Back to Mind Explorers (Ages 7-12)
This game encourages children to explore concepts of awareness, interconnectedness, and perspective-taking through a playful and imaginative lens. By using the analogy of fingers experiencing different sensations, children can begin to grasp the idea that individual experiences can be part of a larger, unified awareness.
As children imagine themselves and others as fingers connected by a “bigger you,” they may start to develop a sense of empathy and a more expansive understanding of consciousness. This exercise can promote a shift from a purely self-centered perspective to a more inclusive and interconnected view of the world.
Moreover, by emphasizing the exploratory and imaginative nature of the game, rather than focusing on right or wrong answers, children learn to approach abstract ideas with curiosity, openness, and flexibility. They discover that engaging with philosophical concepts can be a playful and enriching process, even if they don’t fully understand or agree with every idea.
Overall, “The Finger Game” can help children cultivate a more expansive and imaginative approach to understanding themselves, others, and the world around them, as they learn to navigate the complex landscape of ideas with creativity, compassion, and a sense of wonder.
Hey there, young philosopher! Today, we're going to play a fun game called "The Finger Game." This game will help us use our imagination to think about how things can be connected in ways we might not always see. We'll be using our fingers to explore different feelings and then imagining how our awareness is like a big picture that includes everything. It might seem a bit tricky at first, but don't worry - we'll take it step by step, and you can always ask questions if something doesn't make sense. Are you ready to give it a try?
1. Ask the child to run two fingers of the same hand along two different surfaces, such as their lap and the arm of a chair.
2. Encourage the child to focus on the different sensations each finger feels and to imagine that each finger is unaware of what the other one is experiencing.
3. Help the child recognize that even though the fingers are experiencing different things, they (the child) are aware of both sensations simultaneously.
4. Now, guide the child to take a step back and imagine a bigger picture. Ask them to pretend they are one finger and the person next to them is the other finger.
5. Encourage the child to consider the possibility of a “bigger you” who is aware of both their own thoughts and the other person’s thoughts, just like they were aware of both fingers’ sensations.
6. Emphasize that this game is about using their imagination and exploring ideas, rather than finding a definitive answer or determining what is true or not true.
7. Remind the child that if this game doesn’t resonate with them, that’s okay – they can skip it and move on to the next one.
To further explore the concept of interconnectedness and the power of imagination, consider introducing your child to the book “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst.
This heartwarming picture book tells the story of a mother who teaches her twins about the invisible string of love that connects all people, even when they are apart. Through simple, comforting language and charming illustrations, the book shows children how the bonds of love and connection can transcend time, distance, and even death.
As the twins learn to trust in the invisible string that unites them with their loved ones and the world around them, children discover the power of love, empathy, and imagination in creating a sense of belonging and resilience. The book emphasizes the idea that no one is ever truly alone, and that the connections we share can provide comfort, strength, and inspiration in times of need.
By engaging with this gentle and uplifting story, children can develop a stronger sense of connection to others and a more expansive view of the world. The book’s message can help children cultivate empathy, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the invisible ties that bind us all together, as they navigate the joys and challenges of life with greater confidence, openness, and grace.
1. What are the names of the twins in the story?
a) Tom and Jerry
b) Jack and Jill
c) Liza and Jeremy
d) Anna and Elsa
2. What wakes the twins up at night?
a) A loud noise
b) A bad dream
c) A thunderstorm
d) Their parents
3. What does their mother tell them about when they’re scared?
a) A magical blanket
b) An invisible string
c) A secret password
d) A nightlight
4. What color is the invisible string?
a) Blue
b) Green
c) Red
d) Invisible
5. What does the invisible string connect?
a) Houses
b) Stars
c) People’s hearts
d) Trees
6. Can the invisible string break?
a) Yes, when people fight
b) Yes, when people are far apart
c) No, it can stretch and bend but never break
d) Only if you cut it with special scissors
7. Where does the book say you can send love through the string?
a) Only to people in the same house
b) Anywhere in the universe
c) Only to family members
d) Only during the day
8. What happens to the string when someone dies?
a) It disappears
b) It turns black
c) It stays connected, reaching to heaven
d) It becomes visible
9. How do the children feel after learning about the invisible string?
a) Scared
b) Confused
c) Comforted and connected
d) Hungry
10. What is the main message of “The Invisible String”?
a) Love connects us even when we’re apart
b) Strings are very useful
c) Night time is scary
d) Twins are always connected
1. c) Liza and Jeremy
2. c) A thunderstorm
3. b) An invisible string
4. c) Red
5. c) People’s hearts
6. c) No, it can stretch and bend but never break
7. b) Anywhere in the universe
8. c) It stays connected, reaching to heaven
9. c) Comforted and connected
10. a) Love connects us even when we’re apart
Verse 1:
Two fingers touch, two different things
One feels smooth, the other sings
Each on its own, a world apart
But you feel both, that’s where we start
Pre-Chorus:
There’s more to see than meets the eye
Let’s spread our wings and learn to fly
Chorus:
Fingers of imagination
Touching worlds of sensation
You and me, we might be
Part of something we can’t see
Verse 2:
Pretend you’re one, I am the other
Connected by an unseen mother
A bigger picture, a grander view
Where I am me, and you are you
(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
Bridge:
It’s just a game, a playful thought
To stretch our minds, see what we’ve got
No right or wrong, just room to grow
In this big world we’re getting to know
(Chorus)
Outro:
Open your mind to possibilities
Of connections and abilities
In this game of you and me
We’re touching infinity
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