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These games help children develop a greater awareness of their thought patterns and learn to direct their attention to the present moment. By practicing the skill of letting go of thoughts about the future and the past, children can cultivate a clearer and more focused state of mind.
Through these imaginative exercises, children learn that they have the power to observe and redirect their thoughts, rather than being entirely at their mercy. This realization can foster a sense of agency and self-regulation, as children discover that they can influence their mental experiences through conscious effort and play.
Moreover, by emphasizing the value of present-moment awareness, these games can help children develop a more grounded and resilient approach to life’s challenges. By learning to anchor themselves in the here and now, children can find a sense of stability and ease amidst the constant flux of thoughts and emotions.
Hey there, young time traveler!
Today, we're going to play three fun games called "Think About Anything You Want Except the Past and the Future," "Future Fishing," and "Past Catching."
These games will help us explore our thoughts and learn how to focus our minds on the present moment.
We'll be using our imagination to catch thoughts about the future and the past, leaving us with a clearer mind.
Are you ready to embark on this exciting mental adventure?
Game 1: Think About Anything You Want Except the Past and the Future
Game 2: Future Fishing
Game 3: Past Catching
To further explore the concept of present-moment awareness and the power of mindfulness, consider introducing your child to the book “The Mindful Dragon: A Dragon Book about Mindfulness” by Steve Herman.
This enchanting story follows the adventures of a young dragon named Diggory, who learns the secrets of mindfulness from a wise old dragon. Through a series of whimsical challenges and delightful encounters, Diggory discovers how to tame his fiery temper, calm his racing thoughts, and find peace and contentment in the present moment.
1. Who is the main character of the book?
a) A knight
b) A princess
c) A dragon
d) A wizard
2. What problem does the dragon have at the beginning of the story?
a) Can’t breathe fire
b) Feels stressed and overwhelmed
c) Can’t fly
d) Has no friends
3. Who teaches the dragon about mindfulness?
a) Another dragon
b) A wise owl
c) His parents
d) A human child
4. What is one of the first mindfulness techniques the dragon learns?
a) Deep breathing
b) Running fast
c) Sleeping all day
d) Eating lots of food
5. How does the dragon practice being present in the moment?
a) By thinking about the future
b) By worrying about the past
c) By focusing on his senses
d) By ignoring everything around him
6. What does the dragon learn about his thoughts?
a) To always believe them
b) To ignore them completely
c) To observe them without judgment
d) To only have happy thoughts
7. How does mindfulness help the dragon?
a) It makes him bigger and stronger
b) It helps him feel calmer and more focused
c) It gives him magical powers
d) It makes him invisible
8. What does the dragon learn about difficult emotions?
a) To avoid them at all costs
b) To express them by breathing fire
c) To acknowledge and accept them
d) To pretend they don’t exist
9. How does the dragon’s behavior change after practicing mindfulness?
a) He becomes more aggressive
b) He sleeps all the time
c) He becomes kinder and more patient
d) He stops interacting with others
10. What is the main message of the book?
a) Dragons are the best at mindfulness
b) Mindfulness is only for magical creatures
c) Mindfulness can help manage stress and emotions
d) Mindfulness is too difficult for children
1. c) A dragon
2. b) Feels stressed and overwhelmed
3. c) His parents
4. a) Deep breathing
5. c) By focusing on his senses
6. c) To observe them without judgment
7. b) It helps him feel calmer and more focused
8. c) To acknowledge and accept them
9. c) He becomes kinder and more patient
10. c) Mindfulness can help manage stress and emotions
The book introduces children to the basic principles of mindfulness in a way that is both engaging and accessible. By joining Diggory on his journey of self-discovery, children can learn valuable techniques for managing their own emotions, focusing their attention, and cultivating a greater sense of self-awareness and inner calm.
The colorful illustrations and playful storytelling make the concepts of mindfulness and present-moment awareness come alive in a way that is both captivating and memorable. Children will learn the importance of breathing deeply, observing their thoughts without judgment, and embracing the beauty and wonder of the world around them.
By sharing this delightful tale with your child, you can help them develop a more mindful and compassionate approach to their own inner experience. The wisdom and practices offered in this book can serve as a foundation for a lifetime of emotional resilience, self-discovery, and present-moment appreciation, as children learn to navigate the ups and downs of life with greater courage, curiosity, and grace.
“The Mindful Dragon” is a wonderful resource for any child who is learning to explore the landscape of their own mind, and who wants to discover the magic and power of living in the present moment. By following the example of this brave and wise little dragon, children can learn to embrace the adventure of mindfulness, one breath and one moment at a time.
Verse 1:
Thoughts like fish in a stream
Past and future, they all teem
But here’s a game we can try
Catch those thoughts as they swim by
Pre-Chorus:
Not yesterday, not tomorrow
Just this moment, let’s follow
Chorus:
Now is where we play
Fishing thoughts away
Past and future in a box
Present moment rocks
Verse 2:
On a lake of memories
Catch the past with gentle ease
Future dreams on hooks we’ll find
Clear the waters of our mind
(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
Bridge:
What’s left when time stands still?
A world of wonder to fulfill
In this moment, fresh and new
Endless possibilities come true
(Chorus)
Outro:
Open your eyes to this magic space
Where now is the only place
In this game of mind and time
We find the present so sublime
Remember, at QMAK, we don’t just teach; we empower. We don’t just inform; we inspire. We don’t just question; we act. Become a Gold Member, and let’s unlock your child’s full potential, one question at a time.