Mindfulness Resources

Mindfulness Resources for Everyone – Children, Adolescents, Parents and Teachers

The books, apps, websites and other resources listed here are intended as a place to start on your journey to explore mindfulness for you and / or your children.  This is by no means a complete list but rather some suggestions to help you take the plunge or simply dip your toes.

Remember, “…mindfulness is not a concept, it is not a good idea, it is not a philosophy, and it’s not a catechism. It is a way of being but it requires practice.” (Jon Kabat-Zinn)

Mindfulness Books for Children

Although there are many new books available that cover the mindfulness, social & emotional learning and compassion topics, these are some recommended by mindfulness trainers. I’ve tried to list these by age suitability (oldest to youngest) however do check the Amazon link.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

Any Small Goodness by Tony Johnston

The Three Questions by Jon Muth

The Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak

The Forgiveness Garden by Lauren Thompson

Zen Shorts by Jon Muth

Tiger, Tiger by Dee Lillegard

Tiger-Tiger, Is It True?: by Katie Byron

Anh’s Anger by Gail Silver

The Greatest Power by Demi

The Empty Pot by Demi

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

Crazy Hair Day by Barney Saltzberg

Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry L. MacLean

Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein

You Are Not Your Thoughts by Brian Despard

Mindfulness Activity Books for Teens

Brainstorm: the power and purpose of the teenage brain by Daniel J. Siegel (A book suitable for both teenagers and their parents)

The mindful teen: powerful skills to help you handle stress one moment at a time by Dr Dzung X. Vo

Mindfulness Activity Books for Parents and Teachers

A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles by Thich Nhat Hanh

Focusing and Calming Games for Children: Mindfulness Strategies and Activities to Help Children to Relax, Concentrate and Take Control by Deborah M. Plummer

Imaginations 2: Relaxation Stories and Guided Imagery for Kids by Carolyn Clarke

Meditation Capsules: A Mindfulness Program For Children by Janet Etty Leal

Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness with Children by Thich Nhat Hanh

Card Decks:

Yoga Pretzels (Yoga Cards) by Guber and Kalish

The Kids’ Yoga Deck by Annie Buckley

Breathe: Yoga for Teens by Mary Chryssicas

Books / Reports for Parents and Teachers

A Still Quiet Place: A Mindfulness Program for Teaching Children and Adolescents to Ease Stress and Difficult Emotions by Amy Saltzman

Breathe through This: mindfulness for parents of teenagers by Eline Snel

Inventing Ourselves: The Secret Life of the Teenage Brain by Sarah-Jayne Blakemore

Learning to Breathe: A Mindfulness Curriculum for Adolescents to Cultivate Emotion Regulation, Attention, and Performance by Patricia Broderick.

Mindful learning: Reduce stress and improve brain performance for effective learning by Dr Craig Hassed and Dr Richard Chambers

Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom by Patricia A. Jennings

Mindful Teaching and Teaching Mindfulness: A Guide for Anyone Who Teaches Anything by Deborah Schoeberlein, Suki Sheth

Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents) by Eline Snel

The Mindful Child: How to Help Your Kid Manage Stress and Become Happier, Kinder, and More Compassionate by Susan K. Greenland

The Social Neuroscience of Education: optimizing attachment and learning in the classroom by Louis Cozolino

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel  and Tina Payne Bryson

Albrecht, N. J., Bucu, A., Ager, K. (2018). Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day: School Counsellors’ Perspectives of Teaching Children Mindfulness, Australian Counselling Research Journal

Ager, K., Bucu, A., Albrecht, N. J., & Cohen, M. (2014). Mindfulness in Schools Research Project: Exploring Teachers’ and Students’ Perspectives. Melbourne: RMIT University.

Weare, K. (2012). Evidence for the impact of mindfulness on children and young people. UK: Mindfulness in Schools Project.

Weare, K. (2014). Evidence for Mindfulness: Impacts on the wellbeing and performance of school staff. UK: Mindfulness in Schools Project.

Books for Adults – General Mindfulness

This list by no means exhaustive, as there are literally hundreds of publications on this topic. I suggest these as a starting point, and as your interest widens you’ll seek out other literature of interest.

Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom by Hanson, R., & Mendius, R.

Full Catastrophe Living (Revised Edition): Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness by Jon Kabat-Zinn  (Author),

Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence by Rick Hanson.

The Mindful Brain by Daniel Siegel

Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Apps

Buddhify

Calm

Headspace

Insight Timer

Sitting Still: Mindfulness for teens (the app is being repaired but the app mediations can be accessed at this link)

Smiling Mind

Magazines / Organizations* / Websites

Mindful.org & Mindful Magazine

HK Mindfulness Teachers Network – sign up under events and receive updates of mindfulness related events in Hong Kong

HK Insight Meditation Society. Free weekly English language meditation meetup

Plum Village – HK chapter of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hahn Plum Village.

*There are many other organizations worldwide that support the teaching, research and practice of contemplative practices, including mindfulness.  To add all or even some of these could create chaos on this page and for me! Those interested in knowing more about organizations for specific needs can contact me.

Hong Kong Courses for Children

Mindfulness courses for 8 – 11 yo (9 weeks), 12-14 yo (10 weeks) and 15-19 yo (10 weeks) with Angie Bucu.

For upcoming courses throughout Hong Kong please refer to our Courses page or sign up to our newsletter at the top of the page.

I’ll be adding to this section as more mindfulness teachers throughout Hong Kong begin to teach in private practice.

Hong Kong Courses for Adults

Mindfulness in Education (MiE) – a course for parents and educators under the Method Eline Snel platform

MBSR / CEB (English)

MBSR (Chinese) 

Visit the Events page at the HK Mindfulness Teachers Network for up to date information on other events

Other self take courses for Adults

Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation: A 28-Day Program by Sharon Salzberg

A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook by Bob Stahl and Elisha Goldstein