Children don’t always get along. Like adults, they get angry with siblings and friends. They feel resentment and frustration when somebody tells them what to do or restricts their activities. Sometimes they even lash out and have to be reminded to use their words rather than hitting or kicking.
As adults, we may shy away from talking about these difficult emotions with children. But a holistic approach to spirituality requires that we teach children to recognize and process these emotions in life-giving ways. Otherwise, we send a silent message that negative emotions are shameful and should be hidden deep inside rather than managed with grace.
Help children explore moving from anger to empathy with this movement meditation. Invite them to watch and imitate the motions on the video, or watch the video yourself to learn the movements and then use the script (see Related Resources) to guide children in the practice. There’s also a seated version of the meditation provided below for those who would find that format more accessible.
Transcript
Breathe in slowly, and feel the air move into your body.
Breathe out slowly, and feel the air move out of your body.
Breathe in slowly, and feel the air move into your body.
Breathe out slowly, and feel the air move out of your body.
Not every day is a ‘feel good’ day.
Sometimes we feel mad, or confused, we want to hit somebody so they will feel bad too.
But then we remember.
Everyone deserves to feel safe.
We are all warmed by the same sun, standing on the same ground.
God, when we feel like hitting others help us use kind words instead.
Not every day is a ‘feel good’ day.
Sometimes we feel mad, or confused, we want to hit somebody so they will feel bad too.
But then we remember.
Everyone deserves to feel safe.
We are all warmed by the same sun, standing on the same ground.
God, when we feel like hitting others help us use kind words instead.
Not every day is a ‘feel good’ day.
Sometimes we feel mad, or confused, we want to hit somebody so they will feel bad too.
But then we remember.
Everyone deserves to feel safe.
We are all warmed by the same sun, standing on the same ground.
God, when we feel like hitting others help us use kind words instead.
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