Written in a way that is entirely accessible to teens, Karen Bluth has done a beautiful job of adapting exercises in self-compassion and mindfulness specifically for the needs of teens.
The book is organized into 4 sections. Each section contains several activities to try, including art activities, guided meditations with mp3 downloads available, and reflection prompts. She has even included subtle self-assessments.
Because writing about your own experience can be uncomfortable for some, many of the self-reflection spaces offer a potential list of answers to select from or add to. Karen has also been very intentional in including a variety of ways to participate throughout the book, engaging different learning styles. These include audio files, writing prompts, areas to color, prompts to draw or create a 3D art piece, even a word search.
In addition to using this book as a personal journal, it can also be used as a resource for parents, teachers, counselors and anyone else who loves and supports teens. I use many of the exercises with my adolescent clients. I love the way she has taken wisdom practices, such as Sharon Salzberg’s Loving Kindness Meditation and several of Dr. Kristen Neff’s research based self-compassion exercises, and made subtle changes to speak directly to the experience of teens.
If you are looking for a resource for yourself or a teen in your life to begin exploring self-compassion and mindfulness, I highly recommend trying this book.