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The Source Slide Adventure

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.

Introduction script for the child:

				
					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?
				
			

Instructions for the teacher:

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.

a-child-sitting-in-meditative-pose-focusing-on-let

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.

a-child-imagining-themselves-on-the-top-of-a-slide

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.

a-child-on-a-side-that-ends-in-a-peaceful-garden

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.

a-child-exporing-a-garden-at-the-bottom-of-a-slide

Follow-up questions for discussion:

  1. What was it like to take a ride on the “I” slide? What did you experience during the journey?
  2. Can you describe the place where you landed at the end of the slide? What did it look or feel like?
  3. Did you have any insights or realizations about the source of “I” during this adventure?
  4. How do you think this exercise can help us understand ourselves and our sense of identity better?

Follow-up resource:

Resource Read Aloud

To further explore the concept of the self and the nature of identity, consider introducing your child to the book “Wherever You Go” by Pat Zietlow Miller.

Synopsis: A rabbit explores life’s paths, learning that every journey starts with a choice to “go inside” and listen to oneself.
Connection: Parallels the introspective slide adventure, framing identity as a dynamic, ever-unfolding process .

Song: Sliding to the Source

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