Back to Mind Explorers (Ages 7-12)
This exercise encourages children to develop a direct, experiential understanding of consciousness, rather than relying solely on intellectual concepts or theories. By engaging in a playful, exploratory process of inner discovery, children can cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and curiosity about the nature of their own minds.
The act of searching for consciousness without trying to define or conceptualize it can help children develop a more intuitive and non-conceptual relationship with their inner world. By learning to rest in the direct knowing or experience of consciousness, children can tap into a deeper sense of presence, clarity, and inner peace.
Moreover, this exercise can serve as a foundation for further explorations of mindfulness, introspection, and contemplative practices. By encouraging children to engage with the mystery of consciousness from an early age, we can help them develop a lifelong interest in understanding the workings of their own minds and the nature of subjective experience.
Overall, this consciousness treasure hunt can help children foster a more intimate, curious, and reverent relationship with their inner world, as they learn to navigate the vast and mysterious landscape of their own awareness with openness, patience, and wonder.
Hey there, young mind explorer! Today, we're going on an exciting adventure called "The Consciousness Treasure Hunt." We'll be playing a special game of hide-and-seek, but instead of looking for hidden objects, we'll be searching for something even more mysterious and wonderful – our own consciousness! We'll be using our curious minds to explore where our consciousness might be hiding. Are you ready to join the hunt?
1. Ask the child to close their eyes and take a few deep breaths to help them focus their attention inward.
2. Encourage the child to start looking for their consciousness. Ask them to silently explore their inner world, without trying to define or conceptualize consciousness.
3. Remind the child that they’re not looking for an idea or a concept of consciousness, but rather the direct knowing or experience of it.
4. If the child seems unsure about where to look or what to look for, offer gentle guidance. Suggest that they pay attention to the part of themselves that is aware, the silent observer of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
5. Encourage the child to take their time and be patient with the process. Reassure them that there are no right or wrong answers and that the goal is simply to explore their inner world with curiosity and openness.
6. After a few minutes of silent exploration, invite the child to open their eyes and share their experience.
To further explore the concept of consciousness and the power of inner discovery, consider introducing your child to the book “Peaceful Piggy Meditation” by Kerry Lee MacLean.
This charming picture book follows the journey of a young piggy who learns to use meditation to find inner peace and stillness amidst the chaos of the barnyard. Through simple, child-friendly language and delightful illustrations, the book introduces the basics of mindfulness practice, including breath awareness, sensory exploration, and the cultivation of kindness and compassion.
As the piggy learns to sit with his own mind and observe his thoughts and feelings with gentle curiosity, he discovers a profound sense of inner calm and clarity. The book emphasizes the transformative power of turning inward and befriending one’s own consciousness, even in the face of external challenges or distractions.
By engaging with this heartwarming and instructive story, children can develop a greater appreciation for the value of introspection and the richness of their own inner lives. The book’s accessible wisdom and practical examples can inspire children to approach the exploration of consciousness with playfulness, patience, and a sense of adventure, as they learn to trust the wisdom and beauty of their own minds.
1. What do the piggies in the book learn to do?
a) Build houses
b) Cook meals
c) Meditate
d) Play sports
2. How does the book describe the piggies’ minds before meditation?
a) Calm and quiet
b) Full of thoughts and worries
c) Empty and boring
d) Only focused on food
3. What do the piggies sit on when they meditate?
a) Chairs
b) Cushions
c) Grass
d) Clouds
4. What does the book say the piggies should focus on during meditation?
a) Their favorite foods
b) Their breathing
c) Their problems
d) Their friends
5. How does meditation help the piggies feel?
a) More stressed
b) More hungry
c) More peaceful
d) More sleepy
6. What does the book say can happen to worries during meditation?
a) They get bigger
b) They disappear
c) They turn into balloons
d) They become real
7. Where can the piggies meditate according to the book?
a) Only at home
b) Only at school
c) Only outside
d) Anywhere they want
8. What does the book say about anger when piggies meditate?
a) It gets stronger
b) It turns into sadness
c) It can melt away
d) It never goes away
9. How does the book describe the piggies’ hearts after meditating?
a) Smaller
b) Bigger and kinder
c) Colder
d) Unchanged
10. What is the main message of the book?
a) Piggies are always peaceful
b) Meditation can help manage emotions and stress
c) It’s impossible to be peaceful
d) Only piggies can meditate
Answer Key:
1. c) Meditate
2. b) Full of thoughts and worries
3. b) Cushions
4. b) Their breathing
5. c) More peaceful
6. b) They disappear
7. d) Anywhere they want
8. c) It can melt away
9. b) Bigger and kinder
10. b) Meditation can help manage emotions and stress
Verse 1:
Close your eyes and take a peek
Inside your mind, let’s play and seek
Not for toys or hidden treats
But something special that quietly beats
Pre-Chorus:
It’s not a thought, it’s not a feeling
It’s the watcher that’s revealing
Chorus:
Where are you, little me?
The one who knows, the one who sees
Not a word, not a sound
Just awareness all around
Verse 2:
Look behind your eyes so bright
Feel the presence, day and night
It’s not a thing you can define
But it’s there, your inner shine
(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
Bridge:
Patient, curious, open wide
There’s a treasure deep inside
Not to grasp, just to be
The silent watcher, wild and free
(Chorus)
Outro:
Open your eyes, what do you know?
You’ve always been here, head to toe
The seeker and the sought are one
In this game that’s just begun
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