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As summer arrives, many of us find ourselves spending more time with children. School is out, routines change, and the days stretch a little longer. It's the perfect opportunity to introduce children to a skill that can benefit them for the rest of their lives: meditation.
Several years ago, I had the privilege of teaching meditation in an after-school program in a town in Westchester County, NY. My students ranged from about five to twelve years old—a lively, energetic group of nearly twenty children. Looking back, I have to smile and give myself credit for courage! Asking a room full of youngsters to trade wrestling and giggles for quiet breathing and a peaceful lotus position was no small challenge.
Not every child embraced the idea immediately. Some were much more interested in burning off energy than sitting still. But something wonderful happened over time. A number of the children began to look forward to those precious moments of calm. They discovered that being still could feel just as good as being active.
The experience ended with a gift I'll never forget. On our final day together, a twelve-year-old girl handed me a handwritten poem. In it, she thanked me for bringing peace and quiet to her heart. It was a simple gesture, but it reminded me that even when children don't always appear to be listening, the seeds we plant can take root in remarkable ways.
Perhaps this summer is the perfect time to plant a few of those seeds. Teaching a child how to pause, breathe, and find calm within themselves may be one of the greatest gifts we can give them—and one they'll carry long after summer ends.
Find meditation products for children at the
"My Favorite Things" portion of my site,
click here.
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