The post below includes products I received for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links
I’m learning more and more that we all just need to take a little time to be present. For me, when I find myself in the present it’s usually not on purpose-it often happens when I’m stuck alone somewhere like in the car at the car wash with spinning drums and flapping cloths making noises and sudsing all around me and I feel trapped and start to feel the actual moment of where I am. But this is not the kind of kind of moment I really want to be present in. This is not at all intentional mindfulness and I am trying to figure out how I can not only make myself be more present in everyday moments but also teach my kids about mindfulness and meditation too.
What are Zafooz Pillows?
I love the idea of Zafooz pillows. Their name comes from “zafu,” the name for pillows used in meditation. Each Zafoo is a different animal combined with a meditation pillow and I was given a monkey and ladybug to try out with my kids. I love the mantra of the Mindful Monkey Zafoo: “I breathe in and smile”. In the morning, before my coffee I should think about this mantra and breathe in and smile. And when we sit together for breakfast on Monday, the last Monday morning of the school year, I can talk with my kids about “breathing in and smiling” about the things we are thankful for this year. I noticed that the Zafooz also have little carrying handles too-this makes them feel ‘portable’ and I think this is a thoughtful touch. I also like that each Zafoo cover has a zipper so you can remove the insides if you need to clean it.
And more intentional mindfulness for kids ideas from Zafooz
There is a great list of mindfulness exercises for kids and meditation for kids resources on the Zafooz site. I’m still learning about mindfulness and it’s so much easier to help my kids when the resources are easily available. And just reading about some of the activities made me feel calmer-these are practices grownups need too. My kids are almost 11 and are more self-conscious about trying some of the activities, but they would have been so beneficial if I had known about them when they were younger-the “friends with breath” activity especially would have been a big help. I can’t wait to hang out with my nephew and niece who are 4 this summer so I can try out this mindfulness lesson with them with the Zafooz. I think they are the perfect age and I think they will really love it. The “books we love” section is also an awesome list to check out if you are teaching mindfulness to your kids too.
And a coupon for Zafooz Pillows
If you are looking for a coupon for Zafooz Pillows, I have one for you! You can save 15% on your zafooz.com/shop purchase by using the promo code breatheBhappy. This is valid until July 22, 2019
Are you looking for more mindfulness in your life? What is something that you do that is helpful to you or your family with this practice?
Terumi Pong is a Seattle-based family travel writer and mom of twin teenage boys. She loves coffee and pastries, shopping local and looking for greener ways to live. She is also known as Scout’s mom (Scout is a 5ish pound little black yorkie-poo)