Research shows when we consciously send compassion and warmth to others through loving-kindness meditation, we feel more connected to people we love, friends, family, neighbors and even strangers! Feeling connected builds our capacity for kindness and compassion, decreases our bias towards others and increases our own well-being. Try one of our loving- kindness practices and notice what happens.
Noticing the parallels between plant nature and human nature helps us appreciate the ways we, too, thrive when we receive and give nurturing. In this activity, setting an intention with your child before planting herb seeds connects you to the potential to grow compassion for ourselves and others.
We all face challenges in our lives, but tapping into our resiliency – the ability to manage stress and hardship – can help us continue on in difficult situations.
Nurturing compassionate connections is vital. Whether it’s checking on your neighbors, supporting local businesses or wearing your mask, showing we care is a powerful way to lift each other up. Here are a few mindful ways to show compassion and appreciation for those in your neighborhood:
To memorialize and honor the numerous Black individuals who have been killed by police or vigilantes, and to declare our support for the Black Lives Matter movement, we are collecting paper and fabric flowers from the community.
A letter from Lisa, our magical Editor in Chief
Talking about topics like race or sexual orientation is sometimes uncomfortable. But at Mindful Littles, we’re up for uncomfortable. That’s because we believe compassion is the perfect companion for discomfort. When we meet ourselves and others with compassion, we’re ready to listen, empathize and make change.
We recently connected with two Lamorinda Activists this week, after hearing them speak at the Orinda Peaceful Protest. Miramonte high school student Ava Moran and Howard University student Kaylyn Goode provided great insights on their personal experiences with racism, and suggestions on what we can all do next to keep “fighting the good fight” towards racial justice.
Kids see the signs everywhere — in neighborhoods and social media, in life, in chalk, on cardboard: Black Lives Matter, Hate is Taught, All Mothers Were Summoned When He Called out for His Mama. It’s clearer than ever that we all need to take action. We need to talk to kids about racism, especially when they’re young—according to a Healthy Children study, internalized racism can begin as early as age two.