Somatic mindfulness exercise: thankful
By Rob VanAlkemade for Medicinal Media. Music by Nine Inch Nails.
Research has shown that practicing gratitude can reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have found that a single act of thoughtful gratitude can produce an immediate 10% increase in happiness, and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms for some. In this video, Martin sits in his sunny front yard and ponders some of the many things he’s thankful to have.
Martin enjoys playing the video game Flag Wars, but what he spends most of his free time on lately is skateboarding, reading, hanging out with funny friends, and playing his clarinet (but not for us!).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE CHILD-LED SOMATIC MINDFULNESS SERIES:Breathing with the trees
In case you missed it: our child-led somatic series started with a grounding exercise by 7-year-old Rudy.
Five things
Our second video in this series is a grounding exercise hosted by 7-year-old Emi, who reminds us of how simple it can be to check in with our senses and be grateful for the world surrounding us.
Papillon
Our third video in this series is a meditative exercise hosted by 7-year-old Zoey from France. Zoey has us lightening our steps as we settle in and listen to the rhythm of life while thinking about the beautiful metamorphosis of the butterfly.
Walk in the woods
Our fourth video in this series is another nature appreciation somatic with Rudy.
The feeling of art
Finally, we have a relaxing, somatic drawing session with Wednesday.