10 Mindful Minutes

August 1, 2011
Hollywood icon Hawn is a mother of four and a grandmother whose Hawn Foundation supports the MindUP program in schools in the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain. Here, she collaborates with writer Holden to present elements of the program that parents can use in daily life with kids. The authors explain that mindfulness helps children develop social and emotional intelligence, resulting in greater awareness, less stress, and higher levels of happiness and empathy. Developed by brain experts, the program also helps children use their senses to hone their brain muscles; in a chapter called "Mindful Sensing," Hawn covers mindful listening, seeing, smelling, tasting, and movement with suggested activities appropriate for various ages to accompany each sense. Hawn explains how to help children use mindful breathing (she calls it her "secret sauce") to become more reflective and self aware, and gain emotional control. The practice, she asserts, requires only three minutes a day to create positive change. It also helps kids sleep better and manage stress and/or anger, among other benefits. In "Reflections" throughout the text, Hawn looks back on her own childhood and shares her personal experiences as a mother. Hawn's gentle, heartfelt approach to mothering and her mission to help children develop happier, healthier lives will be both useful and inspiring for parents.

October 15, 2011
Beloved actress demonstrates how a few minutes per day can change the way we see the world. Following on the heels of her bestselling memoir, Hawn (A Lotus Grows in the Mud, 2005) shares the success of MindUP, a social and emotional learning program developed by her Hawn Foundation with the support of experts and used in elementary schools. She describes MindUP as a program that teaches children the mechanics of their own brain, allowing "them to become more self-aware and…to manage and reduce their own stress. It effectively puts them in control of the way they respond to the outside world." These tools have resulted in a positive change in the way children, as well as adults, perceive how their brains influence their lives. Hawn shares personal anecdotes that illustrate the MindUP theory in action, juxtaposed against scientific evidence and practical exercises. She instructs readers on how to find "teachable moments to share discoveries—at the dinner table, in the car, or on the way to school—whenever and wherever it feels appropriate." Decent advice for young children; some adaptations for teens would be beneficial.

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November 15, 2011

The beauty of both of these books is that they help readers relieve stressful situations with simple, tailor-made exercises. The difference is in their intended audiences: licensed psychotherapist Bush writes for adults, and actor Hawn writes for parents guiding children. Bush offers 70 short exercises for when readers are stopped at a red light, taking a shower, or waiting in line. She reminds readers to roll out goodwill to fellow travelers, remember what matters in life, and release current worries by visualizing them going down the drain. Bush is masterful in explaining triggers and putting forth tools without the usual paragraphs of verbiage that weigh down books of this sort. Hawn uses scientific principles to help parents and children develop mindful awareness and live in the present moment. While she writes from experience and from the heart, Hawn spends too much time justifying the approach and lingering on personal experiences. Her advice is still worthwhile as she helps parents model kindness and express authentic sadness, empathy, and optimism. Adults and children will be well served by both of these titles. [10 Mindful Minutes, see Prepub Alert, 4/11/11.]

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