Back to Mind Explorers
This series of exercises helps children develop a deeper understanding of their own sense of self and existence, as well as an appreciation for the mystery and wonder of being. By exploring these big questions through direct experience rather than conceptual thinking, children can begin to cultivate a more intuitive and experiential understanding of their own nature.
The exercises encourage children to look beyond their thoughts and ideas about themselves and to connect with the immediate, felt sense of their own presence. This can help foster a greater sense of groundedness, self-awareness, and connection to the present moment.
Additionally, by engaging with koans and other open-ended, paradoxical questions, children can develop a more flexible and expansive way of thinking about themselves and the world. They learn to embrace uncertainty and to approach life’s big questions with a sense of playfulness, curiosity, and wonder.
Overall, these exercises can help children develop a more robust and resilient sense of self, rooted not in concepts or beliefs but in the direct experience of their own being. This can promote greater emotional well-being, self-confidence, and adaptability in the face of life’s challenges and uncertainties.
Hey there, young philosopher!
Today, we're going on a special journey called "The Existence Expedition."
We'll be exploring some big questions about our own existence and how we know we're really here.
It might sound a bit strange at first, but don't worry - we'll be using our curiosity and imagination to guide us.
We'll play some fun games that will help us discover new ways of thinking about ourselves and the world around us.
Are you ready to embark on this exciting adventure?
Guide the child through each of the following exercises, encouraging them to approach the questions with openness and curiosity rather than seeking definitive answers.
Exercise 1: I Exist
Exercise 2: How Do I Know?
Exercise 3: Just Be
Exercise 4: The O’Connor Koan
To further explore the concept of existence and the nature of the self, consider introducing your child to the book “The Three Questions” by Jon J. Muth.
This beautifully illustrated story, based on a tale by Leo Tolstoy, follows a young boy named Nikolai as he seeks answers to three important questions: “When is the best time to do things?” “Who is the most important one?” and “What is the right thing to do?”
1. What is the name of the main character in the book?
a) Leo
b) Nikolai
c) Jon
d) Tolstoy
2. What animal friends does Nikolai have?
a) A dog, a cat, and a bird
b) A heron, a monkey, and a dog
c) A turtle, a rabbit, and a wolf
d) A fish, a frog, and a snake
3. What are the three questions Nikolai wants to answer?
a) Who? What? Where?
b) When? Where? Why?
c) When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?
d) How? Who? What?
4. Who does Nikolai ultimately seek wisdom from?
a) His animal friends
b) His parents
c) A wise old turtle named Leo
d) A magical book
5. What does Nikolai do to help the turtle?
a) He gives him food
b) He carries him to the top of the mountain
c) He reads him a story
d) He builds him a new shell
6. What unexpected event occurs while Nikolai is with the turtle?
a) A storm hits
b) They find treasure
c) They hear a cry for help
d) The sun stops shining
7. How does Nikolai respond to the unexpected event?
a) He runs away
b) He ignores it
c) He helps those in need
d) He asks the turtle what to do
8. What does Nikolai learn about the “most important time”?
a) It’s always the future
b) It’s the time you planned for
c) It’s now
d) It’s never
9. Who does Nikolai discover is the “most important one”?
a) Himself
b) The turtle
c) The one you are with
d) The wisest person you know
10. What does Nikolai learn is the “most important thing to do”?
a) To become rich and famous
b) To do good for the one who is standing at your side
c) To plan for the future
d) To learn from the past
1. b) Nikolai
2. b) A heron, a monkey, and a dog
3. c) When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?
4. c) A wise old turtle named Leo
5. b) He carries him to the top of the mountain
6. c) They hear a cry for help
7. c) He helps those in need
8. c) It’s now
9. c) The one you are with
10. b) To do good for the one who is standing at your side
Verse 1:
I think, I feel, I know I’m here
But how can I be so sure, my dear?
Not in words or thoughts so grand
But in the feeling of where I stand
Pre-Chorus:
How do I know? What can I see?
In the space between you and me
Chorus:
I am, therefore I be
A mystery for you and me
Can’t see it, can only be it
Exploring existence, bit by bit
Verse 2:
Something sees what I can’t think
Beyond the edge, beyond the brink
A koan asks, a riddle glows
About the watcher nobody knows
(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
Bridge:
No need for answers set in stone
Just wonder at how we’ve grown
In questions vast as the open sky
We find the magic of you and I
(Chorus)
Outro:
Open your eyes, what do you know?
You’re here, you’re now, you’re in the flow
Of being itself, so wild and free
On this Existence Expedition, just be
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.