Saturday, 12 July 2014

Working with Children

Working with children is great, they are receptive, keen to learn, to explore, to understand. They love identifying new things and to understand our connection to the world around us.


On the butterfly mound at Ford Park, Ulverston


They ask great questions too, including why as adults we do things the way we do. When did you last ask yourself that question? Working on a project with the Gardening Team at Ford Park in Ulverston has involved children from local schools and older adults who can share their knowledge. But it's not a one way transfer we all learn from each other. A key lesson based on the questioning of the children is to challenge ourselves. Ask why we accept certain things the way they are, is there a better way?

In our mindfulness practice we can learn to still the intrusion of old habits, old ways of thinking, and to connect more with the natural world we are after all part of as a means of recognising the consequences of our actions. With practice we learn to be calmer, less stressed yet more thoughtful and caring not only of each other but our wider environment. 

A short breath awareness meditation in the garden,
the children noticing where they most feel their breath