I’ve taught meditation to both kids and adults for many years. Among the various types of wellness courses I teach, meditation is my favourite.
There are many different reasons that teaching meditation classes are what I find the most enjoyable. Yes, the benefits are endless - but, for me it’s the expressions on their faces, the change in their body language, the shift in energy and the smile on their face. All the worries and fears that they were holding in their body melt away and they feel free. For me, this is the greatest sight in the world!
Meditation is not a heavy word as some may think! Meditation is light; it allows children to explore their imaginations, be creative, and feel secure. Security is feeling good about one’s self and feeling secure from within. This sense of security can be gained through meditation.
Kids are not skeptical; they are open to the experience whatever that may entail for them. They enjoy the journey diving into their imagination. By nature, kids are imaginative and creative. It’s society that tends to take that away. How many of us tell them they are silly for having imaginary friends?
Through play, children acquire life skills and learn best. Through meditation, they learn about themselves. We seem to teach kids about everything; except themselves. This is what meditation does. It helps them to understand their emotions and feelings, and communicate them in a healthy way.
Our feelings are messengers; they aren’t random. They are there to speak to us and tell us what we need. This is why meditation is so valuable. The goal of meditation is not to get rid of thoughts and feelings, but to work through them so you don’t get stuck.
I believe that being human is not about feeling happy all the time – it’s about feeling everything. We must feel it all to heal and be happy. Meditation helps us to understand why we are feeling a particular way; it creates space so the answers can come.
I’ve taught many types of meditation to kids and adults. What I’ve found with children is that they respond best to creative visualizations. It allows them to light up their senses and explore their imaginations. Our senses play an important role in meditation. During meditation, our senses light up and explode. This sensory awakening activates compassion and happiness, which leads to focus and confidence. In my opinion, this helps children thrive socially, academically, and physically.
The other important benefit kids gain through meditation is self-awareness. Meditation helps children become more deeply aware of who they are. With meditation, kids better understand their feelings, learn their needs and realize their own potential.
I’ve had much feedback from parent, teachers, and therapists. Teachers who incorporate meditation into their daily routine report that their classroom environment is much calmer and peaceful. Therapists say meditation reduces test anxiety, builds positive peer relationships, and enhances anger management skills. The most frequent comment I hear from parents is that meditation helps transition kids into a peaceful night’s sleep. It definitely makes the bedtime routine go a lot smoother!
Lastly, our kids are constantly bombarded with sights and sounds, and all that frantic energy must be counterbalanced with stillness.
The benefits of meditation are endless! I’ve mentioned just a few here. The key is consistency and making it a part of their daily routine. I love that this is something you and your child can do together. Not only will you both benefit but it opens the doors to communication and builds connection.
The best part of meditation is it can be done any time, anywhere, a classroom, swing, park or at bedtime! I find meditation to be a great tool for kids to do in the back seat on those long drives. Just make sure the driver doesn’t participate!
Until next time…