See how a few materials can help us to calm down.
Materials
- Jar
- Warm water
- Clear glue (glitter glue optional)
- Glitter
- Food colouring (optional)
- Glue gun and sticks
- Ribbon (optional)
Framing
Give each participant a sheet of paper and provide the colouring tools for the participants to use.
Instructions
- Fill jar with glue. The amount of glue added will determine how slowly the glitter will fall.
- Add a tablespoon (or more) of glitter and some warm water.
- Stir to mix and add fill up with more water.
- Secure lid and seal with hot glue. Tie a ribbon around to cover up.
Modify
- Get creative with your own modifications to suit your group.
Safety
- There are no foreseeable safety concerns for this activity.
Wrap-up
Look at the jar:
- How fast is the glitter moving?
- What sounds do we hear?
- Can you see anything else in the jar?
When we are angry or upset, things can feel chaotic and like they’re moving quickly. We can use our mindfulness jar to calm down. Imagine that the glitter is all of your emotions:
- Can we breathe as slow as the glitter falls?
- How do we feel when we breathe slowly?
- Does the glitter eventually settle down?
When the glitter settles and we’re no longer upset, we are better able to think and see clearly and make good decisions. We can also use the jar when we’re sad. Imagine it being a galaxy far away:
- What might that galaxy look like? Is it made of cotton candy?
- Who’s there?
- How do you travel there?
- How is it similar to where you live now?
Obtained from: https://www.developgoodhabits.com/mindfulness-jar/