Inviting the Bell
This meditation was adapted from Happy Teachers Change the World: A Guide for Cultivating Mindfulness in Education by Thich Nhat Hanh and Katherine Weare.
Why practice this meditation?
A bell, also known as a singing bowl, brings us to the present moment and into awareness of our breath, body, and feelings. When you “invite the bell” (rather than “hit the bell”), the sound creates a group atmosphere of calm, peace, and focus. Asking a friend or child to invite the bell can help them feel a sense of empowerment.
Meditation
Begin.
Sit like a mountain - comfortable, stable, and with a straight back.
Explain to the group what kind of meditation you will be guiding them through.
Wake up the bell.
Ask everyone to close their eyes and take two deep breaths.
Hold the bell in your flat palm. Use the wooden stick to gently tap the bell, but leave it there to dampen the sound.
Listen to the full sound of the bell.
Take another deep breath in and then let it all out.
Repeat, but this time the facilitator says this as everyone breathes:
“Listen, listen” (breathing in).
“This sound brings us to the present.” (breathing out).
Feel free to use any phrase that is meaningful to the group.
Repeat this cycle, breathing in and out and inviting the bell to calm the mind and body.
Closing.
Take 3 deep breaths.
Gently open your eyes.
Variations and Tips
Invite your friends or children to walk around the room slowly. When they hear the bell, stop and breathe.
Count breaths along with the bell.
Relax your eyes and mouth. Feel the sound waves vibrating each cell of your body.
After the group is familiar with this meditation, ask one of your friends or children to invite the bell.
Keep this practice authentic and fresh - don’t overuse the bell.
Reflection Questions
How do you feel right now - in your mind, body, ears?
Did anything change during the meditation?
Was it easy to focus on your breath? If your mind wandered, what did you do?