Mindful Beginnings Script

Introduction (Warm-Up: Autumn Check-In - 3 minutes)

(Teacher should display Fall Mindfulness Slide Deck - Slide 2: Autumn Check-In)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Welcome! As we settle into a new week, let's take a moment to settle ourselves too. I invite you to find a comfortable position in your seats. You can rest your hands gently in your lap, or wherever feels natural. If you feel comfortable, you can gently close your eyes, or simply lower your gaze to the floor in front of you. The most important thing is to feel at ease."

"Now, take a quick look at the image on the screen, or if your eyes are closed, just bring to mind a beautiful autumn scene. What colors do you see? Perhaps you notice deep reds, vibrant oranges, golden yellows, or earthy browns. What feelings does this scene evoke for you? There's no right or wrong answer, just notice whatever comes up, without judgment. We're just observing, like a scientist observing nature."

"This is what we call a 'mindful check-in' – simply bringing our awareness to the present moment, just like observing the details in that autumn scene. It’s a way to gently arrive and be fully here, now."

Guided Meditation (Falling Leaf Breath - 5 minutes)

(Teacher should display Fall Mindfulness Slide Deck - Slide 3: Falling Leaf Breath)

"Now, let's turn our attention a little more inward, using a special 'Falling Leaf Breath'. I'd like you to imagine a single, beautiful autumn leaf, perhaps a golden yellow or a fiery red, gently floating down from a tree. It's not falling fast, but slowly, gracefully."

"As you breathe in slowly through your nose, imagine that leaf slowly, gently rising up. And as you breathe out slowly through your mouth, imagine it gently falling back down. Breathe in, the leaf rises. Breathe out, the leaf falls. Let's try that together. Inhale... and exhale..."

(Pause for 3-5 guided breaths. Gently remind students to focus on their breath and the visualization.)

"If your mind starts to wander, that's perfectly normal. Our minds are like playful puppies sometimes! Just gently bring your attention back to your breath and the falling leaf. Notice any thoughts or sensations without holding onto them, letting them 'float by like leaves on a stream'. For those of you who are a bit older, remember that this simple breath can be a powerful tool. When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, you can always come back to this 'Falling Leaf Breath' to help you find your calm center."

Sensory Exploration (Autumn Awareness - 4 minutes)

(Teacher should display Fall Mindfulness Slide Deck - Slide 4: Autumn Awareness: Engage Your Senses)

"Now, let's awaken our other senses to the autumn season. We're going to practice 'Autumn Awareness'."

"(Optional - If using physical objects): I'm going to pass around a small autumn object. When you receive it, I invite you to simply hold it and explore it mindfully. Notice its texture – is it smooth or rough? Is it bumpy or flat? What is its shape? Is it perfectly symmetrical, or does it have unique edges? What is its weight? Is it light or surprisingly heavy? Just observe every tiny detail, as if you're seeing it for the very first time."

"(If not using objects/for older teens who might find objects distracting): If you don't have an object, or if you prefer, you can close your eyes again and imagine the scents of autumn. Can you recall the smell of damp earth after a rain? Or the sweet, spicy scent of cinnamon or apple pie? Or perhaps the faint smell of woodsmoke in the air? Just let your imagination bring those smells to life."

(Allow 1-2 minutes for exploration.)

"Now, let's take a moment. What did you notice during this activity? You don't have to share if you don't want to, but just reflect internally. Did you discover something new about a simple object or scent? This is another way to bring mindfulness into our everyday lives – by truly engaging our senses."

Reflection & Closing (Mindful Leaves Journal - 3 minutes)

(Teacher should display Fall Mindfulness Slide Deck - Slide 5: Mindful Leaves Journal)

"To wrap up our mindful start, we're going to create our own 'Mindful Leaves Journal'. I'm handing out a simple sheet of paper – think of it as your journal page for today. Just like leaves collect and create a rich tapestry on the forest floor, our mindful moments collect to create a richer experience of life."

"On this page, I'd like you to either write or draw one thing you are grateful for today, or one feeling you are currently experiencing. You can write a word, a sentence, or even just draw a symbol. Think of it as 'collecting a mindful leaf' from your own experience right now."

(Distribute Mindful Leaves Journal and allow 1-2 minutes for students to write/draw.)

(Teacher should display Fall Mindfulness Slide Deck - Slide 6: Your Mindful Week Ahead)

"Alright, let's slowly bring our attention back. If you're still writing or drawing, feel free to finish up later. Thank you all for participating in our mindful start to the week. Remember, these simple tools – observing, focusing on your breath, engaging your senses, and reflecting – are always available to you. You can use them anytime you need a mindful moment, whether you're feeling overwhelmed, need to focus, or just want to appreciate the present."

"I encourage you to carry this sense of calm and awareness into your day and your week. Have a wonderful and mindful week ahead!"

Mindful Leaves Journal


Name: _________________________

Date: __________________________

My Mindful Leaf for Today

(Think about our session today. What is something you are grateful for? What is a feeling you are experiencing right now? You can write or draw below.)

---

Reflect and Connect

• How did taking this moment to reflect feel?
  
  
  
  

• Can you think of another time this week when you might want to collect a 'mindful leaf'? What would it be for?
  
  
  
  

• What is one thing you will remember from our mindful start today?