Comparing Is Not Living - Practice Mindfulness With These 5 Ideas

Written by A. Simon, September 2019

©️ Minnesota Kid’s Yoga Co, LLC

We live in a world where comparing, searching for the best, and getting the most for our money is a primary focus…

When we as adults were kids, we’d play alongside our friends (for hours) without the slightest focus on what they were wearing, who’s house was bigger, who’s hair-style was cooler, or who’s parents had the “better” job. As we got older, we started putting more effort into comparing. In the modern day world, comparing ourself to others’ seams almost second nature. Between social media platforms, vacation envy’s, and career aspirations, competing to be “better” can get a little out-of-control! Whether we are at the grocery store picking out the best apple, or on a walk around the neighborhood looking for the best kept-up lawn, we are obsessed with comparing! Yoga challenges this mindset. Yoga teaches us to look inward, to become more present, and to seek the good in ourselves. So why shouldn’t we teach kids to do the same??

In school, kids have also become more obsessed with comparing themselves to peers. They notice when a classmate finishes an assignment before them or scores multiple goals in gym class. They notice when a classmate has a “cooler” snack or a new t-shirt. They even notice when a classmate answers a question with ease when they themself didn’t even know the answer. How then, can we reverse this mindset of “you’re better than me?” The secret — we can teach our children yoga and mindfulness! We also teach our kids inner confidence, and gratitude.

If we work hard to provide a wonderful life for our children by building a nice home, buying healthy groceries for dinner, or getting new clothes for the new school year, then why not also provide them with the mental tools to live the best life?

Finally, when we compare ourselves as parents to other parents, or as kids to peers, we lose-out on the big picture of life —- being content!

Therefore, have an evening of family yoga. Maybe the evening of yoga is a blast, or maybe it’s a complete failure. Either way, you tried to teach your kids something new, to better themselves. Below are 5 ideas of mindfulness concepts and yoga poses to do with your family, that teach kids to be happy with who they are — not who they think they should be.

Mindfulness Concept #1 - Send Positive Thoughts to 3 People

When kids are asked to send kind thoughts to others, they reverse the mentality of being jealous. Have your family sit in locust in a circle, and each share 3 people you want to send loving thoughts towards.

Mindfulness Concept #2 - Squeeze a Ball for 5 Seconds

Take turns passing a stress ball to each other. Have your kids pick a pose to hold (ex. tree pose) as they squeeze the ball for 5 seconds and then release it. Talk about how when you squeeze and hold a pose, and then release them, you feel better, less angry and more relaxed.

Mindfulness Concept #3 - Nature’s Textures

Go on a nature walk as a family. Have each person collect a bag full of things they find. When you get home, take turns pulling one item from your bags, feeling the items with closed eyes, and talking about what you feel/notice. Have a discussion on how nature is unique and beautiful just like we as humans are.

Mindfulness Concept #4 - Shapes in the Sky

Lay in the grass as a family — in corpse pose, or any other resting yoga pose (ex. legs up the wall). As you lay together find shapes in the sky! Talk about what you see, or notice. Discuss how the world is much bigger than we even realize. Let kids realize that their problems or worries will pass, and are not as “big” as they might think.

Mindfulness Concept #5 - Grateful Volleyball

Sit (in locust or wide leg seated pose) in bed with your child, before bedtime. Use a stuffed animal as a “volleyball.” Take turns going back and forth naming things you are grateful for. Talk about the many things you are blessed with in life. This simple activity allows kids to go to bed, thinking about positive things, and feeling loved. When kids take time to notice what they “have” rather than what they “don’t have” you create a positive mindset in their life. This mindset, done repeatedly, helps to shape their outlook on life! It is beneficial for kids, but especially adults too!

In short, taking time with your kids, is a wonderful way to slow down, become more present, and become less worried about comparing. Maybe NONE of this connects with you. Maybe you as a family have it ALL TOGETHER. Maybe your family lives each day with true genuine happiness, and never compares or loses focus on the important things in life. If that’s the case — good for you! My guess though is this — we all could use some simple reminders to be more grateful. Either way, I hope you live a life that makes you happy and fulfilled! When we feel happy, we compare less, and live more!

For more articles related to the topic “mindfulness & kids” see the links below:

-25 Simple Mindfulness Activities Kids Will Actually Want To Do (via parentswithconfidence.com)

-6 Simple Mindfulness Exercises to Try Today (via motherly.com)

-7 Fun Ways to Teach Your Child Mindfulness (via mindbodygreen.com)