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Practicing Mindful Gratitude
Practicing Mindful Gratitude featured image

What is Mindfulness?

None of us could’ve predicted the ways our lives have changed in the wake of COVID. There are numerous benefits to practicing mindfulness and gratitude, all of which alleviate the stress and anxiety of current life. Mindfulness can help stop the constant chatter in the mind, allowing people to take time to recognize and cope with their emotions. This may be especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, with all that being said, what is “mindfulness?”

According to CHC Online, mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment and accepting what you are sensing and feeling without interpretation or judgment.  Mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other techniques to relax the body and mind and reduce stress.

Mindfulness has benefits for kids too. Mindfulness helps kids focus, reduce anxiety, and regulate their emotions. It has even been shown to reduce aggression, which improves social relationships.

Let’s get started! We’ve assembled a collection of resources so you can learn more about mindfulness and find the methods and techniques that work best for you.

 

Videos

Morning MeditOcean A Guided Meditation with the Jellies from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

3 Minute Body Scan Meditation – Mindfulness For Kids And Adults from Fablefy – The Whole Child.

Kids’ Meditation – Butterfly body scan from Stop, Breathe & Think

Apps

This month’s edition of Power Parent Magazine features an article with gratitude and mindfulness apps for children, but it’s just as important for adults to have access to the apps that help guide us toward more mindful living. Check out the following apps and websites:

  • Headspace

Beginner-friendly. Has free 10-day trial and a discounted student plan.

  • Stop, Breathe, & Think 
Designed to help you check in with how you’re feeling and choose a mindfulness practice tuned to your emotions.
  • Calm.com 
Includes a seven-day free trial and multiple features, including a special bedtime-story option.
  • Simple Habit 

Offering new meditation plans and collections designed specifically for stress and anxiety related to coronavirus.

Also, check out these recommendations for meditation and mindfulness apps for kids and families from Common Sense Media.

Books

The Thank you Book

Thank you, Mr. Falker

Thank You, Mr Falker!: Patricia Polacco: 9780399231667 - Christianbook.com

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch

Children's Book Review: Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Judith Stuller Hannant, Author, Eileen Spinelli, Author, Paul Yalowitz, Illustrator Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing $16.95 (32p) ISBN 978-0-02-786015-3

Bear Says Thanks

Don’t Say a Word, Mama

Giving Thanks – A Native American Good Morning Message

The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings 

Gracias Thanks 

The THANKFUL Book

Splat Says Thank You!

Hey, Mr. Kid President! Tell us about Gratitude!

Kid President Classic | Episode II - YouTube

“Thankful for a Friend” with Leon Bridges

The one thing all humans have in common is that each of us wants to be happy, says Brother David Steindl-Rast, a monk and interfaith scholar. And happiness, he suggests, is born from gratitude. An inspiring lesson in slowing down, looking where you’re going, and above all, being grateful.

10 TED Talks for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

Related articles from the November 2021 issue

Parenting During a Pandemic

Gratitude Exercises & Activities

COVID Thanksgiving

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(616) 819-1977

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