Practice in Concentration: Cloud in the Sky
by meditative - May 30th, 2016.Filed under: Attending Meditation Exercises, Mindfulness for Parents & Children.
Inspired by “Child’s Mind: Mindfulness Practices to Help Our Children Be More Focused, Calm, and Relaxed” ~ Christopher Willard
Take a comfortable sitting position outside and simply pick out a cloud in the sky. Allow yourself to bring your full attention to that cloud and just breathe into observing it. With each breath, watch and see if that cloud changes shape or size. If your mind wanders, which it might, just notice that and gently bring your attention and breath back to the cloud. As best you can, simply remain focused on the cloud, watching and breathing, until it gradually fades away.
*Note on this practice: Cloud formations like our thoughts are ever-changing in nature- they arise and pass rather spontaneously. This little practice is a good introductory lesson for children on the power of the breath. It is also a wonderful reminder of the impermanence of everything from intense feelings we experience to the fluffy white clouds we observe in the sky- all will inevitably change and ultimately fade.
Breathing… seeing & letting be… seeing & letting go.