Say:“Good! Now take a deep breath bringing your shoulders to your ears…and release it! One more big breath…release and sit. Criss crossing our hands in front of our bodies is a great way to help our brains focus. And what is it we’re trying to help our brains do by practicing mindfulness? Right! Make wise choices.” Say: “Who here practiced gratitude this week? Turn to someone next to you and share one thing that you noticed you were grateful for.” Hear gratitudes from three or four youth. 2. Connect and Practice Say, “Who here knows that we all have the power to think kind thoughts? Well, those kind thoughts can help us do kind things and feel more connected to each other? Let’s practice. Remember our 5 S’s: • Straight back • Still • Silent • Soft Breath • Shut eyes
I’ll ring the bell. This time, practice listening with one hand on your heart. Listen to the sound until you can’t hear it anymore (ring bell).” When bell ends, say, “Stay with your eyes closed and stay silent.
With your eyes still closed, try to picture someone in your life who you get to see almost everyday. Imagine that you can see them before you and it makes you so happy to be with them. Visualize them healthy and strong. Picture a huge smile on their face- they are so happy and doing something they love. Imagine that they are surrounded by a feeling of calm…of peace. Their heart is full of love. With your hand still on your heart, send kind thoughts to the special person you are picturing. Imagine your heart getting so full of love, that you just have to share it. Your heart is overflowing with kindness, and we’ll send out kind thoughts together. You can repeat after me.
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