THEME: “HEALING”
LET’S TAKE THE WEIGHT OFF OUR SHOULDERS AND NURTURE OURSELVES
The additional pressures we are facing these days are enormous. It is vital we take time to heal through nurturing ourselves and taking the weight off our shoulders.
We have created a “Healing” toolbox as a result, with activities and challenges that will help you release feelings of being overloaded, breathe and connect. This toolbox is designed with you and your little ones in mind, and is here to help support the family as a whole.
We are here for you, for them.
Join our private facebook group for additional support
GUIDED MEDITATION
Watch the short explainer video by Jen, that describes how to settle in with a meditation.
family healing meditation
Time: 8 minutes
When to practice: As often as you need
It’s easy for us to suddenly feel really overwhelmed and overloaded, and at present, not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a lot of pressure and a challenge. We understand no matter where you are in the world, we’re all feeling this heaviness. It makes it particularly important that we take some time to heal ourselves, especially as parents.
For this month’s meditation on healing, grab a blanket and get cosy. You can do anytime yourself, or with your family members too.
Simply click on the video and settle in. We are here for you, for them.
5-minute break! try these activities for when you need to stretch, calm your mind, or to welcome healing and warmth into your heart
LIGHT AS A FEATHER
Let’s take our stresses away and feel as light as a feather! While your little one or family member lays on the floor, stand at their feet, bend over to gently hold onto their ankles and one, two, THREE! raise their ankles up so their legs lift up high. Sway their legs from side to side like they are a feather blowing in the wind, and carry on swaying them as they slowly return back to earth. Press gently on the tops of their feet once they meet the ground. Let’s take this feeling of lightness into the rest of our day.
RAG DOLL POSE
Stand with your feet hip width apart, bend your knees, and bounce a little. Imagine someone is holding you up with a string from the top of your head then suddenly they let go! Down we go! Fold over And allow your tummy to rest on your legs like a floppy rag doll. swing gently from side to side. the arms can fall towards the ground or maybe rest on your tummy or feet. Make sure your neck is nice and relaxed, nod your head for yes and shake it for no. When you’re ready, slowly roll yourself back up to standing, making sure the head comes up last. Enjoy this nice, relaxed feeling.
SLEEPY TIME CALMING POSES
ROCK IN A RIVER
Imagine you are a tiny rock at the river. You sit there quietly and peacefully, hunched up in a little ball and feel the ripples of the water washing over your back (you can waft a blanket over your little one to simulate the water). Sometimes you feel big waves washing over you, and then slow calm waves. But the river always calms as nighttime draws in, and slowly comes to stillness.
STARRY SKY SAVASANA
Dim the lights, grab a blanket and lay on your back with your little one by your side. Look up and imagine seeing a starry sky. Allow your arms to rest long alongside your body, palms facing up. Take a moment to be still together and visualize yourselves as stars in the sky. We are all made of magical stardust, we all are unique and sparkle bright just like every star in the sky.
CHALLENGE EXERCISE! YOUR BREATH AS A MAGICAL HEALING TOOL
Try this breathing exercise before you start your homework, and for any time you need to calm your worrying mind. Remember your breath is a magical healing tool, so we can train ourselves to use it at any moment that life feels heavy. Mark down on a piece of paper when you’ve done this exercise to keep track. You can even write down how you feel before the exercise, and then after. Notice the change in how you feel!
STORY FOR COURAGE, HEALING AND CALM: BENNY THE BEAVER
“i am enough” MANTRA
We are going to focus on a mantra this month which serves to remind us of what we are and that we are doing our best. So as you breathe in tell yourself: “I am” and as we breathe out, “Enough.” Repeat as many times as you need.
(click on the image to be guided through the mantra, you can also practice on your own!)
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
CREATIVE ACTIVITY: HEALING BANDAGE WORKSHEET
Grab a piece of paper (can be any size), pencils, crayons and/or markers. Draw a bandage which serves as a symbol of healing. Think about what things make you heal when you feel sad or like there is too much going on. Talk about these things with your little ones, taking turns to share, then draw or write them on your worksheet.
THUMBS!
Get children used to sharing how they are feeling by showing thumbs! Thumbs up means good, thumbs halfway means a bit wobbly, and thumbs down means not so good. Invite them to talk for a moment about why they are feeling how they are today, and reiterate that all feelings are valid and accepted.
CALMING music
We have offered these music selections, to use during any of your poses, mantras, meditations and/or quiet time. It’s even lovely music to have in the background while you’re doing homework with the little ones, reading, before falling asleep and any time you just need to take a moment and unwind.