Breast Cancer Survivor & Yoga Nidra Facilitator Helps Children Live Happier With New Book
Children from all walks of life are exposed to stressful situations daily and learn to think in a way that creates anxiety. Some suffer hardships or see family members go through medical challenges, while others may be exposed to violence or substance abuse. Even children who come from privileged homes with intact families face challenges, whether it be parents who push them too hard, bullies who tease them at school, or online videos that send the wrong messages. All of these events can create insecurities and fears, which today’s youth don’t know to handle. Learning mindfulness techniques can help children be more resilient in the face of stress and help ease their worries.
How can we teach them?
By using a how-to storybook that introduces children to mindfulness techniques for easing anxiety and promoting happiness.
The Dolphin’s Secret: A Meditational Journey for Children by Meryl Best Lowell introduces children to Yoga Nidra—an ancient form of guided meditation which incorporates a sequence of mindfulness techniques—and encourages them to add it to their lives in order to feel calmer and happier. The book weaves how-to steps into the whimsical story of Meri, a beautiful mermaid, and her friend Aloha, a dolphin. Using The Dolphin’s Secret, parents and teachers can lead children ages 4-8 in these exercises as they lay down before naptime or bedtime.
“When children are scared, tired or sad, sometimes they act out in undesirable ways,” says Lowell. “The easy relaxation techniques incorporated into the story of Meri and Aloha will help caregivers as they guide children through ways to better manage themselves when they have these feelings. Not only can the story be used for entertainment when a child is feeling tired, but it can also be referred to in scenarios when a child is upset, and a parent or teacher needs to take action to calm them and stop the behavior from escalating.”
About Meryl Best Lowell
Lowell began practicing guided meditations while undergoing chemotherapy treatments for a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Once treatments were complete, she checked off a bucket-list item and went swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas– a life-enhancing and transformational experience. Later while on a hike, she was inspired to incorporate the mindfulness techniques of Yoga Nidra into a book for children- and of course, use dolphins among the characters.
Follow Meryl Best Lowell
