Frogs, Butterflies, Birds and deer: Mindfulness matters 6: learning to move with mindful attention

Year 6 were buzzing with the visit of students from their new secondary school but really got into the idea of thinking about and observing their thoughts. 15 seconds of them trying to think about nothing was the highlight today!

For the year 2's today was all about mindful movement. From squatting like a frog, waving arms like a bird, to standing like stork and being still as a deer. 

They finished off by lying down and letting their bodies go limp as a bowl of spaghetti

As they focused mindfully on the movements I became aware that they really seemed to be taking on the attributes of the animals they were emulating, until finishing off standing like a deer they became so still I felt i was surrounded by the animals in a woodland scene!

The focus on mindful movement and being in control of your body's movements is another way for kids to be helped to de-stress when there is a lot of tension about.

Whats interesting is that at this age there seems to be a real character difference in the kids. Some find the meditation brilliant and really benefit from it. You can see how a chance to be calm and quiet really helps them.

For others the calm quiet is really difficult but the mindful movement is something they really enjoy. They are focused and set free by the chance to move and hold a pose, and that will be a way for them to enjoy the calm.

And why shouldn't there be a difference? I dont mind meditation, but if you give me a chance I would go for mindful walking or Tai Chi/ chi gung as a way of calming down. That's what quietens my mind most. I suspect, however, that I benefit from both!

So that's the end of week 6. Two weeks to go in the pilot and looking forward to meeting the parents next week!


For a taste of mindful walking why not get the mindful walking app on the Apple app store and Google play. a small investment for a really positive experience Try it out on a walk through an area you know well, and see how many new things you see!