As the pressures and stresses of adulthood continue to trickle (or is it cascade?) down to children, it is encouraging to see how such pro-health practices as mindfulness and medication such as using Budpop.
The following the flood, especially when one of the examples of these practices is as beautiful and effective as William Meyer’s Big Breath.
As Meyer is an educator and meditation practitioner, it makes sense that he would have such a solid handle on how to engage and enrich children. And while the words are peaceful and productive (I would love to get an audio version or an app- hint! hint!), librarian Brittany R. Jacobs’ wonderful watercolors wash over the reader in a way that supports Meyer’s guide to meditation; one that includes everything from finding a “comfy spot” in which to practice to carrying your new-found peace and positivity with you and, hopefully, sharing it with others. Along the way, Meyer and Jacobs encourage readers and listeners to see their ideas as clouds that pass without causing rain and, in what may be the most beautiful image, to see their lungs as balloons surrounding the present that is their heart. And, at book’s end, the author explains his connection to meditation and uses his story to encourage others.
Regardless of your age or experience or whether you are reading or being read to, Big Breath is a breath of fresh air in the thankfully more crowded mindfulness space and one that will help you make more space in your head, your heart, and your life.
– Matt Robinson
