Our sense of smell is closely linked to our limbic system, which is the part of our brain concerned with memory.

 

Scents also affect our emotions - we have all experienced how certain aromas can have an impact on our mood almost immediately. Just think of the calming essence of lavender and vanilla, or how energising and uplifting the smell of peppermint and citrus can be.

 

This week we are going to focus on mindful smelling with our children using a game called Smell and Tell.

 

For this game, find 4 or 5 containers and fill them up with fresh herbs, flowers, fruit or spices.

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Some suggestions are:

- cinnamon sticks

- rosemary

- lavender

- basil

- lemon or orange, either peel or slices

- jasmine flowers.

 

Try to use scents that your children are familiar with, but don't be afraid to introduce at least one that is new.

 

With their eyes closed, ask them to smell each container and take a guess at its content (if they can, they can write their guesses on a piece of paper).

 

Once you've gone through all the containers, reveal what's inside, then let your children to play with it for a full sensory immersion!

 

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Sidewalk Flowers is a series of mindfulness prompts to share with the children in our lives. Part meditations, part reflections, often disguised as playful games or simple crafts and activities, they are an invitation to restore our sense of presence and connection. To slow down, open up our senses, to notice the flowers growing along the sidewalks.

 

And with that, we help our children (and ourselves!) open up to the wellsprings of wonder, beauty and magic in our everyday life.

 

Enjoy,

Lidia

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