The Three Minds
This mind helps you think about facts and make plans.
Reasonable Mind
Someone says, "I’m too nervous to talk to anyone. I don’t want to try making new friends!" Which mind are they in?
Emotion Mind is when our emotions are in charge and we feel overwhelmed by them. In this example, the person is feeling nervous, and their emotions are leading them to avoid trying something new, like talking to others.
You feel scared about trying something new, like a new game, and think, "What if I mess up?" How can you reframe this to Wise Mind?
Example of Wise mind!
"Maybe I feel scared, but I’ve tried new things before and it was fun. I’ll give it a try and see what happens!"
Let’s pretend you’re a balloon! Take a big breath in like you’re blowing up a balloon, and then let the air out slowly like you’re letting the balloon float away. Do it 3 times! How do you feel now?
I FEEL AWESOME. This helps you pay attention to your breathing and slow it down. When you take deep breaths, it helps your body feel calm and your mind feel peaceful, like you’re in control and ready to relax!
I’m soft and squishy, I can soak up water, but I’m full of holes! What am I?
A sponge!
This mind makes you feel really big emotions, like when you’re super scared or really excited
Emotion Mind
You think, "I’m feeling so mad I just want to yell and run away!" Which mind are you in?
Emotion Mind!
Emotion Mind is when strong emotions like anger take over and influence our decisions. This response is driven by the feeling of being mad, without thinking through the consequences or finding a way to calm down.
I’m too shy and nervous to talk to anyone at camp.
Can you change this thought into a Wise Mind thought?
Example: I’m shy, but I can say 'hi' to one person and see what happens!"
Imagine you’re a statue! Stand really still like a statue for 5 seconds, then break out of your freeze and move like a break dancer! Shake your arms and legs to let the energy go. Can you feel your body relax after dancing?
I AM TOTALLY RELAXED NOW. This activity helps you get rid of extra energy and feel calmer. When you freeze like a statue, your body feels still and calm. Then, when you move like a dancer, you shake off any tightness or stress, making your body feel more relaxed and happy!
Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet robot?
Great answer!
This mind is the best of both worlds and helps you stay calm, even if you're nervous.
Wise Mind is a balance of both emotions and facts
You think, "What if I get hurt on the playground? Maybe I shouldn’t go play." Which mind are you in?
Reasonable Mind!
Reasonable Mind focuses on logic and facts. Here, the thought is based on a concern (getting hurt) and trying to avoid it by staying safe. It’s a practical way of thinking but doesn’t account for other possibilities, like playing safely or learning that not everything is dangerous.
You think, "I’ll never be able to do this! It’s too hard!" How can you reframe this to Wise Mind?
Can you change this thought into a Wise Mind thought?
"I can try my best, even if it’s hard. I can take it step by step, and if I need help, I’ll ask for it."
Look around and pick 3 things you can see, hear, and feel! For example, ‘I see a blue car,’ ‘I hear birds,’ and ‘I feel my soft pillow.’ Can you find three things right now? Draw a picture of one of them!
This activity is called grounding. It helps you focus on the present moment and distracts your mind from worrying. It also helps you pay attention to what’s around you, making you feel more connected to your surroundings.
I float in the sky, I change shapes, and sometimes I bring rain! What am I?
A cloud!
If you feel nervous but still take a calm breath and make a good choice, which mind is helping you
Wise Mind
Guess the mind: You feel nervous about the new school year and meeting your new teacher, but you remind yourself, "It's okay to feel nervous. Over time, I’ll get more comfortable," and then you take a deep breath to calm down.
This is Wise Mind because you're feeling nervous, but you're also being calm and telling yourself it will get better. You’re thinking in a smart and balanced way!
I can’t do this, it’s too hard!
Can you change this thought into a Wise Mind thought?
Example: I can do it! I’ll take one step at a time and try my best.
Let’s pretend you’re blowing bubbles! Take a slow, deep breath in, and then blow out like you’re making a big bubble. Do it 5 times. Can you imagine the bubbles floating away with all your worries?
Blowing out like bubbles helps you take slow, deep breaths. It’s a fun way to focus on your breathing, which calms your body and helps your worries float away
Would you rather be able to fly like a superhero or run super fast like a cheetah?
WOW SO COOL!
If you’re only thinking about facts and not how you feel, which mind are you using?
Reasonable Mind!
You feel a little nervous but decide to go play anyway, thinking, "I’ll give it a try. I can always stop if I don’t like it." Which mind are you in?
Wise Mind! This is is a balanced mix of both Emotion Mind and Reasonable Mind. Here, the person is acknowledging their nervousness (Emotion Mind) but choosing to try anyway with a calm, balanced approach, considering the possibility of stopping if needed. They’re making a smart, thoughtful choice.
This is too scary, I don’t want to do it
Can you change this thought into a Wise Mind thought?
Example: I’m scared, but I can take a deep breath and try my best!
Imagine you’re a superhero with superpowers! Take a deep breath in and freeze like a superhero statue. Hold it for 5 seconds, then release and shake out your muscles like you’re ready for action! How do you feel now?"
This helps you practice deep breathing and muscle relaxation. When you freeze, your body becomes calm, and shaking out the tension helps you release any tight muscles, making you feel stronger and more in control.
I start tall but get smaller when I burn. What am I?