Session: Sati Pasala – Melbourne at the Dhamma Sarana Vihara (Melbourne, Australia) held the monthly Sati Pasala session on 25 May 2019.
Participation: 45 children participated.
Session Plan: The session included the four segments (S1, S2, S3 & S4) described below. Children participated in S3 & S4 Part1 (Groups discussions) in their age groups. All other segments were conducted commonly for both age groups, 11&Under and 12&Over.
- Understanding Mindfulness (S1): How to Face Boredom
In the previous Sati Pasala session, the children were invited to provide suggestions for S1 topics. And the topic ‘How to face boredom’ was chosen for this month’s S1 segment. The segment started with a discussion on what is boredom and how it has become a challenge that we keep avoiding, without really recognising or facing it. A facilitator presented an interactive demonstration on what we normally do to overcome boredom. Children responded by identifying the sense doors and objects used. They also identified changing the sense doors or the object didn’t help in overcoming the boredom. They learnt to become aware when they are bored and to accept that boredom has arisen in their mind. Children were encouraged to record and share their experiences on how they were able to face boredom in the future sessions. Click here to access the full S1 segment and the Session Note.
- Mindful Walking and Sitting (S2)
Both 11&Under and 12&Over groups practised mindful walking over 15 minutes. Due to the cold weather, both groups practised indoors under the supervision of the facilitators. Next, both groups practiced mindful sitting for 15 min. Click here to access the guidance used.
- Mindful Activity (S3): Ping-Pong in a Cup
The objective of the mindful activity, ‘Ping-Pong in a Cup’ was to practice being alert and attentive to the task at hand and doing that well. Click here to access the description and implementation of the game.
- Reporting Experiences (S4)
The 11&Under group was divided into several subgroups for the discussion on experiences and facilitators were assigned to each group. The 12&Over group discussed their experiences with a panel of facilitators. The children reported their experiences in mindful walking, sitting and during other activities. Some of the children reported on how they were able to face boredom after what they learned during S1. Facilitators assigned to each group provided clarifications and further guidance to help children to continue their practice. Finally, a Question & Answer opportunity was provided to all children to receive further clarifications, and to offer feedback and suggestions relevant to the sessions.
The session in motion:
