Planting seeds and caring for them as they grow is a wonderful way to practice compassion for another living thing. In this activity, saying a positive affirmation before planting the seeds and as we care for them helps us practice self-compassion, too.
Seeds contain everything they need inside themselves to grow, but like all living organisms, they require consistent care to thrive. By helping a seed grow, children experience first hand the power of compassion. Combining this activity with a positive affirmation, children can strengthen their self-compassion muscle as well.
Materials
- Small packet of flower or herb seeds
- Potting soil
- Small peat or terracotta pot
- Small bowl to put your seeds in
- Water
- Seeds of Compassion Tracker (use this chart to observe the plant’s growth and practice your positive affirmation)
How To Do It
- Think of a positive affirmation you’d like to say. This can be as simple as “I am grateful” or “I am peace.” Write your affirmation in your Seeds of Compassion Tracker
- Place half the soil in the pot
- Empty seed packet into a small bowl. Take a pinch of seeds and scatter on top of the soil
- Cover the seeds with soil until the pot is filled
- Give your seeds some water, being careful to give the plant just enough water to make the soil slightly damp
- Place your pot on a windowsill or near a window where it can get moderate sunlight
- Check on your plant each day, watering as needed, and record any changes you see. Each time, practice saying your positive affirmation.
- When your plant is as big as your pointer finger, plant it in the ground for others to enjoy or gift it to a friend, family member, or neighbor to spread compassion around your community!
Reflection
- What changes do you notice in your plant?
- How are you like a plant?
- What does it feel like to care for another living thing?
- How do you feel about your plant?
- How do you feel about yourself now that you’ve nurtured your plant?
- What if your plant doesn’t grow? What does that feel like?
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