Back to Mind Explorers
This game helps children explore the nature of their sense of self and the origin of the concept of “I.”
By visualizing a journey to the source of “I,” children engage in self-reflection and develop a deeper understanding of their own identity.
This exercise encourages introspection, imagination, and a willingness to question one’s assumptions about the self.
By regularly practicing this technique, children can cultivate a more flexible and expansive sense of self, rooted in a connection to their inner wisdom and the fundamental nature of their being.
Hey there, young explorer!
Today, we're going on an exciting adventure called "The Source Slide Adventure."
We'll be using our imagination to discover where the thought of "I" comes from.
Imagine there's a magical slide inside your mind that starts at the front of your brain and goes down, back, and deep within yourself.
We'll be taking a ride on this slide to see if we can find the source of "I."
Are you ready to embark on this thrilling journey?
1. Have the child sit comfortably and close their eyes.
2. Ask the child to think the thought “I” and focus on that thought for a moment.
3. Encourage the child to imagine a slide that starts at the front of their brain and goes down, back, and within themselves. This slide represents the journey to the source of “I.”
4. Have the child visualize themselves at the top of the slide, ready to begin the adventure.
5. Ask the child to imagine sliding down the slide, going deeper and deeper within themselves. Encourage them to observe any thoughts, feelings, or sensations that arise during the journey.
6. As the child reaches the end of the slide, ask them to imagine landing in a special place that represents the source of “I.” This place might be a peaceful garden, a cozy room, or a vast, open space.
7. Encourage the child to explore this place and observe any insights or feelings that come up. Remind them that there are no right or wrong answers and that the goal is simply to experience the journey.
8. After a few moments, have the child imagine sliding back up the slide and returning to the present moment. Ask them to take a few deep breaths and gently open their eyes.
To further explore the concept of the self and the nature of identity, consider introducing your child to the book “The Three Questions” by Jon J. Muth.
This beautifully illustrated book, based on a story by Leo Tolstoy, follows a young boy named Nikolai on his quest to discover the 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?”
Through his encounters with a wise turtle and his own experiences, Nikolai learns valuable lessons about living in the present moment, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the importance of acting with compassion and kindness.
By engaging with this thought-provoking and heartwarming story, children can develop a deeper understanding of their place in the world and the true nature of the self.
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:
Close your eyes and take a seat
At the top of a slide so neat
It starts right here inside your mind
Let’s see what treasure we can find
Pre-Chorus:
Down we go, deep within
Where does the thought of “I” begin?
Chorus:
Sliding to the source, what will we see?
The place where “I” begins to be
A magical journey, just you and me
Discovering who we’re meant to be
Verse 2:
Whoosh and zoom, we’re going down
Past thoughts and feelings all around
Landing softly at the end
In a special place that we’ll befriend
(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
Bridge:
A garden, a room, or open space
We’ve found the “I”‘s secret base
Take a look around and see
The essence of you, the essence of me
(Chorus)
Outro:
Now we slide back up so high
With new wisdom about the “I”
Open your eyes and you will know
The source from which your “I” does grow
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.