How do we help our children stay centred in a world that moves so fast and is full of traps?

We are made of choices

We are made of choices. Even when we decide not to choose, we are choosing. This happens all the time.

We live in a busy culture, with unlimited information and endless possibilities. If we don't filter all of it according to what we really need, we end up being consumed instead of consuming. Many people get lost in that sea of possibilities, drift away from their own centre, and find it harder to decide. When we're not grounded in a purpose and connected to who we are, we're much more easily pulled by whatever comes from outside.

Two treasures we already have

Here is a simple game you can start today with your child, to help them grow up more present and more connected to what's inside.

The idea is to build, from early on, the habit of meeting two of the greatest strengths we have as human beings, and that our culture keeps leaving aside: silence and the breath.

Two things to keep in mind

  1. Always respect the child's own time. Some will start with 5 seconds, some with 10. It doesn't matter. What matters is the habit.
  2. Never link this game with a punishment or with something hard. Always make it a pleasant game that feels good. You show that best through your own attitude.

The game, in three parts

Do it together, with your eyes closed.

  1. Choose a minute in your day, once or twice a week: before a meal, when you wake up, before bed, any time. Invite your child to stay in silence for a few seconds.
  2. Ask them to pay attention to the breath. You can take one deeper breath together to relax, letting it out slowly. Then breathe normally, just with the attention on the breath. You can guide it softly: "the air coming in", "the air going out".
  3. Now the fun part. Tell each other what you see with your eyes closed. Let the imagination fly, make up a short story, let it flow.

At the start this can be very short. The silence and the breath don't need to last more than a minute. The time will change from child to child, and it's not what matters most. What matters are the two points above.

Little by little

Bit by bit, this game helps a child become aware of two treasures we all have by nature, and that so often get forgotten. And it's just as good for you.

For you, the parent

Your own practice is the best example. Our community Power Yoga is every Tuesday at 6 PM, free on Zoom and $5 at our studio in Hamilton, Canada.