"No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and
make a brand new ending."
~ Unknown
Screen Kids: Is the computer age leading to attention deficit disorder?
Baroness Susan Greenfield commented at the recent Mind and its Potential conference on the changing environment and its link with shorter attention spans. She was referring to the “Screen Kid” phenomenon whereby we are seeing our children spend increasing amounts of time in front of a screen – whether that be a television, computer screen or mobile phone.
She linked this not only to shorter attention spans but also to recklessness and increased risk taking. All of which is facilitated by the “sensory trumping the consequences.”
But is it all really this bad?
Dr Jane Burns argued that whilst this may be so, technology is providing the path for young people to remain connected in ways that were not possible many years ago. The advent of wikis, blogs and social media facilitates not only the sharing of information but forums and websites like beyondblue.com and moodgym.com can provide many young people with opportunities to explore more sensitive issues like their mental health.
Dr Bruno Cayoun, a leading clinical psychologist specializing in the practice of mindfulness in cultivating 1) focus and concentration, 2) acceptance and cognitive flexibility and 3)self control (of emotions, impulses and behavior) argues that a regular mindfulness practice can actually balance out these negative effects of “screen time.”
Perhaps Dr Burns was right when she said; “what is made of the web is up to us.”
We at Magic Yoga Mat are dedicated to creating an online resource for parents, teachers and children that provides not only stories, activities and relaxation practices, but also encourages the feedback from parents and kids to help us create something that really helps everyone to practice yoga – and mindfulness at home.
In preparation for the Chaos of Christmas try this exercise with your Yoga Kids:-
Start with 2-3 minutes, then increase to 5, 10, and eventually to 15. This is my favourite introduction to mindfulness practice with kids. Sit back to back with your child and breathe together. This way you concentrate on each breath and get a direct sensory experience of your body breathing and the warmth of connection with another.
If your child tends to fidget, try sitting with them in your lap in a cuddle. Place your hand on their chest or back so they know where to breathe, and count 10 breaths.
Share Yoga This Year with our Christmas Gift to You:-
In the spirit of Christmas - and because we love sharing yoga with kids and hearing how they practice at home, we are offering a package that includes all four Magic Yoga Mat eBooks for just US $25! That's just a little over half the regular 4 pack price and only for the next few days.
Follow this link to our kids yoga Christmas special section.
This week in Abundance Abounds:-
I watch a respected psychologist, who came to his conversation with the Dalai Lama with such earnestness that he is forgetting to actually converse. Instead he appears to be caught up in what it means to him to be an "expert." I run another business that specialises in "expert" witness services for court.
As I watch the Dalai Lama i wonder if the key to being an expert or an authority is "to listen, synthesise and share" rather than lecture and judge. It seems an authentic connection and communication then becomes possible.
As a kids yoga teacher, this particular realisation helps me to talk and connect with kids wisdom rather than talk at them.
Check out our blog for more articles.
From us here at Magic Yoga Mat
"We Wish You and Your Kids a Magical Christmas and an Inspired New Year"
www.MagicYogaMat.com
