Being aware of one’s surroundings can be an important safety practice. We teach children to pay attention when crossing a road or walking after dark. We show them how to monitor traffic as they ride their bikes through neighborhood streets. We remind them to notice the people around them who can help if needed.
But awareness is not just useful for personal safety. It is also a powerful spiritual tool. Children can learn to be aware of their emotions, to pay attention to the needs of those around them, to notice the firmness of the earth below their feet and the openness of the sky above them. They can practice being present and picking up on what they see, hear, and feel in that moment.
Invite children to explore awareness with this movement meditation 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.
Listen to your breath.
Feel your breath on your hands.
Catch your warm breath and let it go.
Look around you.
Notice all the people in the room.
Nod at each person and wish them well.
Stand up slowly.
Feel the ground beneath you.
Jump up and down and let it catch you.
Close your eyes.
Feel God’s presence with you.
Catch God’s great love
And share some with others.
Listen to your breath.
Feel your breath on your hands.
Catch your warm breath and let it go.
Look around you.
Notice all the people in the room.
Nod at each person and wish them well.
Stand up slowly.
Feel the ground beneath you.
Jump up and down and let it catch you.
Close your eyes.
Feel God’s presence with you.
Catch God’s great love
And share some with others.
Listen to your breath.
Feel your breath on your hands.
Catch your warm breath and let it go.
Look around you.
Notice all the people in the room.
Nod at each person and wish them well.
Stand up slowly.
Feel the ground beneath you.
Jump up and down and let it catch you.
Close your eyes.
Feel God’s presence with you.
Catch God’s great love
And share some with others.
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