This year was different . . .

This year was different!  Different in so many ways but also some things stayed the same….. Can you think about some of these differences and similarities from the beginning of the year until the end of the year?  Any positive things that you noticed at the beginning of the year and end and any challenges?

Here is a story about why this year is different. You all did an amazing job this year and working through a challenging time and we are all so proud of you! We hope you celebrate all that you have learned and accomplished this year.

https://safeYouTube.net/w/d0RI

Parent Tip:  Try to use this time at the end of the year to reflect as well.  Where were the silver linings, what did you overcome, who helped you during this time, what are you grateful for, etc.  One important question to ask yourself, is there any advice you would have given yourself before the pandemic happened (knowing what you know now after experiencing it)?  This reflection is not to diminish the hardships of this experience and situation but to help you see the positives as well.  You did well :) 

You are Awesome :)

We are in the home stretch.  Time for you to practice saying some positive messages to yourself!  This is so important to practice ALL the time.  

Watch this video to practice some pretty helpful things to say to yourself.  Repeat these phrases aloud or in your head . . . either work.

https://safeYouTube.net/w/CdYI

I enjoy learning and gaining new knowledge.

Learning is fun and exciting.

I am proud of being unique.

I learn and improve from my mistakes.

I believe in myself and my abilities.

Setbacks will only make me stronger.

I am smart and I have great ideas.

I am talented and gifted in my own way.

Let’s have a great day.

Parent Tip: This is such a challenging and difficult time in so many ways and for so many reasons.  Be gentle and kind to yourself.  An article from PBS titled You ARE Enough :)

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/parenting-during-coronavirus-you-are-enough

Inner Explorer :)

INNER EXPLORER APP

This is for everyone :)  Parents, guardians, relatives, siblings, students, children and YOU!  Inner Explorer is the online Mindfulness Program that many teachers have been using at Abbot School to support students in their classroom this year.  It includes a variety of guided daily practices on mindfulness for all ages preschool through high school.

Right now, they are offering a free APP for families called I AM PRESENT!  It is FREE through the end of AUGUST!  Try it out :)

https://www.innerexplorer.org/compass/mobileApp

It's time to practice Laughing :)

Laughter Exercise

Ever heard the phrase laughter is the best medicine?  Laughter isn’t really a medicine, but it can make you feel better.  Laughing can help you relax, release endorphins (chemicals that help your body feel good), and even have a positive impact on your immune system.  The cool thing is your body doesn’t really know the difference between a real laugh and a fake one and the fake ones can often turn into a real one.

Here is a short one minute video of practicing laughing!  Feel free to join in.  Then maybe see if you and someone in your family can do a 30 second laughing challenge . . . who can laugh the longest, even if it is a fake laugh!  Ready, set go!

https://safeYouTube.net/w/yuuG

Here is a fun video of some babies laughing!  Give it a try, it will make you smile and laugh along!  Laughing can often pass from one person to another, just like a yawn can!

https://safeYouTube.net/w/RfuG

Parent Tip: 

If you want to get some laughter in . . . watch this video to figure out why it could help https://safeYouTube.net/w/YZtG   It is fun :)

Raisin Meditation . . . yummy!

Raisin Meditation 

Using the raisin meditation can foster mindfulness around thoughtful eating, being aware of what we are eating, and focusing in-the-moment on what and how we eat.  This meditation encompasses all of our senses in a single, simple act of eating a raisin.  The link below explains the benefits of the raisin meditation and offers a script for “walking through” the meditation.  ***If you don’t like raisins, feel free to try this with another small piece of food (ex. orange slice, piece of chocolate, cracker, etc.).

If you can, have an adult read you through these steps while you enjoy your raisin or whatever snack you choose :)

Raisin meditation mindfulness exercise | AXA PPP Healthcare

Parent Tip:

Feel free to try this activity at home for you too!  Here is a Raisin Meditation geared towards adults!

https://safeYouTube.net/w/xE7E

Kindness and Compassion

Kindness and Compassion to yourself and others :) 

One of the Mindfulness Moments that we practice before guidance lessons is an abbreviated version of the following Loving Kindness/Friendly Wishes Meditation for children. We often call this sending kind thoughts to yourself and others.  It is so important as we have talked about to notice our thoughts and whether they are helpful (inner coach) or hurtful (inner critic).  Practicing sending kind thoughts to yourself and others can help you strengthen your inner coach and show compassion to yourself and others.

Try this guided meditation at home and see what you think.  Hope you feel better afterwards :)

Friendly Wishes Guided Meditation for Kids (Peace Out)

https://safeYouTube.net/w/PjkC

Parent Tip: 

Loving Kindness Meditation for adults: 

       https://safeYouTube.net/w/ipkC

 “With compassion meditation, it slows everything down so you can practice being calmer or noticing the feelings that arise and learning to be less reactive to it. This gives you more mental space to focus on the other person, to practice wishing kindness and wanting them to be well, and I think both parts are really important for effectively responding to people suffering.” 

- Helen Weng, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at UC San Francisco

Training Your Compassion “Muscle” May Boost Brain's Resilience in the Face of Suffering  

Sounds :)

In Mindfulness, we talk a lot about using our 5 senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch) to help us be present in the moment.  Some sounds can make you feel calm and relaxed, while others may make you feel excited or happy and some can even make you feel a little stressed or frustrated.  Please explore these SOUNDS and see how they make you feel and which one you like the best :)

Blog with links to relaxing sounds:

Positive Background Music for Kids-Morning Time (somewhat energizing)

https://safeyoutube.net/w/vZq9

(Water sounds):

https://safeYouTube.net/w/3838

(Forest Sounds):

https://safeyoutube.net/w/wUq9

Parent Tip:  Take a “Sound Bath”.  This website from the University of Nevada, Reno explains why sound and music can help in stress reduction.  This site has a sampler of 11 different types of music...take a “Sound Bath” and discover the different effects music has on your sense of well-being:

https://www.unr.edu/counseling/virtual-relaxation-room/releasing-stress-through-the-power-of-music

10 Benefits of Listening to Relaxing Music:

https://exploringyourmind.com/10-benefits-relaxing-music/