In generations past, the use of meditation and imagery in medical or psychological healing was suspect at best. Now, across the country, parents, counselors and psychology professionals and many school districts are introducing mindfulness practices to children. From the simplest breathing techniques to guided visualizations, the results are impressive: measurable, lasting effects on kids' ability to self-regulate, focus, and learn. Mindfulness and imagery techniques are being used with consistent success in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, oppositional behaviors, test-taking phobias, and even physical complaints like bedwetting and headache.

Dr. Charlotte Reznick is my teaching partner this month (November 22). She's a powerful advocate for children recovering from stress, trauma, and crisis, helping them develop their ability to concentrate, and manage stress. Working with children and their parents, she selects from a range of therapeutic techniques.

Since two of my specialities are chronic pain and recovery from trauma, I've been especially curious about her approaches to these issues in children. For a child preparing to face a frightening medical procedure, she may guide him to "meet" an animal friend who guards him and keeps him safe during a hospital visit. For a child dealing with intense pain, she may help the patient visualize freezing-cold ice cream as an anesthetic.

Charlotte might also take a terrorized child on a journey to a planet that's more loving and beautiful than the one they know. This work can help a young person create a sense of hope and a new vision of what's possible in their own lives. With practice and support, this kind of vision can begin to guide the child's person's day-to-day decisions.

To paraphrase from her inspiring TED talk (these techniques can effectively bypass the child's intellectual frustration ("I don't know how, and I'm getting upset and scared") to tap into their more intuitive side. As an example, for older kids, imagining a conversation with Albert Einstein can be very helpful in quelling anxiety during a math test. A shy young girl might imagine a magic necklace that emboldens her to speak up more.

Charlotte presents a wealth of creative applications for mindfulness interventions and has used body inquiry, colors, and even technology imagery to excellent effect.

Other experts have drawn from similar perspectives.  One of Dawn Gluskin's mindful breathing practices involves "blowing out the candle." With fingers clasped and the two index fingers raised under the mouth, kids are taught to take a deep breath and let it out very slowly, therefore "blowing out the candle" and achieving a state of calm.

Some mindfulness practitioners have emphasized the senses. Sarah Herrington, for example, notes that in a world of sensory overload, meditation can help kids focus, regulate their feelings, and pay attention to what's inside and out. While we direct adults to turn inward, with kids, often the first step in meditation practice is to consciously explore the senses and how each sense can connect them to the outside world before they turn inside.

To use the auditory modality, for example, Herrington asks children to use their sense of hearing to explore sound. Introducing gentle bell sounds, she asks kids to first explore the sound, raising their hands when they first hear the sound, and then again when they hear it stop.

The key to working mindfully with kids is to help them have fun. Charlotte Reznick is a master at engaging kids in a host of intriguing and powerful ways. Please join us on the 22nd or afterwards through replay or download to learn more.
Go now to register here.