Is the purpose of life to be happy? If so, that’s a pretty tall order for humans given the range and nuance of our emotions. Plus being in a constant state of happiness might not be as amazing as it sounds.
Shift Perspective With Gratitude
For many of us, the “Shelter-in-Place” orders have created highs and lows and everything in between. As we continue making daily choices on how to cope with and survive this new reality, cultivating a positive perspective can have a great impact on our physical and mental well-being.
Mindful Activities to Grow Your Gratitude Practice
Gratitude means appreciating what we have instead of worrying about what we don’t have. It may sound simple, but cultivating gratitude takes intention and practice. Here are a few of our favorites ways you and your family can grow your gratitude practice together.
Notice the Good Jar Celebrates Family Kindness
When we notice the good, we’re actively choosing a positive mindset. This is a simple way to grow gratitude — but it takes practice. Start a Notice the Good Jar to regularly notice and celebrate acts of kindness in your family.
A Mindful Round-Up: Appreciating Our Teachers
If there’s one thing sheltering in place has shown us, it’s how much thought, patience, support, commitment and care teachers give their students every day. Now more than ever is a terrific time to show them how much they’re truly appreciated.
Peace Kits for Pandemic Heroes
This week marks the first anniversary of the Mindful Littles Peace Kits for Paradise service project when partnered with the Orinda Union school district to create and deliver peace kits to share with Paradise Unified students in the aftermath of the devastating Camp Fire,
Peacemaker Thank Yous Connect Gratitude With Peace
Introducing young children to the concept of peace helps them return to those feelings of calm and contentedness when they experience emotional overwhelm. Linking the feeling of peace with a particular person, like a parent, teacher or friend helps reinforce for kids that they’re not alone when they need help regulating.
Answering the question, “What is Labor Day?”
This last week my 6-year old asked me a simple question, “Mommy, what is Labor Day?” I realized I hadn’t really spent any energy thinking about the meaning of this national holiday.
Moving Meditation: Root to Rise
This moving meditation is to help children visualize the practice of rooting in order to rise. We root to ground, to find strength. We rise as we become heartful, kind to ourselves, others and the world around us.
Toss the Gratitude Ball to Express Thanks
This activity is a variation on the popular ice-breaker game, Toss the Beach Ball, and is wonderful for children of any age range as well as adults. The idea is to inspire young children to think of the small things in their lives they’re grateful for.