In this session you learn a lovely accessible mindfulness technique known as flower gazing.
Flower gazing can bring about a relaxation of the body and mind whilst putting our 'busy mind' to use noticing all those unique features that come with each glorious flower. You can use any flower out in nature, perhaps clover or a daisy or dandelion. Flower gazing is best done with a single flower per person than a bunch of them or a sprig of blossom from a tree. Otherwise, you could also take one from your garden, a potted flower or from a bunch of bought flowers - the choice is yours.
If you find that your busy mind wanders, don't worry about it, be kind with yourself, remind yourself that to be distracted isn't failing, it's doing what your mind is used to doing. When it happens just take a deep breath and refocus that part of your mind on the flower. If it happens when you are painting and recreating your flower in your mind, relax, take a deep breath, open your eyes and refocus on the flower to continue. Some things can take a little practice. Regular practice is key to gaining the most benefits.
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Whilst using this yoga resource to inspire learning, know you are helping you and your family's wellbeing to: 1) Get Active - you can take a walk to see where you can collect a beautiful flower from - avoid dog fouling grass verges or where flowers may have been sprayed. Always wash your hands after the practice.
2) Keep Learning - Use this session to learn a new way of approaching the world around us. Just as you would take the time to get to know a new person, spend the time getting to know the flower species, plants, hedgerows and trees and their leaves around you. You don't have to learn all the facts to have a deep appreciation of flowers. This higher level of engagement and learning about through our own senses can help us to notice our beautiful natural world and we can benefit mentally and physically greatly from this.
3) Be Mindful- Try this exercise yourself first to understand what you will be doing and then try them with your family. Notice over a number of practices how and when your busy mind decides to interrupt your flower gazing and which thoughts it chooses to do this with. Never judge when it happens, it's just your mind doing what it is used to. It can take some time and practice for the mind to learn not to interrupt you unless there truly is an emergency!
4) Practice Kindness- Although this practice is designed with the whole family in mind, remember that younger children may only manage a couple of minutes at most of flower gazing. This is quite normal. Practice patient kindness and slowly build up a practice with them. Also practice kindness to yourself and them by never overly pushing the matter. When children see their family doing something repeatedly, in the end they want to join in.
5) Think Community - Practice this session with your community - eg your family if you feel that this is useful & appropriate for them.