More Mindful? Think Like a Kid

Kids really get “being in the moment.” Adults can benefit from getting in touch with the playful parts of their inner children to relieve stress most recently for many, the family transition back to school. With summer winding down, you still have an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of your inner kid in a playful and mindful way.

Here are three ways for you practice playful mindfulness:

1. Lay in the grass. Notice the feel of the blades against your skin. Close your eyes and breathe in the smells of nature around you.
2. Collect shells. Stroll along the shoreline with a bucket and on a mission to find the most unique, beautiful items from the ocean you can find. Notice their colors, textures and edges. Consider an art project you might create with your discoveries.
3. Blow on a dandelion. Marvel at the delicate spores as they lift up in flight. Make a wish.

There are many ways to get in touch with your inner kid that aren’t on the list above. Do what resonates with you and is accessible in your environment. Clearly time is a factor for most of us so choose the activity that you can do based on what your life allows.

If stress, worry and everything the opposite of being in the moment are issues for you, perhaps it’s time to consider some help. Pick the brain of a friend who knows something about mindfulness or reach out to a therapist educated in this area to learn tools and possibly do some historical unpacking of the things that block you.

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Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT is a therapist who works with individuals and couples in downtown, Larkspur, Marin. Learn more at MarinTherapyAndCounseling.com. Lisa is a frequent consultant for the media having appeared in CNN.com, HuffingtonPost.com and others.