mindfulness & deep rest for kids

As a classroom teacher for over two decades and a Deep Play for Kids Mindfulness & Yoga teacher, I am thrilled to share my original children's daily routine I call "Floop."  

Floop is inspired by the teachings of Missy Brown's Deep Play for Kids.  It is a play based routine centered around mindful movement and guided visualization/relaxation.  When students are in tune with their inner worlds and can get curious about how they feel, and what they do, or say; they are more apt to discover for themselves what is beneficial for their learning and overall well-being.  This transformative routine creates 

                             Floop is simple:  FEEL. MOVE. BREATHE. REST. 

First and foremost, this simple, generative and epic routine affords learners opportunities to acknowledge, feel and allow their feelings. Next, learners affirm how they WANT to feel followed by mindful & aerobic movement, songs, games and a relaxing visualization story.  

This playful SUPER BRAIN LEARNING ROUTINE  benefits children (& adults!) in a multitude of ways including: 

Brain, Body Health: 

• developing self-regulation, emotional intelligence & resiliency
• reducing stress, anxiety and depression
• releasing the hope molecule increasing emotional well-being
• balancing left and right hemispheres of the brain   
• developing stronger cognitive skills like problem-solving & early academics
• increasing body awareness, healthy practices and mental clarity
• boosting focus, attention, and memory
• strengthening the immune system
• increasing engagement, morale, and performance
• bringing a greater sense of unity, compassion and inclusion
• improving sleep (which improves memory & learning!)
• decreases fight or flight response  
• increasing feelings of empathy, self love & well-being
• thickening the prefrontal cortex in as little as 8 weeks
• developing stronger communication skills: responding to others, asking questions.
• creating more body awareness, fine and gross motor coordination
• empowering children with a deep sense of trust and belonging

*The effects of mindfulness, when practiced regularly, can be immediate , are cumulative and long-lasting!  SCORE!!!

🤔 Question:  What does a typical FLOOP routine look like?

     Learners are guided through: 

1. a feelings & energy level check-in
2. playful & mindful movement
3. play based breathwork
4. an imaginary guided visualization & relaxation story  

The "Floop" routine exposes children to a flowing loop of infinite opportunities to tune into the sensations in their bodies and learn to "drive the vehicle" that is the body.  

All of this is underpinned with encouragement to grow a relationship with the authentic self. Many times the star of the Floop "show" is our precious Meddy Teddy.  Meddy is a lovable, huggable and bendable teddy bear who enjoys helping children access their inner worlds through presence.

Meddy says, "To awaken the peace, let your worries release; sit, breathe, and be in bear bliss." 

Having Meddy around during Blissful Literacy sessions & group mindful movement classes is a sure way for children to destress, imagine, play and rest. I have a deep knowing that every child, every classroom, every home and every library should have at least one Meddy Teddy.  

I believe this so deeply to my core, that I have collaborated with Meddy and we decided Lotus Mind Learning was the perfect place to share the love of Meddies.  

*Please email me any questions you may have and/or orders for your child, program, school or organization.

Icing on top of all THAT...

1. Children are able to gain an understanding of their inner worlds... simply put, 

🏃🏽‍♀️ mindful movement & deep rest = 🧠 connection & learning!  

Connection of mind, body, breath and that thing inside that makes us each unique individuals.  

When learners experience safe connections, they experience belonging.  When they sense they belong, they experience a secure attachment.  

 Secure attachments are essential for a child's growth and development.  

& Floop offers opportunities for all of this and more! ✨