Mindful Bubbles

Using beloved bubbles as a children's mindfulness practice

Bubbles can be purchases easily at your local dollar store or can be made at home with the following recipe:

Ingredients

~ 3 Cups Water (distilled water is preferred but tap works fine)

~ 1/2 Cup Dish Soap

~ 1/2 Tablespoon Clear Corn Syrup

Instructions

  1. Combine all three ingredients in a large mixing bowl

  2. Gently stir to combine.

  3. Store in an airtight container

  4. Use immediately or wait 24 hours for solution to meld.

Notes

~ The longer this solution sits the better it will become.

~ This solution can be stored for up to a year in an airtight container.

Practice One

Pairing soothing classical music with mindful movement and bubbles to promote a sense of peacefulness and presence, reduce anxiety, develop spatial awareness, self-regulation and motor skills.

~ Begin by playing either classical or acoustic music. Allow the sound to fill every corner of your space

~ Take five deep breaths with your child

~ Invite them to slowing start moving mindfully to the music

~ As they move, gently blow bubbles over and around them

~ Invite them to dance, move and pop the bubbles mindfully while listening to the music playing

Practice Two

With the focus on the childs breath, experimenting with bubble blowing sequences allows their body to begin to soften, focus and relax. by offering the children different blowing patterns, it can help to develop their memory and recall skills and sustain their engagement in the practice.

~ Invite your child to take a big inhale through their nose, then exhale through the bubble wand. Encourage them to do this slowly and mindfully, observing the bubbles as they float away.

~ Your child may like to experiment with different inhale and exhale sequences, eg:

* Inhale for count of 3, exhale for 4

* Inhale for 3, exhale 3 short sharp breaths

* Inhale for 4, exhale 2 short breaths followed by 1 long breath

Mindful bubble blowing provides opportunities for deep breathing, relaxation and stress relief. By having your child focus on their breath, it may help to lower levels of anxiety, discomfort or worry.