Your bubble
Helping children to understand that respecting their own space & time is important...
Part of beginning a Mind Happy practice is to ask children to sit, or step, inside a bubble.
"Draw it round yourself. Smile, close your eyes (if you can), mouths closed. Respect all those around you and yourself...this is time for you."
Teaching children that it is okay to have time out for themselves anywhere, anytime, is a relatively simple task but one that needs practise. Just as mindfulness requires patience and perseverance, our 'bubbles' need to be cultivated too. Children enjoy the imagery of a bubble - a light, ethereal sphere, gently glowing and floating, with themselves in the centre, sitting or standing tall, enjoying the peace that 'bubble time' can bring.
This initial settling before a practice allows the children to pause and to 'be.' They are able to consciously make the decision to respect themselves and others, by being still, quiet and alert. I always explain that as individuals they have a choice - a choice to actively take part, a choice to respect the time that is being offered to them, and also a choice to respect their friends and adults in the room. If they choose not to engage with the session, they still have the choice to let those around them have their time, by staying inside their bubbles, not disturbing others.
With younger children I play 'Pop the bubble,' where I attempt to burst the imaginary sphere they've drawn around themselves. This brings a sense of fun to the idea whilst allowing the children ownership, awareness, and stillness of their 'space.'
We can all create our own bubble time. I often imagine mine when I'm feeling mindful, outside on a beautiful walk, sitting on a train, just before beginning my own practice, whilst working with a group. I relish my individuality and stillness whilst being respectful of others around me...just being.
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