A Preston author has published a book aimed at introducing chldren to mindfulness.
Jason Rhodes, 34, who was born in the Deepdale area, wrote Imagine Eating Lemons after his own experience with anxiety.
After struggling with intense feelings for several years, Jason found peace through mindfulness.
He said: “For several years, the feeling of anxiety slowly seeped into every aspect of my life. It affected friendships, relationships and family.
“I awoke every morning with the feeling of sickness and dread which followed me throughout the day. I would occasionally be physically sick when the intensity grew.
“I knew I needed to understand what was going on with me so turned to books, videos and eventually a course in mindfulness.
“Life become filled with contentment. I found a stillness and ease with life.
“No longer did I have that feeling of sickness in the morning. No longer did I walk around with a tension that caused conflicts with those around me.
“I knew that if this practice could be learnt whilst young, it could make a huge impact when growing up. Knowing that we are not our thoughts, that thoughts are actually a tool to assist us and let go of at our own will.”
From this, Jason set about writing Imagine Eating Lemons, a rhyming picture book to guide children through the same practice in a fun, engaging and entertaining way.
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Jason added: “The feedback from parents and schools has been overwhelming. It’s amazing to hear of the deep impact it is making with children who have the same tendency to get lost in worrying thoughts as I did. The book has inadvertently been helping the parents who read it too. The practice is the exact same.”
Richard Dearing brought Jason’s world to life with his illustrations.
The book is available from Waterstones and Amazon.
To hear a full reading of the book for free, click here.
Have you discovered the benefits of mindfulness? Let us know in the comments.