Mindfulness: Internal Weather Report

Suki sitting still like a frog
 in her Halloween Costume

There is a saying in Oklahoma: "If you don't like the weather- wait five minutes." Today there is a crisp cold in the air, earlier this week we were all in short sleeves.

Moods are a bit like the Oklahoma weather, changing and temporary.  Children who learn to identify and accept their moods have good resilience.  They understand that a bad day doesn't mean a bad life . . . mindfulness has many implications for all ages.

Thank you for spending October with me exploring Mindfulness. In my research I came across a wonderful book on mindfulness with children: Sitting Still Like a Frog by Eline Snel.

Eline Snel  developed some easy (and fun!) exercises to introduce mindfulness concepts.  One of my favorites to use with children is Your Personal Weather Report.  A child draws their "internal weather" early in the day and then checks back later to see if the weather is the same or different. The author also tackles life skills such as practiced attention, understanding limits, letting go of thoughts and worries, and kindness.  The activities are appropriate for the smallest to the tallest in your family- that means you too!

COMFORT: Preparing for Tornadoes

Oklahoma children are afraid of tornadoes.  They should be.  In 2013 Oklahoma had 82 tornadoes across the state.  If you have never experienced a tornado it is difficult to imagine the quiet calm before the storm-the green sky-the sudden wind. The helpless feeling that comes with the realization that once you seek shelter there is nothing you can do but wait. 

An EF5 tornado can have winds up to 300 mph and cause damage spanning more than 2 miles. Healthy fear helps us to pay attention and get to safety.  Too much fear will make every rain cloud a disaster and disrupt living.   As we begin tornado season here in the Midwest parents need to help children manage their fear through knowledge, safety, comfort, and reassurance. 

Oklahoma parents owe a big thank you to Darleen Bailey Beard for finding the words to describe the before, during, and after of a tornado in her book Twister, beautifully illustrated by Nancy Carpenter.  I use Twister in my practice to help anxious children prepare for Oklahoma weather.  Last year I asked a child to summarize what she was learning from counseling “It is up to the grown-ups to help you know when to get to safety; it is up to kids to follow directions and just be kids until it is over.” Well said.

h/t mari farthing 

Author Darleen Bailey Beard was an encouraging speaker at the recent Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc.  Conference.  Darleen shared with us that she received a thank you letter from a teacher last year.  The teacher was from Briarwood Elementary in Moore, Oklahoma.   The teacher wrote that on May 20, 2013 she was huddled in her classroom with her students during the deadly EF5 tornado that destroyed much of the town. As the teacher considered how best to reassure the children during the storm she remembered her copy of Twister.  She read to her class and they made shadow puppets on the wall just like the children in the book.  The Weather Channel will be doing a feature (May 19^th tentative air time 8pm) which will include this teacher’s story.  Watch for the listing I am sure it will be educational and inspiring.  A word to the wise: I suggest that parents preview the show rather than watching with children. 

If you live in the Midwest- learn the location of available shelters and educate yourself so you are know how and when to direct your family to safety.  And remember to bring your copy of Twister- it will help with the wait.

Plugging back in after Screen Free Week

Marotta is "on the grid"

I am not Amish.  I fully admit to loving technology and all of the conveniences that come with being "plugged in." Despite my affinity for all things plugged I took the challenge and went off screens for one full week. It was like a trip back in time, except I did have a "mobile" so I could make and receive calls. No texts. No camera. No FaceBook. No email. No exceptions.

It was . . . different.

Driving was super quiet.  I would like to tell you I was a less distracted driver but I rediscovered old  past times for my commute.  Looking out of the windows.Watching other drivers.  Listening to the radio.  Did you hear that NPR aired a special on the Screen Free Week with the author of Doug Unplugged? It was awesome. 

Home was equally quiet.  I found myself particularly productive.  I cleaned, weeded, exercised, read (a book with pages!), and stayed up late.  When the "land line" phone rang I didn't recognize the sound. I was thrilled to hear my college kiddo's voice! She called the home number after trying my cell, and waiting for the text back that never came.  

"Who wrote the Max and Ruby series?"
 "Where is the restaurant?"
 "How many WW points is . . . ?"
"Would you order me tickets for the Listen to Your Mother show?

Family members and  friends were stressed by my seven day experiment.  I was like a three year old with all of my questions. They even nicknamed me "bossy pants" for delegating all google searches their way. Hey--I said thank you!

I stocked the waiting room with games, new toys, and information about SFW.  Many clients participated willingly, some not so much. I saw families playing cards, reading, and talking more.  It was like time travel.

Here are my personal conclusions from my venture out of the informational age:

• Talking was more meaningful and memorable than texting.
• Boredom didn't kill me.
• Boundaries for screens made me more focused.
• Time out from technology meant more movement (one day I logged 16,000 steps!)

I'm officially back on the grid, but making some changes. 

What did you learn from SFW 2013?