Meditations for Kids

Think back to your childhood: wouldn't it have been wonderful to learn how to relax and stay calm in stressful situations when you were growing up? You can give your children this gift by meditating with them. If you're new to meditation, it may be intimidating at first, but don't worry - your child is likely a natural. When it comes to learning the art of meditation and guided imagery, children may truly have an advantage over adults - unbridled, beautiful imaginations. Customize with natural sounds and 10 helpful meditations including: * Breathing Relaxation for Kids * Worry and Anxiety * Deal With Everyday Stress * Decrease Fidgeting * Afraid of the Dark * Calm and Centered This is good news for anyone interested in teaching their children how to relax and stay calm in stressful situations; skills they can carry well into adulthood. Meditation is something everyone in the family can benefit from practicing, and it's something you can do together. What is Meditation, Mindfulness & Guided Imagery? Meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. When you meditate, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. Some research suggests that meditation may help people manage anxiety disorders, depression, high blood pressure, pain and sleep problems. There are also emotional benefits of meditation, including: * Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations * Building skills to manage your stress * Increasing self-awareness * Focusing on the present * Reducing negative emotions Mindfulness is a form of meditation rooted in spiritual teachings in which you focus your full attention on the present moment. You acknowledge what you feel and experience, and accept it, without judgment or criticism. Recent studies indicate that children who practice mindfulness show: * 24% increase in positive social behaviors * 24% decrease in aggression * 15% improvement in math scores * Reduction and prevention of depression-like symptoms * Improved classroom behavior, including self control, paying attention and showing respect for others Guided imagery is a way to access the images of the unconscious mind to help resolve problems and to gain greater insights and deeper understanding regarding a specific illness, issue, or situation. It may or may not be interactive and it usually uses prompted or suggested imagery. Please note: In some cases, meditation can worsen symptoms associated with certain mental and physical health conditions. Be sure to consult your health care provider before meditating if you or your family members have any of these conditions. As a key exercise in the mastery of meditation you will find that repetition brings a higher sense of peace and security.