Tree Growth Meditation: An Active Guided Meditation by Eira Alarches @
SnowStones.com
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Overview:
When we do meditation with the kids it's a time filled with fun, laughter and more than a little chaos. Ultimately in the end it's an enriching experience that ends up as nothing like what we were planning in the beginning. We encourage each child having their own blanket, which allows them to have their own personal space - And keeps them from touching or ultimately distracting each other. Once space has been chosen and everyone is somewhat settled in, we begin with a pre-chosen musical selection. Classical tunes without words or powerful overtures seem to work best, and that way your voice isn't in competition for young attention focus.
While reading your meditation, speak slowly and clearly, allowing each child time to follow your actions and understand what you are saying. Relax and have fun with your kids... That's the entire point.
We like to practice our family meditations in the living
room where there's plenty of space and natural light. Once each child
has a blanket and a selected space, begin your music and then have everyone
stand and stretch together.
Stretching should start at the toes, and work it's way up to the finger tips. Encourage your children by trying to touch the sky, the stars, the moon or the sun. Once you begin to feel more limber, have everyone kneel on their blankets. Take deep breaths together, in and out. Count up to ten, and then count backwards to one...
Everyone should assume a position of a seed in the ground. On your knees with your arms wrapped around your head, curled almost into a fetal position. Your voice can become muffled during this part of the mediation, so make sure your little ones can hear and understand you.
"We are seeds inside the dark ground, waiting to be born. We are warm and the Earth makes us comfortable in our beds. We can feel the sun shining above us, and we are waiting for the right time to come. Spring air brings birds singing and children laughing. It is time to begin to grow."
Stretch your arms out slowly in front of you. Ultimately, your hands should be the first part of your body to raise upwards.
"Grow up towards the Sunshine. There is warmth all around us and we break though the Earth to feel the breeze on our tender young limbs. We grow quickly, becoming strong in the sunlight, our roots digging deep into the Earth."
Slowly raise yourself up higher, eventually coming to stand and then reach towards the ceiling. I always find this time during the meditation to be rather intense, with both myself and the children very focused in the growth aspect. Younger ones will study you to mimic your movements, where as older children will often make up their own movements as they go along.
"We are growing into tall and powerful trees. Feel our branches spreading out into the Sunshine, feel small leaves beginning to grow from the tips of our branches. We are alive, green and growing from the Earth. We are beautiful."
Spread your arms into an open and receiving position for energy at this point. Allow yourself to soak up the sensations of peace and bliss.
"Even when the sky darkens and the winds raise, we are strong... Feel the wind blowing and know that you are safe, your feet are rooted deep within the Earth. Feel the rain falling, drink in the cool waters that nurture you and help you to grow. Feel your branches sway to and fro... Feel the joy of simply being."
Allow this time of movement to continue for as long as you feel is necessary. Then become still.
"We are Trees, beautiful and strong in the garden of the Ages."
Stand still, and then eventually return to a more present state and sit down with your children, each still on their individual blankets. Take deep, even breaths, and then count up to ten and back down again.
Your meditation is concluded.
Note that Eira Alarches
and SnowStones.com can take no responsibility for outcomes or events
based upon the use of the above listed information.
Please use Common Sense, Reason and above all, Love.
Copyright Eira Alarches© 2008
