Pushing towards mindfulness

Helping kids find their focus

BY TERRI ERCOLE

Mindfulness is all about awareness, paying close attention, and being present. Sounds like a great plan, except there are distractions in our lives.

As adults we are often able to name and recognize those everyday things that get in the way of us being fully present. This makes tackling those distractions a bit more straight-forward. If you can name it, you can tackle it. But for children, it isn’t as easy. Completing any tasks can be difficult if other thoughts interrupt the process. This often leads to frustration or disappointment.

Recently I had the privilege of leading a fifth-grade peace circle. To begin, I asked each child to say what was present in their minds at that very moment. “Meatballs.” “I love cats!” “Where did I put my favorite pen?” “Did I brush my teeth?” On and on it went. As we finished going around the circle I asked if anyone remembered what we’d be studying first that morning. Very few could answer. There are so many thoughts running through their minds. Yes, all of those ideas are important in the moment, but they are also hindering their ability to focus on the task at hand.

One way to help children refocus is to use mindfulness strategies. We have previously talked about using mindfulness through breathing exercises and yoga. Let’s try one more branch in the tree of mindfulness—art! (See the previous page for project directions)

Let’s revisit that same fifth grade class later that day. I could feel a bit of unrest and a lot of movement and chatter. The next task would require more focus and energy, so I took out a bag of pebbles and paper and began to create. Seconds later the students began to ask if they could try it. I explained simply that their only focus was to breathe mindfully and never let their pencil leave their paper. After a little giggling and some “What are we supposed to be doing?” more students joined in, and the room became silent and focused. Sure, some students attempted to draw specific objects using the pebble, but they soon discovered the ease of “just creating.” You could physically feel the calm of the room! I asked the guiding question “How do you feel?” Students shared that they felt calm, relaxed, peaceful, and “silly.” I shared that this exercise is one way to use art to refocus. If children understand the purpose of an exercise, they are usually more willing to give it a try.

As students processed the experience, one shared that when trying to draw a specific picture, they became frustrated and began to breathe differently. When reminded to just push the pebble, their breathing became more even and relaxed. Reflection is everything. And, parents, this exercise has no age limit! I recently shared this strategy with a very stressed friend. After a bit of “I’m not doing this” and “I’m not a child,” I put a pen in her hand and a pebble on the paper. Yes, it had the same effect. She even asked where to find the pebbles (Dollar Store—the ones you put into the bottom of a vase or fishtank). If you see this as the next icebreaker at a corporate retreat, remember you read it here first.

Give it a try with your children and let (585) Kids know about your experience. Remember, it’s about the process, not the product.