Anneke and Hans are 9 year old twins living in a little village nestled against dunes by the North Sea in Holland. They enjoy getting out and learning from the tales 'life' has to teach.

When today's adventure begins, we see Anneke and Hans skipping down the sidewalk of square foot concrete paving blocks so prevalent in their village and Holland.

Oh no! Just ahead their friend Max has tumbled from his bike! Our children run up to Max, who, a year younger than the twins, has broken down in tears - being scared he may be hurt, and embarrassed about falling!

"Max, it's okay, it's okay!" exclaim the twins in turn.

"Here, see if you can sit up," Hans says as he helps his friend sit - while Anneke tilts up his bike, leaning it against the nearby lamppost.

"Take a few deep breaths," Hans says to Max. "You'll feel better."

Hans had already discovered - being a year older than Max - that taking a few deep breaths when upset, made him feel better again.

After sitting with Max a few minutes, then standing - everyone breathing easier - the twins, with Max walking his bike, make their way down the sidewalk along Prins Frederik Canal toward Max's house.

Max's mother sees the 3 youngsters coming up the sidewalk and right away notices her son's tear-stained face. She is very thankful to Anneke and Hans for walking Max home, and invites them in for koekjes (cookies). This gives all 3 friends a chance to tell their story about what happened.

Heading home a while later the twins talk about how good they felt coming upon Max just after his accident, and being able to help out. And, they realize their kindness had the unexpected reward of receiving a grateful look from Max's mother, and the extra treat of her homemade cookies!

Two lessons in this story
1. 'Kindness reaps kindness';
2. The instant meditation technique of taking a few deep breaths, when stressed, helps to feel relaxed again.

Story and photo of mallards swimming in canal, North Holland - Susan Helene Kramer
Note: The characters in this story are fictional.

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For offline reading

Short Meditation Stories with Twins Anneke and Hans
Enjoy these 8 little meditation stories with Anneke, Hans, and friends learning meditation techniques that will stick with you like mother's pancakes and syrup on Sunday morning. Illustrated with photos of North Holland. 28 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.