THE EFFECT OF MEDITATION ON CHILDREN'S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

THE EFFECT OF MEDITATION ON CHILDREN'S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Meditation is something that can be done by both adults and children. However, some parents think that children do not need meditation. In fact, there are many benefits of meditation, even for children. Meditation itself is a relaxation practice that involves releasing the mind from all the interesting, burdensome or worrying things in daily life. This activity can release us from the suffering of good and bad thoughts, which is directly related to attachment to thoughts and judgments about things.

A study at the University of Florida found that stressful events can impact a child's health and well-being, and can contribute to the development of physical and mental health problems and learning disabilities. By regularly meditating for children, this can make them more relaxed, calm, and teach them about the connection between their minds and their bodies. Reporting from Healthy Children, a study said that children who practiced meditation for four months experienced an increase in academic performance, showed positive social behavior, were more optimistic and less easily stressed, and were also more aggressive than children who did not meditate.

Therefore, it is important to teach meditation to children. By doing meditation for children, future generations will become better, more successful, and enable positive transformation in themselves. How to do meditation for children is not much different from meditation done by adults. The only difference is the modification of time, attention span, and level of stress displayed by a particular child. Apart from that, children's meditation also requires adult guidance.

Reporting from Healthy Children, the following is the recommended duration for children's meditation: Preschool children: several minutes per day. School children: 3-10 minutes twice a day. Teenagers and adults: 5-45 minutes per day or based on supervisor's recommendation. Meanwhile, as summarized by Parents, here are several techniques and ways to meditate for children. Breathing The child sits or lies on the mat. Clear your mind then breathe slowly and deeply. Set an example before doing it together. The goal is to increase awareness. Listen Play calming music, for example the sound of a flowing river or waterfall, the sound of crickets, or the chirping of birds. Remain in a sitting or lying position. This will encourage children to be calm and focused.

Expression Invite children to color or draw on paper. The aim of this activity is for children to freely express their emotions. Move Raise both hands forward, up and down slowly but surely. Invite children to feel the air being pushed when they move their hands. This exercise aims to calm the mind and increase concentration.

  Walk slowly barefoot in a quiet place or one that has been provided for meditation. Encourage children to feel the ground they are standing on. And focus your mind on the feelings that arise from walking, such as how the body moves, the feel of the air when moving. Concentrate on what you are doing at that moment and enjoy it. This exercise requires concentration and patience so it is more suitable for teenagers, but it is not impossible for children to do it.