Unwrapping
"The Dolphin's Secret: A Meditational Journey for Children"
Authored by Meryl Best Lowell
Illustrated by Polina Hrytskova
* Age Range: 4-8 years
* Grade Level: K-2
* Paperback: 34 pages
* Publisher: Meryl Best Lowell
* Pub. Date: March 1, 2019
* Language: English
HOW-TO STORYBOOK TEACHING CHILDREN MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES TO EASE ANXIETY AND PROMOTE HAPPINESS
Children from all walks of life are exposed to stressful situations daily and learn to think in a way that creates anxiety. Some suffer hardships or see family members go through medical challenges, while others may be exposed to violence or substance abuse. Even children who come from privileged homes with intact families face challenges, whether it be parents who push them too hard, bullies who tease them at school, or online videos that send the wrong messages. All these event can create insecurities and fears, which today's youth don't know how to handle. Learning mindfulness techniques can help children be more resilient in the face of stress and help ease their worries.
Unwrapping some lovely illustrations for you to enjoy
In the author's own words
"When children are scared, tired, or sad, sometimes they act out in undesirable ways," says Lowell. "The easy relaxation techniques incorporated into the story of Meri and Aloha will help caregivers as they guide children through ways to better manage themselves when they have these feelings. Not only can the story be used for entertainment when a child is feeling tired, but it can also be referred to in scenarios when a child is upset, and a parent or teacher needs to take action to calm them and stop the behaviour from escalating." "We can use Yoga Nidra methods every day to quickly shift our bodies out of 'fight or flight' mode when we're anxious," adds Lowell. "Now, children can recognize that although negative thoughts occur, they can just float on by."
My Take
Meri is a beautiful mermaid, and with her friend Aloha, a dolphin, they show kids how fun and calming meditation can be. The delightful story displays different techniques of Yoga Nidra, an ancient form of meditation, which leads to experience calming and peace.
Kids are instructed to lay back and make themselves as quiet and comfortable as they can and to close their eyes. They are told to take slow deep breaths and totally relax their bodies and minds. They are then lead through imaginative scenarios that will release their anxiety and stressful feelings and replace those negative feelings with ones of tranquility and happiness. This is a perfect book to share at nap time or bedtime. It will get little ones to settle down before they are off for a good night's sleep. These techniques are also beneficial for adults too.
The mission of the book is to empower kids to experience peace, ease, and happiness....three wonderful gifts to internalize for sure.
Storywraps Rating - 5 HUGS!!!!!
Meet the author
Meryl has been exploring and practicing different forms of meditation since 2004 and believes that Yoga Nidra, an ancient form of guided meditation, makes meditation and deep relaxation accessible to everyone. She was hiking on a mountain in Arizona when she was inspired to write a series of children's books, which incorporate the mindfulness techniques of Yoga Nidra to give children a direct experience of meditation. Her first book, The Dolphin's Secret: A Meditational Journey for Children features Meri, a mermaid, and her friend Aloha, a dolphin.
Meryl currently resides in South Lake Tahoe, California, with her Toy Australian Shepherd, Blaze. She is a passionate outdoors woman who enjoys hiking, rock climbing, paddle boarding, kayaking, skiing, biking, traveling, and facilitating Yoga Nidra. She credits the practices of Yoga and Yoga Nidra with giving her the inner resources to venture into rock climbing, skydiving and parasailing.
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