Everywhere, everywhere mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, forest bathing, sophrology–the solutions to the cultural tidal wave of anxiety, depression and less-than-ideal mental health are explained to adults and kids. Everyone from Buddhist teachers to Oprah and mainstream media have told us WHY we should make it a part of our day. But change requires a catalyst, a reason, an inspiring moment that sparks the beginning; the energy and motivation to move…
Nature study as a mindful activity, part 1 of 3
Nature is one of the best teachers of mindfulness. To be alone or quiet in nature is a reminder of that we are part of a whole that is much bigger than us. Nature nurtures us, makes us healthier, resets our nervous system. Cultures have always known this, but science is backing it up with studies showing the benefits of activities like “forest bathing.” Question: Have you ever gone out…
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CM Nature Study and mindful curriculum
We did it! Last month our family took a CM nature study vacation, planned specifically to get us out of the house and away from electronics. Living in Florida, I’ve found that being in nature is considerably different than in places with a colder winter to kill back kudzu and killer mosquitos and fire ants 🙂 I’m a transplant to this two-season environment, one of them (the hot, humid season)…
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Mental Immunity and the Book of Joy
Why, exactly, am I promoting the practice of mindfulness and meditation? Why am I advocating introducing it to our kids? Yes, there’s research out there about brain benefits and development, handling stress. But there are so many reasons! And here’s maybe the best reason–JOY. Happiness. And a great deal of JOY can be found in: The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World How do we…
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A Handful of Quiet
A small beautiful book, A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles by Thich Nhat Hanh is another ‘quick-start’ mindfulness tool for your classroom and home. Paper-over-board covers with a spiral binding make it a durable, easy-to-use tool. (Thank you, Plum Blossom Books–you know the struggle to hold a book open and work with a child at the same time is real.) The book contains a script for you to…
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Introducing: Mindful Charlotte Mason
“Pay attention not only to the cultivation of knowledge,but to the cultivation of qualities of the heart,so that at the end of education, not only will you be knowledgeable,but also you will be a warm-hearted and compassionate person.” (H.H. Dalai Lama, Live In A Better Way). Mindful Charlotte Mason gives mindfulness tools to homeschoolers in a simple, inexpensive and secular way, so that homeschool students and their families may experience…
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