'Prayer' time for non-religious people

[lovesea]

When I was a kid growing up we always said prayers at certain times and gave thanks for what we had etc. I'm not really religious now but would like to set aside some 'meditative' time (dcs are 20 months and 4) when we consider our lives and how lucky we are, develop an empathy with others and explore the spiritual side of our beings. Is there anything specific that you all do? When do you think would be a good age to start?

[meemee]

we started at 3.

we still give thanks over our food. dd once heard a native american 'prayer' for food and she now gives thanks to all the living things that gave up their lives to put food on the table and all who worked hard to get it there.

we started meditation at 3. initially she would just join me and fall asleep. around 4 she started joining me. for a minute or two at the most.

the key is to have your own practise and have your kids join you. not to start one with the kids. also i dont really draw attention to all we have. that realization comes on its own.

[Cascadian]

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Edited by Cascadian - 6/2/11 at 9:17pm

[2cutiekitties]

you might really like this book. We have it and it is adorable....

http://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Pray...3903556&sr=8-1

[snoopy5386]

we've just started doing best/worst part of your day and what you are thankful for at bedtime. Closest we'll come to prayer in this family.

[zebra15]

Sometimes I ask DS 10 what the best thing about his day was. Occassionally we create silly endings to things that happened (oddity at the park, different way to check out books at the library etc). But this house is a religious free zone and always will be.

[lovesea]

Thanks for sharing.Some of you say you do meditation. Do you mind telling me exactly what you do? I can't imagine how it would work with (my)small kids