In a recent post, we highlighted the up and coming daylong Mindfulness for Teens workshop in at the Center For Mindful Living in Washington DC. Inspired by this, I’d like to share a fun Mindfulness Activity for teens.
This activity was inspired by Gina M. Biegel who adapted the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Teens.
Mindfulness is largely being present, releasing ourselves from thoughts of the past and thoughts of the future and bringing our attention to the present moment. This mindfulness activity requires only a pen and paper and a timer. It can be practiced with one teen (or adult!) or with a group.
- Begin by giving each teen a sheet of paper and a pen and asking them to write down all of their thoughts for 3 minutes.
- At the end of 3 minutes, have them label thoughts dealing with the past with a “P”, label thoughts dealing with now with an “N” and thoughts of the future with an “F”.
- Turn the sheet over and divide it into 3 columns. The first column being “Past”, the second being “Now” and the third “Future”. Ask them to tally their thoughts from the front sheet into these three categories. Finish with a discussion about how their thoughts were divided. Were most of their thoughts in the past, the now, or the future? Why?
Do you have any mindfulness activities for teens? If so, please leave a note in our comments section down below. We’d love to hear from you!
And don’t forget, our next Planks and Pints event is Saturday May 31st
For more info and to sign up online, click here.
Hope to see you soon,
Namaste
The YoKid Team
