O is for Open (Primary)

The brainy bit!

Being open to what’s going on for us is an important part of developing our resilience. Being open to what we’re thinking, how we’re feeling can be a really helpful way of dealing with difficult times.

arms wide open

Sometimes when we’re full of feelings, it’s almost as if we close off to everything else. This can be useful if we need to protect ourselves from something that’s dangerous but, normally, staying open, relaxed & accepting can be a much better way of dealing with situations. And the great news is we can train our brains to be more open and aware

Fun things to practice

1. Sometimes when we have BIG feelings we can be confused about what to do next! So how about instead, press your PAUSE button! Pause, stop and notice how you’re feeling! Even if you’re feeling really angry or sad, how about get a little curious & be open to what’s here for you? Feel what’s going on for you, see if you need a short break, some food or drink or to take some long, deep breaths

2. Sometimes when we’re feeling really rubbish, we might want to talk to someone about it. We might just want someone to be open to listening to us talk. Ask yourself, is there someone that I trust that I can speak to when I need to? Sometimes when we’re right in the middle of finding things difficult, we don’t want anyone to give us advice or to tell us what to do, we just want someone to listen, to pay attention, to be open to what’s going on for us. Who might this be for you?

3. Sometimes when we’re right in the middle of something, it can be useful to think of ourselves as a glitter ball. Our mind and our body is like a glitter ball that’s been shaken up, the glitter’s whirling about & the water’s cloudy. How can we be open to our glitter? Take a moment & see if you can understand what’s in your glitter - ask, what am I stressed about, what am I thinking about? Allow your glitter to settle and feel your breathing, allow the thoughts and the feelings to be there & then you might be more open and able to see clearly what’s going on

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The not-so-small small print

There is none! Simply return to this part of the website daily to get the next part of the practice.. No payment or subscription required. This is a resource we are sharing with all of you through the website and aiming to help our youngsters, in the various stages of their lives. This program contains information and practices that are aimed for two different age groups and we intend to mostly post the primary level information in the morning and the secondary level in the afternoon. Please leave us a comment and let us know how you are getting on or get in touch if you require additional support.

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