PRESENCE
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.
That is why it is called the present.”
Alice Morse Earle
|
|
Hello! Welcome to our first Youth Newsletter.
This week's lesson is about PRESENCE.
Being in the present moment is the only place we can truly be. We can not go back to the past and the future isn't here yet. However, our minds sometimes get stuck in thoughts of the past, or worry of things to come in the future. When this happens we aren't fully aware of our present, our now. Practicing Presence is a spiritual practice. It helps us focus and notice when our minds drift to other thoughts or worries about the past or the future. Being present helps us appreciate what we are experiencing and it helps us to center ourselves when our thoughts are unsettling.
|
|
The Pebble Meditation practice helps us focus on the present moment. According to Thich Nhat Hanh, this meditation also teaches the four qualities of happiness: beauty/freshness (flower), stability/solidity (mountain), peace/tranquility (still water), freedom/liberation (space/emptiness).
PREPARATION: For this meditation, you need to find four small pebbles, or any small item, that will fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Decide which stone will represent a flower, a mountain, still water and space. You can also find, or make, a special small bag, box or container to keep your pebbles so they are available whenever you need or want them.
Follow along with each video to learn how to do the meditations. Once you are familiar with the process, you can lead yourself, or take turns leading others through each pebble meditation
|
|
Breathing in, I see myself as a flower.
Breathing out, I feel fresh.
Flower (inhale) Fresh (exhale) 3Xs
|
|
|
Breathing in I see myself as a mountain,
Breathing out, I feel solid.
Mountain (inhale) Solid (exhale) 3Xs
|
|
|
Breathing in I see myself as still, clear water,
Breathing out, I reflect things as they really are.
Still water (inhale) Reflecting (exhale) 3Xs
|
|
|
Breathing in I see myself as space,
Breathing out, I feel free.
Space (inhale) Free (exhale) 3Xs
|
|
|
After practicing the Pebble Meditation, take a moment to download and use this practice sheet to reflect on each quality. Draw a picture of yourself doing this activity or write down your thoughts. Then the next time you practice pebble meditation, you will have a more concrete feeling of what freshness is from your own experience.
|
|
|
|
When color mandalas we often experience a deep sense of calm and well-being. Repetitive activity has long been a spiritual practice. Repetitive prayers, chants and movements help us separate our thoughts from our bodies and place us in the NOW moment. It's a simple tool that doesn't require any expertise, but it can be remarkably soothing and nourishing. Mandalas not only focus your attention but also allow you to express your creative side, which many of us neglect in our daily lives.
|
|
Our youngest children experience their world through their senses. When we engage their bodies in activity, particularly when their hands, eyes and minds are engaged together, young children will naturally fall into a state of calm presence. Take time this week to observe your child’s moments of quiet engagement. Make note of these activities and when your child seems unsettled you can offer these activities to help them get back into the calm of now.
We can also prepare and keep sensory activities on hand. Some of my favorites are bins of rice or beans, sensory sand, shaving cream and water. Children will enjoy the sensory experience but when we add purpose they enjoy a deeper engagement. So add spoons, scoops, cups, bowls, small toys, droppers, sponges and tongs. Young children love practicing new skills, so adding tools keeps them engaged and builds skills.
Of course, these activities are wonderful for ALL ages, including grown ups!!
|
|
Every Little Cell
Feel the presence of your body with this fun upbeat song that focuses on loving every little cell of our bodies!!
|
|
|
I AM HERE NOW
Practice using this affirmation to help you feel present, focused and centered in the moment. When you feel like your mind is racing or overwhelmed, take a few deep breathes and remind yourself to be here now.
|
|
Send in you artwork, ideas and thoughts about this week’s lesson and it will be added to next week’s newsletter!! I’m looking forward to seeing what you send to share with your Youth Community and families!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
