Cloud Gazing: A Short and Simple Mindfulness Meditation for Kids
This simple cloud gazing mindfulness meditation encourages kids to take a mindful pause in their day and provide an opportunity for rest. Cloud gazing can be a wonderful opportunity for children to practice mindfulness and connect with nature. Children can calm their bodies and minds with the help of the clouds in the sky. Clouds show us that nature is always changing, just like ourselves. Watching the clouds drifting and moving through the sky can help kids understand their thoughts and emotions. It can also help them connect with the idea that everything, in time, passes.
As the weather is getting warmer it is a great time to practice this simple cloud gazing meditation. This cloud gazing meditation is ideally done on a bright day with blue skies and white clouds. However, it can also be practiced on a gloomy day with dark clouds. Try it on both dark and clear days and see if you get different emotions and feelings come up in the kids you’re guiding through the meditation.
Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is a way of being present in each moment, noticing what you are experiencing—with compassion and without judgment. You can read more about the Benefits of Mindfulness here.
Mindfulness strategies and techniques can develop emotional and attention regulation skills. Mindfulness can alsogive students a solid footing that makes it possible to effectively engage in both social-emotional and academic learning in the classroom.
The benefits of Mindfulness for Kids and the benefits for Adults are similar.
Children who practice mindfulness will find it much easier to focus and actively engage in the classroom. Practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises can be very powerful for kids as they grow and navigate the world we live in. Students in the classroom who use mindfulness will bring a sense of collective calm to the space as well making the learning environment more favorable for everyone. Incorporating mindfulness can be fun !
How to:
- Get outside and get comfortable. Lay on your back and gaze up towards the sky.
- Remind the kids not to stare directly into the sun
- Start to breathe in and out
- Listen to the soft soothing voice of someone guiding you through this Cloud Meditation.
Ways to Use:
- This very simple Mindfulness Practice can be used to calm down a class or a child by taking a few minutes and heading outside to breathe.
- Enjoy the cloud gazing for as long as you wish.
- Use when the day is getting chaotic or busy, and children are having difficulty concentrating on their work or self-regulating in a classroom or therapy session.
- Pair it with some other outdoor mindfulness activities. Try going on a Mindful Walk. Practice deep breathing in the grass with Sun breath, or Hot Air Balloon Breath. You can also guide them through some Belly Breathing while kids are laying on their backs.
Let me know if you used this cloud gazing and how your kids enjoyed it!
Try out some of my easy guided breathwork for kids:
