The Story Behind the Panda

Lyn Russell, RYT-500, RCYT, B.Ed., Dip.T., ACOA Dip. (M.Nat.Th) • Jul 18, 2021

You may be wondering where the idea of a panda for our Mindfulness Programs came from.

Pandas and children have many things in common. In some cultures, the panda symbolises many characteristics that resonate with mindfulness and life skills that all children, young adults and adults need to thrive in our modern world.

The panda is one of the most adorable creatures on the planet, as well as one of the most powerful. The panda symbolises the importance of personal boundaries as well as physical and emotional comfort when times are tough. The panda also symbolises compassion, enjoyment and abundance. When we think of the panda it can help us to slow down and focus on one task, to help nurture the mind and body.

The panda can symbolise our ability to find a balanced path in life. When we have the skills to cope with difficult situations or worries we will have a more balanced life. The gentleness of the panda reminds us that there are some things in life that cannot be resolved with sharp words or brute force. Sometimes you need the words and skills to have a gentle but firm approach to make sure you are heard and understood, giving you power when you lack courage, confidence, or stability. The panda can help remind us to be firm but gentle and earn the respect of those around you.

Symbolising peace and good luck, the panda can show how having a positive outlook on life can make the world of difference. It represents the power of emotions and the importance of patience and moments of stillness.

The panda likes to have their own personal territories. Everyone needs a safe space where you can feel relaxed and comfortable. Having time in your day where you can be alone and rest your mind and your body is vitally important. Learning skills to calm and quiet the body and mind are life skills to help maintain a healthy mind and body.

We can use the panda to help remind us of the importance of being grateful for things we have in our life, teaching us to be more aware of our surroundings and helping us to find inner peace. Focusing on the positive and doing away with the negative, all the while being aware of what your emotions and thoughts are, but not focusing on them.

Using the panda to symbolise our Panda Mindfulness Program helps us to:

maintain a steady pace in life
move through life calmly and peacefully
be more comfortable about ourselves
balance the positive and negative thoughts in our lives. Go with the flow and don't forget to enjoy small things in everyday life
cope and thrive with challenges in our lives

Just remember, with the right skills you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to. Learning these skills and practicing daily will help build more confident, resilient, peaceful, calm and thoughtful kids and young adults and help them grow into the best versions of themselves they can be.

For more information on the Panda Kids 8 Week Mindfulness program click here

For more information on the 8 Week Mindfulness program for Young Adults click here

All of the amazing artwork for the resources for the Mindfulness Program were created by Red Brush Art.

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By Lyn Russell, RYT-500, RCYT, B.Ed., Dip.T., ACOA Dip. (M.Nat.Th) • 14 Oct, 2022

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