We are joined by Faye from Nature Makers, read on to find out her tips on Mindfulness in Nature!
As adults, we often think of mindfulness as being in a state of silence and relaxation, maybe taking a yoga class, meditating or journaling. However, being mindful is about being present and appreciating the moment. Children are amazing at noticing the world around them. I remember as a child, watching ants in the garden for what seemed like hours at a time. As we get older (and busier), these little moments of wonder become few and far between. So, here are five suggestions of mindful activities you can do as a family, to bring that wonder back into your lives.
1. Scavenger Hunt
If your children are anything like mine, competition and games bring them so much joy. To get your children to take more notice of the things around them, plan a nature-themed scavenger hunt. For the youngest of children, you can simply ask them to find colours or shapes. And for older children, you can be more specific about the objects they need to find.
You don’t need to have a printout but if you would like one then head over to our blog where you can download an A5 size Nature Bingo for Children sheet and have a go at seeing what you can spot.
For those of you who want a bit of extra challenge, or to explore new locations as a family, you could try geocaching. Download the free app and have a look to see what caches are in your area. Caches are small capsules that are hidden all across the world. Take a pen with you to sign the log hidden inside once you find it. Geocaching is usually well planned out by locals to the area, and you can find excellent hidden places that you have never visited before. Just be sure to check the difficulty level to ensure the terrain is suitable for youngsters.
2. Spotting Shapes In Clouds
Now for a calmer activity that I’m sure we all did as children. Find a comfy spot and just lie and look at the clouds. Watch as the wind changes their shapes. Talk with your child about the shapes they can see. See if you can develop your ideas into a story. This activity will encourage creativity and mindful breathing. A great one to reduce anxiety and to help you feel grounded.
3. Nature Art
Anything in the world of nature can be used as art. When you are making a piece of artwork, it is naturally a mindful practice. You notice the colours, textures and shapes, and manipulate them in a positive way. Why don’t you try taking a bag or basket on your next walk and see what interesting leaves, feathers, and stones you can find? Once you’ve found a good variety of objects you could try sticking them to paper with PVA glue. How about getting a long piece of string and seeing if you can thread some of your leaves to make a necklace? Or you could go right back to your school days and teach your child how to make a daisy chain.
Please remember to ask permission before taking items, to sustainably harvest items and only pick items that you know are 100% safe to do.
4. Nature Photography
If art isn’t your thing, how about nature photography? Photography gives you a great sense of mindfulness, as you are not only watching for colour and composition, but you are watching how the light falls too. Have a go at taking photographs of natural phenomena, like the light seeping through the trees, or a close-up of an insect you find on a leaf. You can also manipulate your own photographs by placing twigs or stones in interesting patterns. When you get home, print off the photographs and stick them into a scrapbook. If you have younger children and don’t want to use a camera whilst out walking, you could get them to create a square out of their fingers and thumbs, and talk you through what they see through their ‘lens’.
5. Gardening
Finally, and one of my favourites, teach your child to garden. There is something amazing about helping plants to grow. It takes care, patience, and knowledge. If you do see those sprouts start to shoot, there is an amazing sense of achievement. As well as being a mindful activity, this is a great learning opportunity to teach children where food comes from. It will help them to understand our role in caring for the world around us. You could also practise gratitude with your child. What are they thankful for? What can we appreciate in nature? Bees pollinate the flowers. Trees provide fruit. Rain helps the plants to grow.
Thank you to Faye – Nature Makers
These are just 5 mindfulness ideas that we use in our Nature Makers class to help bring more mindfulness to children and families.
We hope they help you and your little ones to bring more mindfulness into your lives too!
For more information about Nature Makers then visit the website and find your nearest class today for more mindfulness in nature.
Nature Makers is the UK’s leading provider of Mindful Nature Art, Craft & Play experiences for Children & Adults. They help children, families and adults to connect with nature and themselves, by providing mindful nature Art, Craft & Play experiences using Eco-friendly and Vegan inclusive products, so that families can raise their children to have an appreciation of our precious Planet whilst learning mindfulness skills to develop emotional resilience and self esteem.
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
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