Children see and endure a lot more than us adults can imagine or would like to admit. They see and hear things at school, deal with small but hurtful things other children (and some adults) say. At times they themselves make mistakes, by saying or doing things without thinking, sometimes out of anger or pain, or perhaps from being taught wrong. Many times we haven't said the right words or explained a situation to the point of the child healing, growing from or comprehending. There ARE lingering issues in all children, we all have a memory or story that effected us- consciously, subconsciously or both. No one parent is perfect. Even when living a well rounded good life- a child should still be shown how to go inward. This technique allows a child to find self and build a healthy life long habit of self appreciation and/ or ability to self heal (IF NEEDED). We must understand that their minds and hearts are pure, at times they take things literally or imagine them way out of proportion. Their perception is unlike ours and cannot be found in our imagination or dreams. Their curiosity is limitless and eager. It is so important to offer children a time of inner projection, forgiveness and a creative path to find their individuality. Their meditation can be healing, offer clarity and answers, creativity or simply be a quiet moment for their mind. We should know that meditation and self healing is a God given tool within us all. Again, this works on many levels- from inner awareness to healing. There are many many descriptions children will use to describe their experience and can be indications and helpful info to a parent on the psychological and spiritual development of their child. This technique should be fun and will flow naturally after done a few times or so. You will alter it and add or take away according to your parental instincts.
This is the original meditation I created one night and taught to my children about a year ago, when our power was out for days, we had candles everywhere, it was hot and they were cranky-
THE ENVIRONMENT
Non vocal- Ambient music; music without words, leaves the mind clear an able to focus on the silence that heals the soul. Start by turning on low, soft ambient (non vocal) music. If this is your childs first time hearing that type of music, there might be some giggling as they adjust to their new feelings that arise with the reaction of having to create individual ideas that come from the inner simulative music, rather than following the words of a song.
Comfortable, warm, solitude; It is important that a child can also find safety within and comfort when alone, not snuggled or dependent. They know you love them and that you are there. You would be surprised to know the amount of people with infantile dysfunction, or people who simply cant stand to be alone with themselves, without vocal music, a cell phone, tv, book, pet or computer. This mental reflection and inward journey can only be done solo.
A light blanket; This is so the child is warm and not distracted by temperature or breezes around.
A fairly bright white candle; tell the child that this candle symbolizes the energy, light and goodness within them- how light can brighten darkness, but darkness can never cast out light. This is the light of God, that no matter where they are, God is within them and is attainable no matter what. Tell them to just imagine that the more they look inward and keep a loving essence on their mind and in their heart, the more their light will brighten and they will never fear any kind of dark.
THE MEDITATION
Begin by asking your child to close his or her eyes- to keep them closed the until asked to reopen. Say to them "Its not bedtime, its just quiet self time". Have your child imagine that they are a strong beautiful/ or handsome young tree. Tell them to imagine the feeling of the sun shining warm upon them and growing them strong.
[Repeat with slightly different words]
Ask them not to image anything else, so that they can have a strong mind (this builds discipline of the mind). Keeping clear the vision of them as a young strong tree, with grass around, a beautiful sky and the warmth of the sun.
Now say to the child, "imagine that you are rooted right next to a gentle, but powerful river or stream. This river has the purest of water, the most delicious quenchable water. Imagine your tree growing its roots deeper and deeper into the soil and being nourished by this water. (Tell them to gently stretch and slowly wiggle their toes) Now, in a few words, gently say, "the water, is the words and essence of God- love, peace, good will, forgiveness, wisdom... what a beautiful tree that is growing." Then softly recap... "You are a beautiful tree" (remind them-no distractions- just grass and sky) "Planted by the purest water and what it represents". "Your roots and nourishment from being rooted and strong by this water."
Next is the healing part. As they lay there with the guided imagery you have laid out, and their eyes still closed, say to them, "look up the river... against the tide. I see a boat coming...wow...that is a beautiful boat.... HHUUMMM....lets think....if we are this awesome tree, rooted in this pure water, what all have we seen or heard while growing? The weather hasn't always been this nice! Sometimes it rains, sometimes you can hear or fear a storm coming. You have even been in and seen a few storms before. Haven't you? Think to yourself about an event or problem that happened in life and how you felt- whether it was big or tiny. Be honest with yourself. Was it something you did or said wrong? Something someone did to you? Did someone hurt or scare you? Did you loose someone or thing? Did it make you sad, ashamed, or scared? How did you feel?" (Dont have the child elaborate on their feelings, just bring them to the surface) Then gently say to the child, "those events or person(s) symbolize the weather that your tree has been growing through." "Uhhoo.... the boat has gotten closer and is right by your tree- in the water! Lets take that event or person(s), no matter what it was and imagine IT ALL ON THE BOAT! If you were mad at a person or hurt, make sure NOT to let their boat be ugly or damaged, make sure they have a nice safe boat." (teaches forgiveness) Give the child a few seconds to let the feeling(s) go and imagine the event or person involved ON the boat. Then tell the child to image the breeze and their tree gently rocking in a good bye motion and the mighty waters gently carrying it all away.... you can even make the sound of waves (swissshhh, swisshhh, swiffshhh) "Say- Bye, boat" and ask the child to smile- and watch the boat gently fade away and let it all go. Tell the child to grow their roots EVEN deeper now and gently stretch and wiggle their toes. Wait a few seconds. Say things like "beautiful tree", "flowing waters", "sun shining" and so on. Remind them with every ship or boat they let pass this way, their roots and the inner bond grows deeper. (eyes still closed) Then say to the child, "think about what you learnt from that storm or rain cloud, person or event- that left on the boat? Did you learn what NOT to do now or when you are grown. A different way to handle a situation? What did you learn? Keep the lesson and let any pain or anger go. Only hold on to what the water leaves for your nourishment and well being. Wiggle your toes again and softly open your eyes."
After their meditation, here is a conversation topic;
"If you learn from whatever it was you put on that boat and grow strong by that water of life and goodness, you will produce good fruit!"
What is an example of "good fruit"? They might say a "fresh apple" and/ or speak of fruit literally. Some children automatically grasp the concept and say "the Good fruit is my Good deeds" Because you have used metaphors like, "Storms compared to a life event" or "guided mental imagery of them as a tree", the child will understand. Ask your child to give an example of good fruit from their tree.... EXAMPLES; being kind, speaking kindly, helping, sharing, hard working etc. is good fruit. What is Dads good fruit and Moms?
Only go over 1 inner issue per meditation.
Listen to your child
If scary things come up, like a tornado, monsters, or a tainted surrounding- the child needs to be talked to separately- to let it out and be assisted with an issue they are holding on to.
Some times a child will describe to you their tree and you will have an insight as a parent of their level of confidence or desire to be. If the child is imagining that their tree is tiny and/ or frail, the child needs you to help him/her to build their confidence and self esteem. If the child imagines dark or ugly waters, they are not feeling as safe or secure as they should.
Self forgiveness
If this meditation brings your child to face something they did or said wrong, make sure they understand to forgive themselves for mistakes and wrong doings- BUT LEARN FROM THEM. They must take responsibly for their actions and or words, before moving on. Furthermore, do they need you to help them see things from a more positive or corrected perception? What could they do differently?NOTE, over reacting to something your child has said or done wrong, will make you unapproachable!They will be less likely to come to you or be completely honest next time they need to talk. If you are a very stern parent and gently take your child through this, you just might hear some childhood confessions come up soon or later. That is a GOOD thing, they are ready to learn and move on!
Again, there are many many many descriptions children will use and can be indications and helpful info to a parent on the psychological and spiritual development of their child. This technique will be fun and will flow naturally after done a few times or so. You will alter it and add or take away according to your parental instincts.
Peace and love be with you all.
