Anyone else hearing some version of "Are we there yet?" Maybe it's “How many more days until Christmas/Hanukkah/school break/the party/Grandma comes?"
Tis the season.
When we’re constantly counting down toward something, we can forget to be where we are.
And then we can feel a bit frantic, overwhelmed, or just plain stressed out. Not what we want, especially at this time of year.
Try this simple mindfulness exercise with your children to bring you all back to where you are, and help you focus on what’s happening around you, right now.
Sit up tall, and hold your body still.
Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out.
Listen.
What do you hear?
Are there sounds outside?
Do you hear cars or trucks? Airplanes or birds or construction noise or people talking?
Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out.
If you want to, close your eyes.
Listen.
Are there sounds inside?
What sounds do you hear close to you?
How about inside your body? Is your body making any sounds?
Listen.
Take a long breath in, and let it all the way out.
Open your eyes.
All the best to you and your family this holiday season!