Curious Minds, Kind Hearts

In this episode, especially great for older children, tweens, and teens, we explore the concept of friendship by going to the Shire for a guided meditation and reflection. Through introspection of our own friendships, using Sam and Frodo as a inspiration, we ask ourselves what it means to be a friend. In this meditation, strong visuals of a countryside filled with cheer, food, and music is used. Listen before bed, on the way to school in the car, or whenever is convenient! In addition, I am asking to hear YOUR definition of friendship. Record your answer in your voice memos on your phone or send us a voice or written message via email or Facebook. I would love to feature your unique answers! Email [email protected] or message us on www.facebook.com/growkidsjax or www.instagram.com/growkidsjax

Reframe common back-to-school fears like separation anxiety, not making friends, and more. This episode is great for middle and high school students, but younger students can benefit too! Grab the free journal page mentioned so that you can work on creating your affirmations while the audio plays. To add on to this activity, you can also download our back-to-school yoga affirmation cards here.  We hope you love this episode 

In this story, titled "Who Said a Stick Was Just a Stick" written by Carolyn Botero, we'll listen to how sticks are more than simple twigs and see how we are all unique and extraordinary. This silly story rhymes and is a great bedtime activity or midday brain break! In this episode, we'll listen, walk through nature under the stars, breathe, and relax. Great for all ages, but best ages are between 4-10 years old. Join our Facebook group! Order the book!

In this story, titled "Lucy and the Fox", we'll join our foraging friend in the forest to see how our kindness can impact the lives of others. Every day, we have the opportunity to make a choice-a choice to be kind! In this episode, we'll see how Lucy makes the choice to be kind by empathizing with the fox and giving him some much needed attention. Best for all ages, including teens as this is told in a story format with reflection questions at the end.  Want to listen on YouTube? We got you ;) Grab the illustration! 

Chores are....pretty awful, yes. But they must be done. In this episode, we talk about how chores relate to personal values, prepare us for adulthood, and convey to our families that we care about them. We also do a journaling activity with three prompts that encourages us to reframe chores and strategize how to communicate our need for assistance and understanding as we are still learning about this adult life skills thing. This episode ends with empowering affirmations that will help your teen see they are capable, responsible, and organized.  Transcript can be found here. Become a Patron here to get the special workbook. 

"All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid and that kind of courage you have in plenty" In this episode, kids and teens will go on a meditation journey to unlock their courage inspired by the Wizard of Oz. All three facets of the self, the physical, the mental, and the emotional are challenged with a unique "test" to help kids see and accept their own bravery in new and scary situations. We'll follow the yellow brick road to climb a not-so-tall tree to help a baby bird, access our logic and problem-solving skills in a flower maze, and realize our own power in the Emerald Castle with the help of some pretty marvelous glass! This kids meditation is best for kids ages 8 and older, particularly teens; however, all ages can benefit...even adults. Do this meditation as part of a brain break during the day or as a bedtime story. The coordinating affirmations: I am brave. And my courage empowers me to open the door to new possibilities. Please consider becoming Patron to receive exclusive benefits and to ensure the continued publication of this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/growkids

Start February, the month of love, with a loving-kindness or Metta meditation for kids and teens. This meditation teaches how to receive love and give love to people we care about and people we don't know. It is a great practice for building empathy and compassion for all loving beings, including ourselves so that we have a more peaceful world. Great for daytime listening and for kids ages 8 and up. Mantra:  I am worthy of receiving love. I am capable of giving love. May we all live with love. May we all live with peace.

In this episode, we will practice some more affirmations to uplift ourselves and others, to grow in confidence and courage, and to begin the habit of telling ourselves positive truths. Listen in the car, before schoolwork, or before a big thing! Be sure to download the free printable bracelets/bookmarks. Best ages for these affirmations: ages 8-14 Best time to practice these affirmations: morning; lunch break Best skills to work on in conjunction: confidence, courage, helpfulness, joy Activities to consider combining with affirmations: Reading about great leaders who are kids/teens  Trying a new sport/activity Writing an "about me" blurb to the prompt, "Why I Am Great for This Job"

New things can be scary for kids and teens. These new years affirmations are all about re-framing those overwhelming thoughts and beliefs and turning them into excitement. Each affirmation relates to accepting the "new" and what better time than now to practice them? Welcome to Curious Minds, Kind Hearts. It’s Heather and I am so glad you are here. Before we get started, please consider sharing this podcast or becoming a patron for special bonuses. I appreciate your being here and your listener support. This episode is great for kids and teens, especially those who get anxious at the prospect of new experiences.  Okay, let’s go on an adventure. It is almost the end of the first week of 2022 and I thought we could say some affirmations together. Do you know what an affirmation is? An affirmation is like a story we tell ourselves but they are short and powerful. They are words that give us courage and help us to believe positive and true things about ourselves, and sometimes others. Sometimes, our brains tell untrue stories that make us believe or think things that make us feel sad or helpless. Our minds are like rubber bands. They are very flexible and can change, but it takes practice to change how and what we think and believe. Just like you practice riding your bike or completing math problems, we have to practice what stories we tell ourselves. The best way to practice is to start with short stories that make us feel happy and help us to see clearly all the good in us and other people. Especially in situations that are not up to us. This what affirmations do. They help us see our own power within us. So, our affirmations today tell stories of bravery and openness to new things and new people. When something is new, it can be scary! By practicing affirmations that remind us how brave, unique, and special we are, we can welcome the new things in our life. Maybe you are going to a new class or school. Maybe you live in a new place. Maybe, you have a new sibling. With the right affirmations, we can open our arms and feel excited about them.  I will say an affirmation, and you repeat after me.  I can try new things  New experiences open new opportunities  A new day is a fresh start  I am open to new possibilities  My mind welcomes new experiences My heart embraces new friends  New is exciting!  Practice saying these every day. Choose your favorite one, and write it down so you can see it every morning. I would love to hear you saying these affirmations. So, you and a grown-up can send me your affirmations so the whole world can hear how new things are amazing! Remember to stay curious and stay kind.

Happy new year! While it may be chilly outside, we are getting warm and cozy inside with this adorable winter-themed kids meditation. Remember to subscribe to "Curious Minds, Kind Hearts" on your preferred podcasting app and share on your social profiles. You can also help us in the continuation of production by becoming a Patron for a small donation (and some goods!) at www.patreon.com/growkids. Lastly, your 5 star reviews on Apple and Google are a huge win! Now...let's go on a mindful adventure... [intro music] Winter is the time of year we remember to rest. Do you ever feel like you or the adults you know are just...go, go GO! We all do and it can make us unhappy, unkind, and exhausted. In our first-ever full episode, we'll get cozy and learn to appreciate moving a little slower and a little less while we learn to embrace stillness and rest. Learning to slow down is an important skill for kids and this episode's meditation will do just that by including imagery of hibernating bears, snowflakes, and cozy (or hygge) activities.  Transcript: Winter is a time of less light, more night, and a perfect time to rest. Winter's sun is resting below the horizon and we are too. Lie down, grab your favorite pillow or stuffy, and a heavy blanket. Winter's cold breath teaches us to embrace rest and comfort every time he speaks. Let's listen to the soft and icy reminders to bunker down. To hibernate. And to move a little slower like the great Ursa. Imagine that you have just finished playing in the snow. Your yard is up to your knees in the soft and snowy crystals. The sun has gone to bed for the day and you too, have gone inside to the warmth and welcome of your kitchen, where you smell hot chocolate brewing. It smells sweet and delightful and is the perfect thing to warm your bones. Smell the aroma and feel the gentle heat of your house wrapping its arms around your whole body. Even though you are nestled nicely inside your blanket sipping your hot cocoa, through the window you can see more snowflakes gently falling to the ground, making just the slightest sound...shhhhhhhh. You can only hear it if you listen closely and there is no other sound in the room. The sound is gentle and smooth and it makes your eyes feel heavy. They fall too. All that is left is the sound of each unique snowflake falling freely from the sky to the earth, creating the most magnificent blanket for the ground. Your blanket is marvelous too. Your body is warm and secure. It feels like a hug from your favorite person is giving you a gentle squeeze. Winter is gentle and soft. Can you be gentle and soft too? With your words and actions? Yes, you can. But first, you must rest and rest well. In rest, we become gentle, loving, and kind. Let's continuing resting for a few more moments. Breathing in and out, shhing the same way the snowflakes do. You can find us and join the conversation, plus submit your child's art and photos in our AMAZING group on Facebook!

Why is mindfulness and meditation important for kids? In our first episode, we talk about the BIG "Why" and introduce you to the Curious Minds; Kind Hearts podcast, including our reasons for starting the podcast and what we think about childhood. Host Heather Horrell expounds a little on why mindful living is so crucial.  Future episodes will be more direct content mentioned in this informational episode, such as guided meditations specifically for children as well as affirmations and why we create them, bedtime stories, and breathing exercises that helps kids manage their big feelings, difficult situations, and more.