Whoever said meditation must be a somber activity practiced in peace and quiet has not meditated in the midst of busy family life!

Here are some circumstances I have been in and meditated, because I really needed to center myself and reclaim my sanity:

Standing in the kitchen cooking dinner - kids running through the room, cat on the counter, hubby pulling into the driveway. My meditation: stand with feet slightly apart, lean against the counter, begin breathing evenly and visualize dinner done and presented at the table surrounded by my hubby and 5 polite and quiet kids. (Don't visualizations become reality?)

Driving the van down the freeway with 20 miles to go and 10 minutes to get there and the kids trying to outdo each other letting me know this! My meditation: turn the music up to block out the kids shouts, begin humming along - which the kids hate and will do anything to get me to stop - even become quiet! With peace reigning I begin to hear the inner spiritual music right along with that from the CD. Listening to both sounds is rejuvenating and we arrive just in time without feeling stressed.

Kids' bedtime - oh, I mean my bedtime. When 9pm rolls around I tell the kids I have to go to bed, because I must get up earlier than them in the morning to get everyone ready for school. When I'm safely behind my closed bedroom door, I prepare myself for bed, but then enjoy one or two luscious activities.

First, I record my insights from the day in my journal and plan how I can incorporate them into my life. Then, just before crawling into bed I sit up straight on the carpet, facing east, close my eyes, fold my hands in my lap and begin breathing evenly, such as 2 counts to breathe in and 2 counts to breathe out. After I quiet down, I let my thoughts dwell on the love and appreciation I feel for my family and friends.

This puts me back into a good mood - no matter how the day has gone. And in the afterglow of my appreciative thoughts I do finally crawl into bed for much needed sleep!

World Peace Prayers and Affirmations
Friendship Prayer and Guided Meditation
Collections for Kids and Teens

Article by Susan Helene Kramer

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For offline reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 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.