1

5 F U N M E D I T A T I O N SI N S P I R E D B Y

PLAYGROUNDSMeditation offers serious benefits, but you can still have fun while you’re observing your thoughts. When

meditation is easy and entertaining, you’re more likely to practice regularly and screen out distractions.

If you’re looking for a way to lighten up, revisit your childhood with these 5 playful meditations inspired by

swings, slides, monkey bars, crawl tunnels, and seesaws.

Meditation on Swings and Freedom

1. Experience liberation. Even a plain old tire swing can make you feel like you’re flying. Picture yourself

soaring high.

2. Expand your vision. Now that your mind is elevated, put aside your ordinary roles and think about

your authentic self. Try to describe your purpose in life and your connection to the universe.

3. Realize your power. Appreciate your true potential. Remind yourself of the challenges you’ve

overcome and the strengths you possess.

4. Nurture your spirituality. Do something that puts you in touch with the divine. Read scriptures or

build a shrine.

Meditation on Slides and Decision Making

1. Act deliberately. Plummeting down a slide is exciting. It’s also a lesson on how quickly you can fall

unless you stand up to outside pressures.

2. Consider your options. Ask yourself if you’re drifting through life or making conscious choices. Clarify

where you want to go and how to get there.

3. Take action. Pick one area of your life where you want to take greater control. Tackle a new project at

work or join a walking club where you can lose weight, shape up, and meet new friends.

Discover how you can live the life you desire at http://thinkinggreat.net

2

Meditation on Monkey Bars and Reality

1. Tighten your grip. To swing across monkey bars, you need to grab the bars firmly. Elsewhere in life, a

strong grasp on reality will make you more effective and successful.

2. Spot distortions. Are you struggling with debt or having frequent arguments with your children?

Examine your assumptions to see how you may be contributing to the situation.

3. Change directions. Make a fresh start today. Rein in your discretionary spending. Hire a tutor or

schedule a conference with your child’s teacher to resolve homework issues.

Meditation on Crawl Tunnels and Courage

1. Face your fears. Sometimes you have to slither through a dark, tight space to reach the other side.

Find the courage to go through tunnels and other challenges.

2. Release stress. A calm mind makes it easier to be brave. Take a deep breath and let go of your

anxieties. Each time you persevere in spite of your doubts, you train yourself to become more

confident.

3. Focus on gains. Look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel. Savor the anticipation of having

your efforts rewarded.

4. Take a risk. Dare to do something positive that feels uncomfortable. Apologize for a past error. Sign up

for a public speaking course.

Meditation on Seesaws and Trust

1. Seek cooperation. You can count on a smooth ride as long as both children climb off the teeter-totter

at the same time. Looking out for each other keeps us safe and connected.

2. Examine your relationships. Think about the family, friends, and colleagues whom you admire for

their reliability. What can you learn from the way they show their respect and concern for others?

3. Encourage teamwork. Devote your day to eliciting more collaboration at home and at work. Schedule a

family meeting to enhance communications, resolve issues, and have fun. Listen attentively to your

coworkers and be flexible about trying out new ideas.

Have fun with your meditation practice! What you learned on the playground as a child can make you

more mindful as an adult.

Discover how you can live the life you desire at http://thinkinggreat.net