Mindfulness is a buzz word for this decade it appears. And more recently in the last several years as we have struggled through covid and everything that comes with it. Having a healthy grasp of your mindfulness is more important than ever. However, oftentimes we only look at mindfulness as it applies to adults. In this blog we’re going to talk about mindfulness with our kids, teens and young adults.
As a child growing up Jewish, I remember celebrating certain BIG Jewish holidays, like Rosh Hashanah, in a large synagogue outside San Francisco somewhere. Don’t ask me, I don’t remember the name. (maybe ask my mom) But the place was HUGE and with many buildings. I also don’t remember the inside of the sanctuary ONE BIT. But I remember the lobby, which was the sanctuary for kids looking for sanctuary from the sanctuary. LOL!
Your kids may be having a serious case of the feels these days—from sadness and anxiety to feeling disconnected, lonely, and bored. And no wonder! While most of us are not certified art therapists, we can still incorporate a few art therapy activities to help them identify and manage their emotions.
What exactly is mental health? According to the website called mentalhealth.com, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. “
Have you ever wondered how an artist like Salvador Dali came up with the paintings that he did? Have you ever stared at an MC Escher painting and wondered what the heck is going on in that guy’s head that he was able to not only think of the works that he created but actually make them? How are their creative minds different from your mind?