With rates of anxiety skyrocketing even among children, it’s never too early to offer youngsters tools that will allow them to be present in the moment. In addition to teaching various forms of breathwork, rest, and visualization, Jewish Mindfulness for Kids connects the practice of mindfulness to Jewish traditions. For example, one exercise asks readers to imagine a challah in one hand and a hot bowl of soup in the other. Inhale the smell of the challah, exhale to blow on the soup, and concentrate on the sensations. A variety of other thought-provoking activities are included to help children achieve mindfulness.
Images of happy children and chattering monkeys illustrate the practices. A bonus is the QR code at the end of the book, which connects readers to the author, a yoga instructor, as she leads the exercises. Finally, an author’s note explains the importance and benefits of mindfulness for children.
This book is a great resource for children, families, and teachers. The practices it highlights could easily be woven into a Shabbat celebration or a religious school class.
