Embracing Serenity: An Islamic Approach to Easing Childhood Anxiety
In the world of children filled with bustling energies, there are still times of anxiety and fear; join us as we uncover the gentle wisdom rooted in Islamic teachings, offering a holistic approach to soothe the hearts of our precious ones when those times kick in. Join us as we navigate the realms of faith, mindfulness, and resilience, providing actionable insights to guide our children toward a serene and empowered path.
Hauwa Bello
1/22/20242 min read
Embracing Serenity: An Islamic Approach to Easing Childhood Anxiety
Have you ever heard of the term "lizard brain"? It's not from a spine-chilling Halloween story but a reference to the limbic system, one of the brain's oldest and most primitive parts. This region, often nicknamed the lizard brain, governs emotions, moods, and mental processes, mirroring the simplified functions of a lizard's brain. Interestingly, it is within this lizardy domain where anxiety may manifest in almost 1 in 4 children.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), a staggering number of children worldwide, approximately 25%, experience unhealthy levels of anxiety at some point in their lives. This includes many of our students at Mumtaz International School. As a parent, understanding and alleviating persistent worry in your child is paramount. So, how can you assist your child in coping with anxiety through an Islamic perspective?
Firstly, it's crucial to recognize that reassurance, while well-intentioned, may not effectively reach your child's lizard brain. Lizards lack use for human language, as their primal focus remains on survival rather than conversation. When anxiety takes hold, and the lizard brain prevails, language processing diminishes. Your attempts to comfort may seem unheard, not because your child ignores them but because, in their perception, there is indeed cause for concern.
In lieu of reasoning with the lizard brain, employ the "Focus 5" Allah's name exercise, graciously shared with us by Hauwa Bello, our lead school counsellor and school director. This exercise, grounded in our faith, aims to guide your child back into a state of calm and back into a human.
Let's engage in the Focus 5 Allah's name exercise together:
Say the basmalah (bismillah), close your eyes, raise your hand, and prepare to breathe.
1. Inhale deeply, saying "Al-Azim", and curl your thumb, leaving four fingers raised.
2. Move to your index finger. Inhale deeply, say "Al-Alim", and lower your index finger.
3. Proceed to your middle finger. Inhale deeply, say "Al-Mumin", and lower your middle finger, leaving two remaining.
4. The ring finger follows. Inhale deeply, say "Ya-Hayyu Ya-Qayyum", and lower your ring finger.
5. Finally, take a deep breath, say "Rabbu-l-arsh il-azim", and lower your pinky.
How did you feel? Remarkable, isn't it? Even without personal struggles with anxiety, this technique proves beneficial for reclaiming your mind and subduing the lizard brain, if only for a brief respite.
The next time your child grapples with overwhelming anxiety, consider this faith-infused exercise. Share your experiences with us in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
Remember, childhood anxiety is a global challenge. While it's not the parent's duty to eliminate it entirely, there are Islamic practices that can help ease your child's stress, one deep breath at a time.
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Mumtaz Intl School
Plot 689, Mumtaz Street, by 1 (S) 1 Crescent, CY corner, FHA Newsite, Lugbe. Abuja. FCT
234-805-895-9462
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