Mindfulness is a buzzword that has been making waves in recent years, with people of all ages recognizing its benefit for mental health and overall well-being.
Mindfulness is a mental state of awareness, focused on the present moment, without judgment. It's a practice of bringing one's attention to the here and now, and observing one's thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting caught up in them.
While mindfulness practices have traditionally been seen as something for adults, the benefits of mindfulness are just as important for children. With the increasingly fast-paced nature of modern life, mindfulness is becoming more important than ever for kids, who need a way to calm their minds and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
The Breathing Buddha
Breathing Buddhas are simple but effective tools that use lights and colors to create a calming atmosphere. They are designed to help individuals regulate their breathing according to the 4-7-8 method. This breathing technique involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.
So what are some ways that Breathing Buddhas can help children to cultivate mindfulness? Let’s take a closer look!
1- Visually stimulating: By providing a calming and visually pleasing atmosphere, these lamps can help children focus and become more mindful of their surroundings. The light changes in color from green (4 seconds) to purple (7 seconds) to blue (8 seconds) to model the specific technique.
Even if children can’t yet employ this specific breathing pattern, they will enjoy watching the soft colors change and practice with increased success. By starting with a simple goal (ex, breathe in and out each time the colors change), children can increase their confidence and mastery of this technique over time!
2- Portability: These Buddhas can be used wherever and whenever needed! The lamps are extremely lightweight which makes them ideal for transporting as a nightlight to packing for car rides, day trips, and vacations. As any busy parent knows, any change in a child’s routine can cause stress and increased anxiety. Bringing a familiar tool that brings awareness to slowing down one’s breathing and heart rate can promote a sense of relaxation, calmness, and predictability.
3- Affordability: Mindfulness is a practice shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase empathy and compassion.
Given the benefits of mindfulness for children’s mental health, a Breathing Buddha is a great investment at less than $25 per lamp.
4- Inclusivity: Breathing Buddhas are a great tool for promoting inclusivity in the classroom or at home. They are simple and intuitive to use, making them accessible for children of all ages and abilities, including those with ADHD, autism, or other developmental challenges. They can provide a calm and quiet space for children to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed or anxious, without feeling stigmatized.
5- Parental involvement: Using a Breathing Buddha as a tool for mindfulness can be a great way for parents to engage with their children and model healthy coping mechanisms. Parents can use the lamps as a starting point for talking with their children about their feelings and emotions, and teaching them to regulate their breathing in times of stress or anxiety. This can foster a deeper level of communication and understanding between parents and their children.
6- Habit-building: Consistency is key to building any habit, and mindfulness is no exception. By incorporating the use of a Breathing Buddha into a child's daily routine, they can build a healthy habit of mindfulness that will benefit them throughout their lives. Starting with short sessions of 1-2 minutes at first, and gradually increasing the time, children can build up their capacity for mindfulness and reap the rewards of reduced stress and anxiety, increased focus and concentration, and improved emotional regulation.
Conclusion
Overall, a Breathing Buddha is a versatile and affordable tool that can help children cultivate mindfulness in a fun and engaging way. With its visual appeal, portability, inclusivity, and habit-building potential, it is an excellent investment for any parent looking to support their child's mental health and well-being.
