Kids Meditations: Happy the Nurture Beetle

Get yourself comfortable and begin to notice your breath, in and out… in and out… in and out… Now, imagine that you are being transported to a magical forest. This magical forest might be the most enchanting place you have ever seen. If you have ever visited one, you will now notice that you have shrunk to a much smaller size. The reason for this is that if you remained your normal size, you wouldn’t be able to see all the magic and its magical beings that inhabit this forest. They are all smaller creatures and cannot be seen by larger people. Do not worry; once this guided meditation for children is over, you will return to your regular size again. Start looking around you; you might find it hard to believe your eyes. You are probably unsure where to look first. It’s nighttime, and millions of little lights are gently illuminating the night sky. Looking closer, you realize that these lights are fireflies, and because it’s a magical forest, they shine in different colors. These lights are unlike anything you have seen before. Take your time and soak it all in. As you walk deeper into the forest, you notice doors in all the trees—some smaller and some larger than others. Could it be that creatures live in these trees? For a moment, just sit down on the ground or find something nearby to sit on and take in your surroundings. Notice everything you see; it’s almost like watching a movie, revealing things you may have never encountered before, along with some familiar sights. Pay attention to how you feel. In the distance, you see one of the tree doors open, and you can hardly believe your eyes when a gnome steps out. He is looking straight at you with the biggest smile on his face, beaming with happiness because he loves having visitors from other worlds. He says, “Hello! My name is Happy. I live here in the magical forest, and I have been waiting a long time to meet you. I always knew you would find your way here one day.” He invites you to join him for a walk through the magical forest, which you gladly accept, enjoying the company. As you walk along, you notice an area with a colony of big and small toadstools. Looking closer, you see tiny beings gathering under the toadstools, dancing, laughing, eating, and having fun together. You ask Happy, “Who are these creatures?” Happy explains that they are called nurture beetles. They have a special job—not only to be kind to each other in every way possible but also to look after everyone who needs help. Unfortunately, some people, especially kids, forget how to be kind to themselves, to love themselves, and to accept themselves just as they are. Many forget that no one is perfect and that everyone makes mistakes from time to time. That’s okay, because one can learn from their mistakes instead of being hard on themselves. The nurture beetles are here to remind everyone to be kind and loving toward themselves and others. Happy tells you that you can come and see them anytime you need support or someone to help you find love for yourself again. You now join the nurture beetles and instantly feel at home and comfortable. They offer you food and drink, a nice warm blanket, and there’s even a campfire where you can roast marshmallows if you wish. One of the beetles comes and sits next to you, asking if you have any questions or if there’s something you need help with. Now is the perfect time to ask or share your thoughts. Listen to what he has to say to you. Take your time. He reminds you that you are never alone, and if you ever feel lonely or sad, remember the nurture beetles, the soft blanket, the food and drink, and how you felt when you visited this magical forest meditation. Remember that you can be part of this beautiful place anytime you wish. Just stay a little longer, and when you’re ready, say goodbye to the nurture beetles. Happy walks back with you to the spot where you met, saying, “Please come back here anytime you need to. We are always here for you. All you have to do is close your eyes and wish for the magical forest, and you will be there instantly.” Say goodbye to your friend, take a deep breath in and out, and magically, you are back in your normal-sized body. When you’re ready, open your eyes. If you like, talk about your experience in the magical forest, perhaps write down what you experienced, what the nurture beetle said to you, or even draw what your magical forest looked like.