Kids experiencing anxiety, hyperactivity, depression or ADHD have found solace in meditation. They key to teaching kids to meditate lies in understanding their lack of focus skills. All kids can benefit from the increased concentration and calm meditation offers. Yet, the best technique for your child may vary according to their personality and lifestyle.
Sound Mantra
Help your child to choose a sound mantra that feels good to him/her. Examples of sound mantras are "om", "ah" or "hum". These sounds are Sanskrit mantras that resonate in the body and mind. Once you have agreed on a sound mantra, sit quietly together in a place where you will not be disturbed. Close your eyes. Repeat the sound mantra consistently together. As you continue to practice this, your child will become calmed and soothed by this technique. Sound mantra meditation is also known as the transcendental technique, which was introduced to the West by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The David Lynch Foundation successfully uses transcendental meditation to help hyperactive kids find their inner tranquility.
Guided visualization
Kids have tremendous imaginative capabilities, which makes guided visualization an appropriate meditation technique for them. While sitting quietly with your child with your eyes closed, you can begin to lead your child on a visual story into quiet and stillness within. Using images in your story such as a waterfall or field of grass can help your child find an inner relaxation that stills him/her. This technique works well for children of all ages.
Susan Kramer, Bella Online's meditation editor, suggests walking meditation is one of the best techniques to use with kids. Kramer begins on a familiar trail that is quiet. She walks at a moderate pace and shows the children how to match their breath with each step as they walk. She inhales for two breaths and exhales for two breaths as well, while instructing the children to count the breaths and refrain from talking to one another. When the kids' focus begins to wane, Kramer asks the children to think of an activity they can do after the meditation.
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