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Step 1
Always start your meditation game in the same room with the same music. The music should be fun and upbeat. Announce, "Hey, let's play the meditation game!." Then, start jumping around. Move, make noises, let go of your own stress, be crazy, be a kid.
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Step 2
Have the appropriate number of pillows already out in the room. Announce, "Hey, when the music stops, sit on your pillow!" Pause the music.
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Step 3
Now, give the group some direction. "Take a deep breathe in." Exaggerate your your breathing and facial expressions, so that they can see what you are going. "Let it go." Make a noise as you release the breathe. Repeat the in and out breathe series 2 more times. "Now, were going to sit quietly for a count of ten. I'll count to 10. You close your eyes and sit still. It's like playing the freeze game where you can't move." Count to ten, bow to each other, turn on the music, and start playing again.
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Step 4
Continue this starting and stopping of the music 3 times.
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Step 5
For the last sitting, announce: "Everyone will sit for several minutes, depending on your age. So, if you are 2, 2 minutes. If you are 7, seven minutes. I'll let you know when your time is up." Once the younger children are done, send them quietly to another room, so that they do not disturb the older children.
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Step 6
Once everyone is done, meet together in the other room. Get everyone in a circle. Tell the children what a great job they did meditating. Ask them how they feel. Let them know you will be doing this game every ________ (day or week). Have everyone bow to each other as a form of respect and appreciation, or come up with your own closing ritual.
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Step 7
If possible, have the adults take turns sitting for 15 minutes, so that the children can see the adults modeling meditation. Good luck!
