Our 5 Senses Peace Book is a wonderful way to teach children how to cultivate peace for themselves. Mindfulness activities combined with art and a short breath practice plus positive affirmation will engage kids of all ages.
When we use our five senses we slow down and observe our environment and emotions more closely. For this activity, we use our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch to more deeply think about the meaning of peace.
Materials
- Download our 5 Senses Peace Book
- Markers, crayons or pencils for drawing and coloring
- A pencil or pen for writing
- A comfortable place to sit
Instructions
- Need a little inspiration? Watch and listen to Todd Parr read his book, The Peace Book
- You can also watch and listen to Susan Verde read her book, I Am Peace
- When you’re ready, close your eyes and think about what peace means to you:
-
-
- What does peace look like?
- What does it sound like?
- What does it feel like?
- What does it taste like?
- What does peace smell like?
-
- Now think about when you feel peace. Fill out that page in your Peace Book
- Color the peace mandalas
- Now share some wishes for peace you’d like to send to other people
- Finally, if you like, find a comfortable seated position. Breathe in slowly for a count of 4, then exhale slowly for a count of 6 and say “I am peace.” Repeat three times.
Reflection
- How do you feel now that you’ve thought about what peace means to you?
- What does peace feel like in your body?
- Share your 5 Senses Peace Book with someone in your family
The Science Behind the Smiles
Peaceful feelings comfort the part of our brain that controls our flight or fight impulse (the amygdala), helping us feel less anxious over time. Research shows cultivating a sense of inner peace has many benefits, including the ability to rewire our brains for positive feedback loops, growing compassion for ourselves and others, increasing focus and memory and reducing depression.
Sources:
Effects of Mindful-Attention and Compassion Meditation Training on the Amygdala (NCBI)
Meditative Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being (JAMA)
Brief Mindfulness Training May Boost Test Scores, Working Memory (Association for Psychological Science)
Share this: