Thought Hunter - a mindful practice for children and teens

This is a beautiful meditation for children and teenagers that can be done at home. Adults can benefit just as much from this practice so feel free to set a timer and join in. So often people think the idea of meditation is to have no thoughts but actually trying to quieten the mind so that we can allow ourselves to hear our unheard thoughts can be very empowering. 

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Sit in an easy seat (legs crossed on the ground, sitting up nice and tall). You may like to close to your eyes if it feels good to do so. Slowly count from one to ten. If any thought comes to your mind, immediately go back to one. Watch for even the smallest of thoughts. This practice is not about not having thoughts but rather bringing an awareness to our thoughts. The thoughts that we are not aware off may be the ones making us feel a certain way and making us act a certain way. Perhaps our actions would be different if we were more conscious of these thoughts. 

To be able to direct these thoughts, we must first be aware of them. Bring an awareness to these thoughts without judgement, without labeling them good or bad. Each time a thought comes to your head return back to the number one so that you are not 'running away with the story'. One to two minutes is a good time frame for this exercise. You may choose to journal after or to talk to someone you trust about what came up for you. 



Did you make it to ten?