Week 4: Peacefulnes

I LOVE this chapter!  She delves into peacefulness as more than just being calm and calming down.  The author's goal with her young learners is to come to know the serenity of an inner calm; something deeper than a body that is less still.  It is very hard for adults to get to that place during the business of a day with children, and she recognizes that it is equally as hard for children.  She values teaching "peacefulness" as much as she values teaching kindness, empathy, and all the other emotions we humans have within us.

In this chapter, the author notes a few specific ways to help young learners understand the concept of peacefulness:  deep breathing and using art (specifically visual art.)  If you have other strategies for helping young learners achieve a level of peacefulness, please join the conversation and share your knowledge.  What are other pieces of art that could be used to teach the other emotions?  Are there any other strategies/resources you have for calming down a mind and a body? Maybe we can generate a resource list...

Also, check out the graphic on page 94, especially the question, "Is there an unmet need?"  and the bottom circle.  To me, it reiterates the fact that at times, a body may look calm, but the mind may not be, causing the child to present with potentially challenging behaviors.  I feel this is a very useful question, especially from a trauma-sensitive care perspective.  Using the reflective questions is critical for anyone to support the emotional development of children, yet hard to do during a day.  What strategies do you have, or you did employ, to get in the habit of being reflective about a child's time with you?  Happy reading and happy sharing!