Meditation Jars

Mind Jars

Also known as Calm Down Jars or Mind Jars, stand in various glittering colors on the counter in my nurses’ office. When children feel upset, or have minor physical complaints, they choose a mind jar. I tell them to imagine that their head is swirling with emotions or worries, then have them shake up the mind jar and watch their emotions (glitter) slowly settle to the bottom, as they calm down. Many times the children enjoy just holding the jars, or shaking and watching the glitter swirl. This allows the child to focus, calm down, and usually feel better.

Meditation jars are used as a mindful tool in my yoga classes, and when there is time we make these colorful jars to use and share. Making mind jars is a wonderful parent/child activity.

Read and share with your child:

• Planting Seeds by Thich Nhat Hanh
• Peaceful Piggy Meditation, by Kerry Lee MacLean
• Moody Cow Meditates, by Kerry Lee MacLean

I have tried various recipes for mind jars, some were more successful than others. Following is my recipe concocted after much fiddling:

Recipe

For children I use a plastic bottle. Voss plastic water bottles are perfect. Remove the sticky labels.

• Clear plastic bottle
• Glitter glue
• Clear dishwashing soap (few drops)
• Glycerin or clear corn syrup
• Various colors and textures of glitter
• Food coloring

Heat water, enough to almost fill bottle, in large measuring cup
Add a lot of glitter glue and whisk to break up glue
Add any colors and textures of regular glitter you want, whisk again
Add a few drops of clear dishwashing liquid and a good amount of glycerin or clear corn syrup, and a drop of food coloring if you wish.
Pour into bottle and shake. Decide if you have the right amount of glitter and if mixture is thick enough, and adjust.
When finished, use superglue adhesive to seal lid on.

6 more ways to make meditation jars

Have fun, take deep breaths and watch your worries swirl away.