November/December 2005 Spirituality
Usefulness of Guided Meditation for Children

by Jan Mahloch

The spoken word consists of a strong energy vibration and as we become more aware of our spiritual connection, we realize the power our thoughts and words have in creating our experiences. From an early age children are conscious of the energy attitude of certain words and the feelings that result from them. One only has to watch a 2 year old mimic the word "no" to feel the intensity and power of this simple one syllable word. As parents we casually use language without the thought of how our chosen words express a creative energy of consequences. In every moment we have a choice to speak from love or from fear as we express the intent behind our speech. Our children remind us through their responses, behaviors and their own imitation of us to look closely at the energy of our spoken words. They provide a wake-up call for us to assume responsibility for creating positive language on a regular basis.

A simple but effective way to become more accountable for the power of our words and the feelings they create is through establishing a guided meditation practice. Guided meditation is an easy and practical technique to relax your mind by allowing yourself to be gently guided by the music and words of another. Typically these words take the mind on a journey to experience specific feelings and imagery that is beneficial to reducing stress.

Guided Meditation builds spiritual clarity, awareness and focus through the powerful use of language. For parents it can reawaken the imagination and for children it is a natural expansion of their own playful spirits. Children benefit from guided meditation much like listening to a favorite story or song that connects them to their own innocence. It enables them to fully relax their body and connect to their own unique purpose. It also serves as an inspiring backdrop to quiet time activities or to refresh the mind with affirmative thoughts after a stressful day.

Children are like energy sponges soaking up both the spoken and unspoken energy that is around them. Not all of this energy is useful however, so children naturally shield themselves through daydreaming, physical activity and imaginative play. In the time it takes to have tea with a teddy bear, a child can work through a variety of pent-up emotions skillfully releasing feelings that do not serve them. Their imaginative play is a type of meditation that takes them within and redirects their focus. Children’s spirits are nourished by interactive methods like guided meditation as they can listen to the words while their bodies remain quietly active. For example, playing a guided meditation while the child is in the bath is a great way to feed the spirit and cleanse the body’s energy field.

Before bedtime, parents can join their child in listening to a meditation as part of a nighttime ritual. This ritual can further prompt the parent to continue their own quiet reflective time after their child is asleep instead of quickly moving into the household chore list. Just 10 minutes of quiet meditative time can do wonders to build patience, spiritual connection and a warm heart full of positive emotions. Set an example for your child by sharing a spiritual practice that you both can enjoy. As a wise 8-year-old girl once said," tell someone you love them as much as you can because sometimes they forget". Remember to strengthen your family’s spiritual energy by affirming on a consistent basis the words of love, joy and inspiration through the practice of guided meditation. Become aware of the power of words and use them to create a spiritual connection for yourself, for your children and for your world.

For further assistance in guided meditation, try listening to the "Follow the Voice" CD, a kid-friendly collection of meditations for parents and children by Jan Mahloch, www.angelwrite.com.