Practice Idea for February

I chuckle as I reflect on what I teach other children & families in my mindfulness programs and realize I could be drawing on these same practices at home!

So, as another icy-cold, stay-indoors week was drawing to a close, where my son had such a hard time falling asleep, I remembered a practice we share each week in my program - a classic kids practice - 'breathing our stuffies to sleep - or in my sons case, cars.

For this practice, we invite children to choose a favourite stuffed animal to place on their bellies (for older children a stone may be preferable). We then invite them to follow their inbreath and their outbreath, over and over, as the motions of their bellies 'rocks' their stuffie to sleep.

For my son, last week it was his favourite car. This week, it was his favourite marine life toys. Whatever works!

Book Pick of the Month

Silence by Lemniscates

Stunning in its simplicity; a beautiful way to share mindfulness with children. Shhh... listen...

Visit Lemniscates

Breathe In, Sing Out: Music, Mindfulness & Fun for You and Your Little One.

Breathe In, Sing Out offers a fun way for parents to practice mindfulness, nurture connection & have fun with their little ones.

In this 8-week program, Sara Marlowe, MSW, RSW & author of “No Ordinary Apple: A Story about Eating Mindfully,” will teach both original and classic songs, mindfulness activities and breath practices that are engaging for little ones, while planting seeds of mindfulness, relaxation, awareness, connection, kindness & gratitude.

WHO: For babies, toddler, preschoolers & caregivers.
WHEN: April 3 – May 29, 2014 (8 Thursdays – no class April 24),
TIME: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. (16-36 months). 11:30 – 12:15 p.m. (newborn to 16 months)
WHERE: The Toronto Healing Arts Centre. 717 Bloor St. W. (Bloor just East of Christie).
COST: $160 - includes a copy of “No Ordinary Apple: A Story about Eating Mindfully”
$60 for an additional sibling (Eligible for CRA Children’s Arts Tax Credit)

Please email info@ mindfulfamilies.ca to register

Breathe In & Shine: Mindfulness for Children & Families

Interested in bringing some stillness into your busy family life?

In this 5-week program, Sara Marlowe, MSW, RSW & author of “No Ordinary Apple: A Story about Eating Mindfully,” will introduce child-friendly mindfulness practices that families can then practice together at home. Practices will include games, songs, stories, art activities (like 'stillness snow-globes) and everyday mindful awareness practices. Mindfulness can help to reduce stress, provide tools for responding to strong feelings such as anxiety, anger, worry & frustration and to support connection in today's often-hectic households.

WHO: For children ages 4-11 and their caregivers.
WHEN: March 29 - May 3, 2014 (5 Saturdays - no program on April 19),
TIME: 8-11 year-olds, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 4-7 year-olds, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
WHERE: Story Planet. 1165 Bloor St. W. (Bloor just West of Dufferin).
COST: $140 for one child and up to 2 parents. Additional sibling fee: $40 - includes all art materials, a mindfulness activity booklet & a copy of "No Ordinary Apple: A Story about Eating Mindfully.")

Please email info@mindfulfamilies.ca to register. Space is limited to 5 families.
Email info@ mindfulfamilies. ca to register

Sara Marlowe is a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) and so the program may be covered by some extended benefits plans. Please discuss with your insurance provider.

Building Teen Resilience and Reducing Risk: One Breath at a Time

Being a teenager is an exciting period of growth but it can feel like we’re living in a pressure cooker. It is a time when we are vulnerable to difficult thoughts and feelings that can seem impossible to deal with–and it may seem like no one understands. Adolescence is also a phase of life in which we are at higher risk for emotional and mental health problems.

Join us for a new way to work with an age-old challenge: life as a teenager. In this workshop you will learn how mindfulness can help you to manage the challenging times, so you can get back to enjoying your life.

Parents will have the opportunity to learn ways to be more present, less reactive and more compassionate as they support their teen(s) navigate the ups & downs of adolescence.

Parents & teens will participate both together and separately throughout each session.

In this workshop, parents and teens will learn:
* Strategies and practices for working with difficult thoughts and feelings.
* Simple exercises that can be used during challenging moments.
* Small practices you can do at home, to help bring a sense of calm and stability to day to day life.

Dates: Wednesday evenings: April 30 – May 21, 2014 6:30 pm – 8 pm

Facilitators: Sara Marlowe MSW RSW and Elaine Smookler B. Mus.

Registration
This workshop is suitable for teens 13-17 years old and their parents. Please register at least one week in advance of the workshop date you wish to attend.

Mindful Parenting Group

I am looking at offering a 6-week mindful parenting group either on Thursday evenings or a weekday morning, depending on interest. Details will follow in the March Newsletter and will be posted on the website. If you are interested, please let me know what time works for you.