great in helping children understand the essence and importance of Mindfulness meditation. The message being;
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a Gift.
That’s why they call it the Present.
The children watched the clip and really seemed to understand the message. Many Parents reported back, that their children have been using the Mantra Meditation (see below) during moments of anxiety, stress and worry.
Mantra Meditation
Sit comfortably with your back upright.
Rest your hands on your legs with your palms facing up.
Take a breath and relax your shoulders.
Check-in with yourself…
How do you feel?
How does your body feel?
How do you feel on the inside?
Do you have any thoughts?
Now bring your index finger (pointer) and your thumb together.
Notice/Feel the contact of your fingers.
Repeat with me
“Yesterday is history”
Now, bring your middle finger and your thumb together.
Notice/Feel the contact they make.
Repeat with me
“tomorrow is a mystery”
Now, bring your ring finger and your thumb together.
Notice/Feel the contact they make.
Repeat with me
“Today is a Gift”
Now bring you’re your thumb and little finger together.
Notice/Feel the contact they make.
Repeat with me
“That’s why they call it the present”
Repeat all over this time speaking quietly to yourself.
This time repeat all over silently to yourself.
Repeat Three Times
If you practice it with your children, I would love to hear how it went.
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