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“The Be Game” is the culmination of all the awareness games and lessons, bringing together the essential elements of mindfulness, acceptance, and self-awareness. By learning to “Be the Background” and “Just Be,” children develop a profound capacity for inner peace, resilience, and adaptability in the face of life’s ever-changing circumstances.
Practicing relaxation and letting go of control helps children cultivate a sense of trust and surrender, allowing them to flow more easily with the natural rhythms of life. As they learn to accept the present moment as it is, they reduce their own suffering and increase their ability to respond to challenges with grace and flexibility.
Shifting attention to the inner witness, the background awareness that remains unchanging amidst the fluctuations of experience, helps children connect with a deeper sense of self that is not defined by external events or internal thoughts and emotions. As they learn to rest in this space of pure being, they discover a source of profound stability, clarity, and equanimity that can sustain them through life’s ups and downs.
By making “The Be Game” a daily practice, children can cultivate a way of being in the world that is characterized by presence, openness, and a deep appreciation for the richness and beauty of life in all its forms. They learn to meet each moment with curiosity, compassion, and a sense of wonder, embracing the full spectrum of human experience with courage and authenticity.
Ultimately, “The Be Game” is not just a game, but a way of life – a path to inner freedom, wholeness, and a more authentic and meaningful existence. By learning to “B.” in every moment, children lay the foundation for a lifetime of mindfulness, self-discovery, and joyful engagement with the world around them.
Hey there, young Zen master!
Today, we're going to play the ultimate game, called "The Be Game."
This game is like the secret ingredient in all the other games we've played.
When you play "The Be Game," you practice being okay with whatever is happening right now and being the awareness that notices everything.
It's like having a special place inside you that always stays the same, no matter what's going on around you.
Are you ready to discover the power of simply being?
1. Explain to the child that “The Be Game” is the foundation of all the other awareness games they’ve played, and that it involves two main aspects: being okay with the present moment and being the awareness that observes everything.
2. Guide the child through the two steps of the game:
a) Relaxing and stopping control:
– Encourage the child to take a few deep breaths and let go of any tension in their body.
– Help them practice accepting the present moment exactly as it is, without trying to change or control it.
b) Shifting attention:
– Ask the child to notice the part of themselves that is always aware and never changes, no matter what’s happening in the outside world.
– Encourage them to focus on this inner witness, the background awareness that experiences everything.
3. Explain that when they shift their focus to this inner awareness, they can relax and flow more easily with the world around them.
4. Practice “The Be Game” with the child in various situations, such as during playtime, while doing chores, or when facing a challenge. Remind them to simply “Be the Background” and “Just Be.”
5. Encourage the child to make “The Be Game” a part of their daily life, using the simple reminder “B.” whenever they need to come back to the present moment and their inner awareness.
To deepen your child’s understanding and practice of “The Be Game,” consider exploring the book “Zen Shorts” by Jon J. Muth together.
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of three siblings who meet a wise and gentle panda bear named Stillwater. Through a series of encounters and conversations, Stillwater shares ancient Zen tales and teachings with the children, each one illuminating a different aspect of mindfulness, compassion, and the art of living in the present moment.
The stories in “Zen Shorts” are simple yet profound, offering timeless wisdom in a way that is accessible and engaging for children. They touch on themes such as letting go of attachments, accepting change, and finding peace and contentment in the here and now – all of which are central to the practice of “The Be Game.”
1. Who is Stillwater?
a) A young boy
b) A giant panda
c) A wise old man
d) A talking tree
2. How many children does Stillwater meet?
a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five
3. What does Stillwater bring when he first meets the children?
a) A red umbrella
b) A bamboo stick
c) A book of stories
d) A plate of cookies
4. In the story Stillwater tells Addy, what does the monk carry?
a) A heavy bag of gold
b) An old woman on his back
c) A large stone
d) Nothing
5. What lesson does the story about the two monks teach?
a) Always help others
b) Don’t carry emotional burdens
c) Avoid talking to strangers
d) Physical strength is important
6. In the story Stillwater tells Michael, what does the poor man do with the robber?
a) Calls the police
b) Fights the robber
c) Gives the robber his robe
d) Runs away
7. What does the story about the robber teach?
a) Always lock your doors
b) Generosity can change people
c) Stealing is okay sometimes
d) Poor people have nothing to give
8. In the story Stillwater tells Karl, what does Uncle Ry receive as a gift?
a) A new car
b) A bag of gold
c) A beautiful cup
d) Nothing
9. What does Uncle Ry do with his gift in the story?
a) Keeps it safely
b) Gives it away
c) Breaks it
d) Sells it for money
10. What is the main theme of “Zen Shorts”?
a) How to become rich and famous
b) The importance of material possessions
c) Wisdom and compassion in everyday life
d) How to win arguments
1. b) A giant panda
2. b) Three
3. a) A red umbrella
4. b) An old woman on his back
5. b) Don’t carry emotional burdens
6. c) Gives the robber his robe
7. b) Generosity can change people
8. c) A beautiful cup
9. c) Breaks it
10. c) Wisdom and compassion in everyday life
Verse 1:
In this moment, right here and now
There’s a special place to allow
Everything as it is, you’ll see
It’s time to learn how to just be
Pre-Chorus:
Breathe in deep, let it all go
Be the background, let yourself flow
Chorus:
Just be, just be
The awareness inside of me
Just be, just be
It’s the ultimate game, you’ll see
Verse 2:
When the world feels loud and wild
Remember you’re still that calm child
Watching, noticing from within
Where peace and joy can begin
(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
Bridge:
B is for being, in every way
Practice it now, throughout your day
In happiness, sadness, or in-between
You’re the awareness behind the scene
(Chorus)
Outro:
So whenever life gets tough
Just remember: being is enough
Be the background, let it all be
That’s the secret to being free
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.