A very simple way of connecting with the present moment is through use of the senses and this is wonderful to do outside. Pop your wellies on and go on a mindful walk. As well as being fun, this is fantastically grounding for anyone with anxiety. Can you notice:
5 things that you can see – look near and far, high and low, what colours can you see? 4 things that you can feel – what different textures and temperatures can you name?
3 things you can hear – what is close, what is faraway?
2 things you can smell – are they pleasant or unpleasant?
1 thing to taste – can you find a juicy blackberry or take a flask of warming hot chocolate?
Looking for and identifying autumn leaves can also be fun. Below are some of our more common woodland leaves. Can you and you and your child explore the woodland floor to find any? You can talk about the shape, size, patterns and changing colours of the leaves. Making rubbings with crayons and paper is fun to do as the leaves get more dry. Watching the leaf patterns emerge on the paper is really interesting and a great way to encourage language.
