Last Sunday, my husband and I watched Oprah’s Next Chapter. In the episode Oprah visited Fairfield, Iowa, a town where thousands gather to meditate daily as a group. It was astounding! We both felt totally inspired.
The local private school named The Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment practices a “conscious-based education” that incorporates transcendental meditation, yoga, and breathing techniques in the classroom. My husband and I were blown away and expressed how much we wished we could send our own children to a school like that, as it seems so closely in line with our values. The best part about watching this particular episode of Oprah’s Next Chapter is that it inspired us to start practicing meditation with our children.
Our kids are young, 3-years-old and 6-years-old. We decided we would like to try meditating with our children 2 times per day. Once after lunch, because my son is in Kindergarten for a half day, and the second time at 5pm when my husband returns home from work. This first week we decided on doing 2 minute meditations, and then hopefully work our way up to a longer period of time as the kids become more comfortable with it.
My first attempt to meditate with my children was interesting. I played some calming soundscapes music, and showed them how I was going to sit and close my eyes, emphasizing how important it is to quiet your mind and listen to your heart. I told the kids when we are done we can talk about what we felt during our meditation.
My 3-year-old daughter whispered for about 1.5 of the 2 minutes, and my 6-year-old son talked for maybe 1 out of the 2 minutes. The message I kept receiving as I was meditating was- it will get easier, which I absolutely believe will be true in time. The more I expose my children to meditation, the more natural I hope it will feel for them, plus what a great life tool!
After our first family meditation I asked my daughter what she felt during the meditation. She said she felt God in her heart, and then continued on about wanting fruit snacks or something like that. My son was mainly interested in getting back to playing cars, however I’m really glad we tried it, and I look forward to continuing to practice meditation with my kids.
Next meditation, I plan on having my kids lie down instead of sit up. My hope is that lying down will induce more calm for them. It was actually my daughter’s great idea. She said we should lie down next time and I think she may be right. I personally would love to try the Transcendental Meditation program!
Watch Video: A brief introduction to the TM technique
Have you ever tried meditating with your children? Or participated in a group meditation? Please share!
