As the year winds down, children (and adults) begin to wonder what the new year might bring. They may hope for a new start or that the good of the last year will follow them into the next. They may have specific wishes or just want things generally to go well for them. Young children may not recognize the shift on their own but realize others are hyped for January 1. Older children may feel compelled to make new year’s resolutions and other plans to fit in with cultural expectations.
Mark the start of the new year together with a meditation that invites children and families to imagine themselves moving through the year with confidence and strength.
Transcript
New Year’s Imaginative Meditation
Find a comfortable place to sit and close your eyes. (pause)
Take a deep breath (pause) and let it out. (pause)
Deep breath (pause) and let it out. (pause)
Once more, breathe in (pause) and let it out. (pause)
Think of something you would like to do this winter. (pause)
Imagine yourself doing that thing. (pause)
Picture your face. How does it look? (pause)
How does your body feel? (pause)
Now think of something you want to do in the spring. (pause)
Imagine yourself doing that thing. (pause)
Picture your face. How does it look? (pause)
How does your body feel? (pause)
Now think of something you want to do next summer. (pause)
Imagine yourself doing that thing. (pause)
Picture your face. How does it look? (pause)
How does your body feel? (pause)
Now think of something you want to do next fall. (pause)
Imagine yourself doing that thing. (pause)
Picture your face. How does it look? (pause)
How does your body feel? (pause)
Take a deep breath (pause) and let it out. (pause)
Open your eyes when you are ready.
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