Up North Prevention took part in the Northeast Michigan Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Rogers City recently. The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. It was an impactful day with so many people and event coordinators coming together to support awareness!
Up North Prevention and the Presque Isle Coalition offered kids the opportunity to make their own mindfulness jar at the Northeast Michigan Out of the Darkness Community Walk. Mindfulness jars are a fantastic tool to help children understand and practice mindfulness. By using a clear jar filled with water, glue and glitter, we can demonstrate how our thoughts and emotions can feel chaotic and overwhelming at times. As we shake the jar, the glitter swirls, representing our busy minds. But here's the magical part: as we put the jar down and observe, the glitter eventually settles, just like our thoughts when we practice mindfulness.
By explaining this to our little ones and encouraging them to take deep breaths while watching the glitter settle, we can impart valuable lessons about self-regulation and emotional well-being. It's a wonderful way to teach them that they have the power to find calmness and clarity within themselves.
Let's embark on a mindfulness adventure with our kids! This is a simple, yet valuable lesson and activity to try at home with easy to access supplies. Here's a quick recipe:
Ingredients:
A clear jar with a tight-fitting lid
Clear glue or clear dish soap
Warm water
Glitter or small objects
Instructions:
Fill the jar about 1/4 full with clear glue or clear dish soap.
1. Add warm water to the jar, leaving a little space at the top.
2. Sprinkle in your favorite glitter or small objects.
3. Securely close the lid of the jar. (Super-glued covers are great to prevent spills!)
4. Give it a gentle shake and watch as the glitter or objects swirl and dance.
5. Set the jar down and observe as the glitter or objects slowly settle, representing a calm mind.
Enjoy the mesmerizing effects of your mindfulness jar and use it as a tool to practice mindfulness and find moments of tranquility. Together, we can nurture a generation of mindful and resilient little beings.
