Children and parents attentive and relaxed with mindfullness

  • 2014

We have had to live in times of high demand and fast processes. To balance we need peace of mind, become aware of the present without judging, ignore things, or get carried away by the hustle and bustle of every day. Mindfulness can help us.

Eline Snel, a Dutch therapist, has developed a method of meditation specifically for children. Founder of the Dutch Academy for the Teaching of Full Attention, she teaches training courses for teachers, psychologists, parents and children. Eline presents us in her book Quiet and attentive as a frog of the Kairos Publishing House, some reflections, stories and simple and brief exercises so that children from 5 to 12 years can practice daily Feeds of his parents. The book is accompanied by a CD with guided meditations. And each chapter also contains a series of practical tips to do between your daily tasks, washing dishes, when you go shopping, while eating or just after eating, etc.

There is no miracle recipe to be a fully conscious parent. Obviously, since ancient times we humans know the ingredients to be appreciated and to love. The best known are kindness, understanding, overture and acceptance. Contact is another of them, for example a caress in the head. (Interview with Eline in Sloyu)

Mindfulness is the ability of the mind to pay attention to what is there, here and now, being fully aware of every moment we live.

Childhood is wise in intuitive intelligence, they are masters in living the present intensely. As we grow and grow older, we learn to anticipate things, to return to the past. It is in childhood that we have the innate capacity of mindfulness and, will it not be simpler and more logical to help them preserve and cultivate this wonderful value?

Eline explains mindfulness using the frog's metaphor. To learn to concentrate on your breathing, you can see a frog on the shore of a pond. It is completely still. His stomach swells and deflates with each breath. You can see it easily. So a frog is very good sitting completely still and concentrating. Only when there is a danger, the frog jumps away. But while that does not happen, it does nothing. Nothing more than sitting and contemplating what is happening. You can learn from the frog to sit quietly and contemplate. And who knows, maybe one day he will become a prince. ”

Mindfulness gives us simplicity. Be aware again and again that there is always the possibility of paying attention to the breath and finding in this hectic life a place where there is always peace. And the profound accompaniment effect produced by compassion. Being "at home" myself, I can offer a warm place for others.

The warm interior home is found by being relaxed and at peace with ourselves. Eline helps us identify three basic qualities that are relaxing for the often hard work of being parents: acceptance, presence and understanding . Accept how we really are, how our children are and not how we hope to be or that they are. Without judgment, things are as they are, annoying, pleasant or a little more neutral. Be present, without the need for action, just be, openly, rested. Understand that you and your children are not enemies. You and your children can be authentic. And above all understand that unconditional love also knows its ups and downs.

Mindfulness does not teach to be a better person. It tells you that you already are. It helps you to know your good and not so good aspects. It helps you to accept yourself as you are . So says Eline. This technique teaches children to respect, concentrate, manage emotions, self-confidence and improve their self-esteem.

Thank you for opening this path to be able to go through life with much attention, more tranquility and much more confidence in us.

Children and parents attentive and relaxed with mindfullness

Next Article