Billy and Betty are bored. Its raining, they have no internet connection, theres nothing to do. Then, the doorbell rings. A cheerful, rain soaked woman introduces herself: shes selling secrets. All it will cost is 5 minutes of their time.
Whats the biggest secret in the world?, the children ask.
Its right under you nose!, she replies.
But theres nothing there!
Look again. But not with your eyes.
When they look again, with their awareness, they find the breath. They feel it move. Over the next few pages they are guided through a mindfulness exercise, feeling their breath like waves rising and falling. Each wave feels different.
Wow, I never realised there is a whole sea inside of me!
And theres another secret too!, the woman says, as she leaves. But you need to find that out for yourselves...All it takes is five minutes of breathing a day.
The children sit and wonder what the secret is. Its still raining outside. There is still nothing to do. But, strangely, they no longer feel bored. In fact, they feel calm. And full of ideas!
Lets paint the sea!
So...do you know what this secret is?
Mindfulness practices (exercises) are integrated into each story, and expanded on in the Notes to Parents and Teachers section at the end of the books. Readers are invited to PAUSE at various points in the story to notice their own present moment experience.
The four stories in the Mindful Me series explore how a mindful attitude to life can enhance enjoyment, promote a sense of calm and confidence, and provide young people with a friend for life.
The books can be used at home or in the classroom, for storytime or as part of the PSHCE curriculum.
The other titles are:
Emotions and Me: A Mindfulness Guide to Exploring Emotions
Its Beautiful Outdoors: A Mindfulness Guide to Noticing Nature
Sleep Easy: A Mindfulness Guide to Getting a Good Nights Sleep
About the Author
Paul Christelis (Author)
Paul Christelis has worked as a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, writer, group facilitator and teacher for over twenty years. He is director of School of Moments (www.schoolofmoments.c
