Back to Mind Explorers (Ages 7-12)
This game helps children develop a deeper understanding of the nature of awareness and the importance of being present and accepting of their experiences. By imagining themselves as a mirror that reflects everything without preference, children learn to cultivate a non-judgmental and inclusive attitude towards their perceptions and thoughts.
This exercise encourages children to step back from their habitual patterns of selectively attending to or avoiding certain experiences and instead embrace a more open and receptive state of awareness. By practicing “reflection without selection,” children can develop a greater capacity for mindfulness and equanimity in the face of life’s challenges and joys.
Additionally, by recognizing that pure, unfiltered awareness is already within them, children can begin to cultivate a sense of inner peace and wholeness. They learn that their essential nature is not defined by the contents of their experience but rather by the vast and inclusive space of awareness itself.
Overall, this game can help children foster a greater sense of presence, acceptance, and resilience, as they learn to navigate the ups and downs of life with a clear and compassionate mirror-like awareness.
Hey there, young imagination explorer! Today, we're going to play a game called "The Mindful Mirror." In this game, we'll be using our imagination to pretend that we're a mirror. But not just any mirror – a special mirror that reflects everything without choosing what to show. This game will help us understand how our awareness works and how we can be more present and accepting of everything around us. Are you ready to become a mindful mirror?
1. Ask the child to imagine that they are a mirror. Encourage them to visualize themselves as a clear, reflective surface.
2. Have the child consider the question: “Am I choosing what to reflect?” Explain that, in this game, the goal is to be like a mirror that reflects everything without selecting what to show.
3. To illustrate this point, give the child an example: Imagine standing in front of a mirror holding a cup in one hand and a banana in the other. Ask the child if the mirror would choose to reflect only the cup because it doesn’t like fruit today. Help them understand that a mirror doesn’t have preferences and reflects everything equally.
4. Now, explain to the child that their awareness is like that mirror. It doesn’t choose what to be aware of – if their eyes see something or their ears hear something, it’s in their awareness.
5. Encourage the child to be like pure, unfiltered awareness, reflecting everything without judgment or selection. Reassure them that this awareness is already within them, and they don’t need to find it – they just need to be it.
6. Have the child practice being the mindful mirror for a few moments, reflecting everything around them without preference or judgment.
To further explore the concept of non-judgmental awareness and the power of mindful reflection, consider introducing your child to the book “The Lemonade Hurricane: A Story of Mindfulness and Meditation” by Licia Morelli.
This engaging picture book tells the story of a young boy named Henry, whose wild energy and impulsive behavior often leave him feeling overwhelmed and out of control. With the help of his calm and mindful grandfather, Henry learns to use simple meditation techniques to become more aware of his thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them.
Through Henry’s relatable struggles and triumphs, the book introduces children to the basics of mindfulness practice, including breath awareness, body scans, and the importance of accepting one’s experiences without judgment. The book emphasizes the transformative power of being present and compassionate with oneself, even in the face of strong emotions or difficult situations.
By engaging with this heartwarming and instructive story, children can develop a greater understanding of their own minds and the benefits of cultivating a mindful, mirror-like awareness. The book’s accessible wisdom and practical tools can inspire children to approach their own experiences with greater patience, kindness, and resilience, as they learn to navigate the complexities of growing up with grace and self-compassion.
1. Who is the “Lemonade Hurricane” in the story?
a) Emma
b) Henry
c) Mom
d) Dad
2. What does Emma teach Henry to do?
a) Make lemonade
b) Run faster
c) Meditate
d) Build a fort
3. Why is Henry called a “Lemonade Hurricane”?
a) He loves lemonade
b) He’s always moving and noisy
c) He’s afraid of storms
d) He works at a lemonade stand
4. What does Emma tell Henry to focus on when he’s sitting still?
a) His toys
b) His breath
c) The TV
d) His homework
5. What animal does Emma pretend to be to show Henry how to sit still?
a) A lion
b) An elephant
c) A turtle
d) A frog
6. What happens when Henry starts to practice being still?
a) He gets more energetic
b) He becomes calmer
c) He falls asleep
d) He runs away
7. Where does Emma suggest Henry can practice being still?
a) Only in his room
b) Only at school
c) Anywhere
d) Only when he’s in trouble
8. What does Emma teach Henry about thoughts during meditation?
a) To hold onto them tightly
b) To let them go like clouds
c) To ignore them completely
d) To write them all down
9. How does Henry feel after learning to be still?
a) Angry
b) Scared
c) More peaceful
d) Confused
10. What is the main message of the book?
a) Being noisy is always bad
b) Meditation is only for adults
c) Mindfulness can help calm busy minds
d) Kids should never sit still
1. b) Henry
2. c) Meditate
3. b) He’s always moving and noisy
4. b) His breath
5. c) A turtle
6. b) He becomes calmer
7. c) Anywhere
8. b) To let them go like clouds
9. c) More peaceful
10. c) Mindfulness can help calm busy minds
Verse 1:
Imagine you’re a mirror, shiny and bright
Reflecting everything, in the purest light
No picking or choosing, what to show
Just like your awareness, letting everything flow
Chorus:
The magic mirror game, let’s play today
Reflecting the world, in a special way
Your awareness is like a mirror, it’s true
Accepting everything, without feeling blue
Verse 2:
If you see a cup, and a banana too
The mirror shows both, it knows what to do
It doesn’t say, “I don’t like fruit today”
It reflects everything, in a friendly way
(Chorus)
Bridge:
Your awareness is a gift, already inside
No need to search, just let it shine
Be like the mirror, open and free
Accepting the world, for all to see
(Chorus)
Outro:
So remember this game, whenever you can
The magic mirror, is your inner fan
Reflecting the world, with a loving heart
Awareness and acceptance, right from the start
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