Preschool: Mindfulness
Every morning, the preschool children begin their day with a bit of mindfulness, a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment. As a group, we join together at circle, sitting crisscross applesauce and hands in our laps. We begin by taking two deep breaths. Sometimes, on chilly days, we pretend we’re holding hot cups of cocoa and we need to use our deep breaths to cool them off. Next, we practice silence. The children were taught at the beginning of the school year that silence means our voices are off and even our bodies are calm and quiet. They are reminded that in order to make silence, everyone is encouraged to participate. The children are invited to close their eyes and place their hands in the “gian mudra” position, which can help maintain posture and focus. What an astounding sight it is to see a group of little ones participating in such a peaceful act.
Once the children have the tools they need to bring mindfulness into their lives, they are encouraged to use them whenever they wish. We often see children choosing to sit quietly in our peace corner or library. Many children practice taking breaths in times of frustration or sadness. Recently, a child was observed sitting in a meditation pose during rest time. Mindfulness is something we can all benefit from in our busy daily routines. It is truly magical to see young children connecting with these practices.
“Peace is what every human being is craving for, and it can be brought about by humanity through the child.”
-Maria Montessori
