Maybe you have taken steps towards more balanced life, downloaded an app for daily meditation or read books about becoming more aware of the present moment. What if you are missing a key element that we all are naturally masters at?
1. Kids thrive with play, not with pressure
There is something comforting to know that the view of our world is rather different through the eyes of a child. On the back of that realisation looms also the fact that some day their innocent way of thinking will be challenged with another reality. A world with demands, expectations and hard work. That change will arrive, slowly over the years, yet way too fast. Therefore, the best way to support our children is to let them be kids as long as possible. Similarly, the best way to help adults connect with their often lost sense of ease and effortless flow of creation is to allow them to play, experiment and enjoy something they loved already during younger years.
2. Kids learn by being curious
Kids are great learners and open minded in trying different ways to explore the world! I am grateful that many Finnish kindergartens and schools have adopted mindful exercises on their weekly programs. It is also common that kid from different age groups visit local parks and forests, play outdoors daily and dedicate time to exploring different surroundings and teaching methods freely. At times when things get steamed up my daughter is the one telling me to breathe in and breathe out. Curiosity truly is a superpower, sadly often forgotten skill in the knowledge and achievement driven societies.
3. Scandinavian living is simple
“In Sweden preschool children are encouraged to play and relax without any structured learning for the first six years of their lives. They go for nature walks every day, even in the bitter Scandinavian winter. They are not taught to read until they are seven years of age” –Goldie Hawn
What do you think about Nordic ways of learning as described above? In my opinion, mindfulness and other creative teaching methods should be encouraged at every kindergarten and classroom. Many studies have shown that with simple methods like having longer breaks and calm study environments students can get better grades at school. The challenges we are facing in open office spaces and fast-paced work environments will continue to amplify the need for distraction free working methods and alternative creative spaces that allow rest and playfulness to bloom.
The irony of this approach is that playing and experiments are often seen as distractions rather than something that can bring benefits to learning, creativity and happiness. I think mindfulness, nature walks and playful exercises should be practiced at every kindergarten and classroom. If you want to know more about mindfulness tailored for kids and other creative minds, MindUp curriculum on 10 Mindful Minutes by Goldie Hawn is a great resource on the topic.
