Crafting Calm: Art and Activities for Mindful Kids
Glitter Jar Having something to focus on can help you relax when your thoughts start to overwhelm you Make your own relaxation tool by creating a glitter jar STUFF you'll NEED Clear jar with a tight fitting lid Water Glitter glue Glitter PUT IT TOGETHER 1 Choose your materials mindfully If you can use a jar that feels nice in your hand Pick calming colors for the glitter and glitter glue 2 Pour one part water and one part glitter glue into the jar Fill the jar about halfway 3 Add a few pinches of glitter to the jar Then fill it the rest of the way with water and screw the lid on tightly 6
PUT IT TO USE Pick up the jar and study it Notice how it feels in your hands is it cool or warm Is it smooth or rough Turn the jar upside down and set it in front of you Watch the glitter slowly flow from the top and settle in the bottom of the jar During this time try to focus only on the glitter and the way it moves The Empty Boat A parable attributed to Chinese Daoist philosopher Chuang tzu tells of a man fishing in his boat As he crosses a river an empty boat collides with his own If the other boat had held a driver the man would have been angry He would have blamed the driver for the collision But because the boat was empty the man remains calm This parable teaches us the power of perception When we come by obstacles we can choose how to perceive them We can consider them attacks by others Or we can think of them as experiences we must work with instead of against The Empty Boat parable demonstrates that viewing our trials as empty boats instead of personal attacks can bring us peace and happiness 7
Twisting Tree When we're angry or anxious we carry tense energy and stiffen up like trees This playful yoga exercise helps you twist the tension out of your body Start by placing your feet hip width apart Plant your feet firmly on the floor Next pay attention to your knees Let them bend slightly Now move your focus to your hands Wiggle your fingers then let your arms hang loose at your sides 8
Slowly begin to twist your torso from side to side letting your arms swing with it As you do remember to keep your feet planted knees slightly bent and arms loose Once you feel comfortable with this movement pick up your pace to find a nice rhythm Then turn your attention to your breath Let it fuel your movement As your body loosens up let your arms collide with your body as they swing Feel any tension travel up your spine and out your twisting limbs If you're feeling really relaxed close your eyes After a minute or two slow your twist until your arms rest at your sides Bring your feet together and your hands together at your heart Take a deep breath in through your nose and slowly let it out through your mouth How do you feel 9
