How many of you have heard the buzz word, "mindfulness" in mental health floating around? Many people mistakenly equate this term with meditation. However, mindfulness can be reduced to the very simple concept of becoming more aware in your everyday life. Mindfulness practices don't necessarily require for you to pull out your yoga mat and engage in a formal meditation (although this can also be very beneficial!).
Children are our BEST mindfulness teachers. They continuously remind us to find beauty around us and enjoy the little things. Additionally, children on the spectrum can display this skill through their unique sensory needs. A game I love to use with little ones I work with is our "54321" game. I ask children to pause and look for 5 things they can see, 4 things they can touch, 3 things they can hear, 2 things they can smell, and 1 thing they can taste. If they can't smell or taste something immediately, we ask them to imagine their favorite scents or flavors! This game is renowned for promoting increased awareness and is a good grounding tool for when our little ones are struggling to regulate their behaviors, attention, or emotions.
Here's wishing all of you a beautifully mindful week,
Dr. Laura
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