I am not even sure I told them about its use at first. But the next time I was feeling unsettled, I said, “I am going to ring the mindfulness bell to give myself some space and time,” or something like that.

I also told my son that ringing the bell was a safe thing and a way to take time to ourselves. It was never a punishment, etc.

I also firmly believe that someone shouldn’t command you to go ring the mindfulness bell, but I did say to my son a few times, “Do you think ringing the bell will help you feel centered?”

We also refer to the bell when he is having a conflict (usually a struggle over a toy) with another kid. I’ve told him, “It’s okay to let go, Boo. We can find a solution for everyone. Just think of the mindfulness bell.” (I say it quietly/privately to him.)

As for what I think of/see when I ring it — I mainly do it to give myself space to feel whatever I may be feeling at that moment (e.g., wow, I am overwhelmed… or I see, I am sad about…). I breathe slowly, just feeling my breath. I try not to stress out about calming down, ifykwim. I just try to “be” for a moment. Sometimes my kids let me, but sometimes they don’t, so I do my best.

There aren’t books on mindfulness bells, that I know of, but there are many books about insight meditation. Insight meditation is a non-secular Buddhist practice that has two parts — a dedicated practice of mindfulness (e.g., sitting meditation) and daily life practice (being mindful in every moment). A good intro book might be Peace Is Every Step by Thich Naht Hanh.

Okay, this is really long!

Thanks for asking — please feel free to email me privately for more info!

I ask because we’re going to be adopting kids from foster care soon and the transition will be stressful for all of us. I’d like to use this as a tool for the family – I think it could be a wonderful way for all of us to, well, stay centered! I’m just not sure how I’d explain it to them or how exactly to tell them to use it. You ring it, take a deep breath, just take a minute to calm yourself? Are you supposed to think about anything in particular, like a peaceful scene or something?

Sorry for all the questions, I think this is fantastic and would love to learn more about it! Feel free to just direct me to a website or book if there is one. Thanks!!!

I’ve had a few folks ask about where to get a mindfulness bell… I use a “singing bowl” I bought locally from the East-West Bookshop for around $45. (I think of it as a life-time investment.)

I like that it sits on a flat surface and can be rung like a gong (no need to jiggle a little bell and then keep holding on to it). Plus it sounds really beautiful!

But really, you can assign mindfulness to any task or action, so it doesn’t even have to be a bell. Maybe you’ll choose something to hold (e.g., a special rock) or a certain place to sit to help you get back to center, etc.

Whatever you choose, I will be sending you all good wishes. This is such hard work, sometimes I think I need a giant gong! (LOL!)

Blessings to everyone,
Stacy

I can see why this post inspired her. It just so happens to be something I needed to read today as well. I am struggling right now to find that peace within myself.

I really love this idea; once we adopt I’ll have to use it!