Seven Tips: Peace For Kids

Peace is a state of being calm and quiet. We often get so busy with everything that we need to do - wake up, go to school, do our homework, practice sports, eat dinner, go to bed. We don't find the time to be at peace with ourselves.

Yet, when we make time to find peace within ourselves we will notice that more things seem to go our way. Finding time for peace allows us to think about things that are bothering us, before reacting in a way that could get us into trouble. Giving yourself time for peace can also make you feel good about yourself! When we take the time to find peace within ourselves, we will be able to bring peace to the world around us.

Here are a few ways you can practice peace:
1. Be helpful. Random acts of kindness create more peaceful communities.
2. Practice patience. Try not to rush to a judgment or action.
3. Give someone a compliment if they do something good.
4. Help and encourage someone if they are having a hard time with a task or a sport.
5. Use your words to solve conflicts.
6. Sit and enjoying being quiet with someone you love.
7. Lay in Savasana and practice long, deep breathing.

Pose of the Month: Child's Pose

Child's Pose is a wonderful pose to rest in and one we tell our students to rest in if they need a break.

To get into Child's pose kneel onto the floor, touch the big toes together, and sit back on the heels. The knees can be hip distance or a little further apart, finding whichever position is most comfortable.

The forehead is resting on the floor or yoga mat. And the arms are lying by the sides of the body, palms facing up. You may also stretch the arms out in front of you laying them on the floor.

Be mindful of the breath and take long inhalations and exhalations. This resting pose can be held for 30 seconds to several minutes in length.

You can also try this modification: Stack your fists together and rest forehead onto fists.

Ten Pathways To Peace

Being a child of the 70's I've always been a fan of the peace sign and am surprised to see it everywhere when I step on school campuses. Kids are wearing the peace sign in all its forms on their backpacks, clothing, and jewelry. Peace seems to be the new fad.

We wish each other peace in our holiday greetings and we wish for world peace. It's a great thought and a wonderful wish, but how often do we sit to really cultivate that awareness of peace inside of ourselves.

On my bathroom mirror I tape the following quote from German mystic Thomas Kempis:

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others. -- Thomas Kempis

I don't feel I can teach peace without practicing peace and being peaceful myself. I can quickly tell the difference in the days when I start off taking time to be peaceful and the days I don't.

So the magic question is, how do you keep peace within yourself? It lies within all of us. It is a matter of silently checking in, taking the time to allow it to come forward. It can be done anywhere you have a moment to yourself.

Here are some helpful reminders:
1. Taking some deep breaths
2. Being in nature
3. Meditation
4. Prayer
5. Yoga
6. Sitting still
7. Looking up at the stars
8. Listening to calm, soothing music
9. Watching a child sleep
10. A big hug from someone you love

When we can take a moment to bring peace to our lives we are more easily able to bring that peace to the events and people around us. May you be filled with peace this holiday season.