Saguaro Stillness

Teaching Children how to Return to PeaceWhen a child enters the desert feeling sad, a wise saguaro leads the child on a journey where together, they discover the magic and beauty of the desert through opening the child’s senses. The child learns practical tools on how to make use of meditation, visualization, and gratitude to return to peace. Peace is always available to us. In difficult times, we often forget the simplest ways to slow down and return to our center. Being aware of our breath is one of the simplest ways to do this. Saguaro Stillness takes you on a journey from the feeling of separation to feeling connected to all there is. Your awareness and heart will return to a state of peace and shine like the most brilliant star! This book was inspired and blossomed out of the more trying times of the COVID 19 pandemic. During this time, children had school 100% online, birthday parties were exclusively drive by, and playgrounds and ramadas at local parks were wrapped in caution tape. Children missed their friends deeply and parents were worried for their children. Even though this virus thrives on the things that we as humans crave, connection; there is nothing that can extinguish the flame of peace in our hearts. My son was especially affected by this global trauma and struggled with a sense of notbelonging. I felt compelled to discover and teach simple ways to return to stillness and connect to the peace that lies within us all. Physical movement to shift energy, breathwork, awareness through the senses, observingnature, gratitude, and meditation are all ways in which we can return to the peace in our hearts. Sketching Saguaro Stillness was a Tucson Community Children’s Art Event that occurred on 9/18/2021. Children participated inactivities that promoted bravery, laughter, physical movement, music, and meditation which prepared them to open themselves to creativity. I read Saguaro Stillness and encouraged the children to close their eyes, go within, and use their imagination. The illustrations you will see are a result of their personal journey. This book is told from the perspective of the saguaro, which means the saguaro is the one telling the story.Saguaro Stillness sprouted from a time where the soil was laden with deep confusion and sadness. This seed, filled with dedication, light, and love transformed into the most beautiful flower imaginable. Sometimes it takes faith and perseverance to discover the good, but there is always a lesson and beauty in every challenge. With patience and grace, I believe we can all find our way back home, to peace. May your heart return to peace time and time again, and bloom like the most stunning flower. 3