I was recently asked the question ‘is teaching meditation to children a particular passion of yours?

The answer must certainly be yes firstly because anything of value that can be taught to children is of the utmost importance – but most importantly, if young people can incorporate a skill into their lives that will assist them in reducing anxiety, managing stress and coping with the many demands they face with strength and competence, then teaching meditation has to be top of the list!

My first work in helping children and adolescents in this way began nearly 20 years ago following publication of my children’s story Quiet Magic.  In the intervening years my wonderful assistants, Kaye Hakopian and Francine Cockerill have worked with great dedication helping primary and secondary students to learn how to rest their minds and find greater tranquility and fulfillment in their lives.

Some of this work has taken place in private consultations while many have been helped when Stillness Meditation has been accepted and introduced into certain progressive schools.  We’ve been leaders in this field and we’ve been privileged to witness amazing results where confidence grows and performance increases with natural ease.

One of many great outcomes of the stillness experience is the ability for young people to learn to let go of defensive behaviour – and teachers regularly report that classes and recreational activities become more orderly and therefore more enjoyable, bringing greater happiness to all concerned.

VCE and the years that lead up to it bring a particular kind of pressure and feelings of stress to older students.  Now is the time to pave the way for whatever the New Year may bring!  Kaye Hakopian is an experienced Special Ed teacher, counsellor and Stillness Meditation practitioner.  Students, teachers and parents will be interested in the Summer Stillness program Kaye is offering for secondary students in January 2009 – Just Chill – Be Still – Perform Well – Excel!
For enquiries, please contact The Pauline McKinnon Life Development Centre, (03) 9817 2933 or 0410 347 527 –
www.lifedevelopmentcentre.com.au