Robert Vescio’s Story on Mindfulness Opens our Hearts

It’s always a pleasure including Robert Vescio on the blog. His passion, voice and expertise are nothing short of inspiring. Robert, author of numerous children’s books such as Marlo Can Fly, Eric Finds a Way, Jack and Mia, and Barnaby and the Lost Treasure of Bunnyville, most recently brings us an important story of ‘being happy in the moment’, of mindfulness and appreciating the world around us. Today, Robert talks about the inspiration behind his newest release, Ella Saw The Tree. Thank you! 💁 🌳 🐶

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Today, children are bombarded with so many distractions in life i.e. television and video games that they can lose focus on what is really important. I wrote Ella Saw The Tree to encourage children to slow down and appreciate their surroundings. With this book, I’m hoping children will be open to explore as they learn about their world.

Ella Saw The Tree is an entertaining story about mindfulness and living in the moment. It teaches a simple but important lesson. By taking a moment to slow down and really appreciate your surroundings, even the simple things can be surprising and fun.

One windy day, as Ella is swinging, she is showered by leaves. When she looks up, Ella sees a tree in her backyard … has it always been there? And why is it crying? It’s not until Ella carefully and attentively takes the time to – smell, listen, feel and look – that she discovers the tree in her backyard, as if for the very first time. By slowing down and experiencing new sensations, Ella learns to appreciate the simple things in life.

We often tell our children to ‘pay attention’ but we don’t often teach children HOW to pay attention. This story does that in a fun way. By taking information from all their senses, children are able to explore as they learn about their world. This is what mindfulness is about; ‘sensing’ what’s happening, not thinking. It helps them notice their feelings before making a decision – a way of caring for yourself. Mindfulness can increase happiness in a child’s life.

For example, a child walking through the bush is able to explore all the wonders around them i.e. trees and leaves etc. Everything is a new experience, full of discovery, fresh with a beginner’s mind.

Mindfulness is about training yourself to pay attention in a specific way. We spend so much time thinking over stuff that happens, or worrying about things that might happen in the future, that often we forget to appreciate or enjoy the moment. Mindfulness is a way of bringing us back to experience life as it happens.

Mindfulness can help treat people with anxiety and depression. When a person is mindful they are focused on the present moment, not worrying about anything that went on in the past or that might be coming up in the future, concentrating on what’s happening around them, and to them, and not being judgemental about anything they notice.

When you’re mindful it gives you a clear head, slows down your nervous system, lets you relax and helps you cope with stress.

Ella Saw The Tree will delight all readers. Teachers and parents alike can use this story as a starting point for discussing the concept of engaging all senses and being mindful of the little things in life.
For children, reading this book will open new perspectives on the world and being present in the moment. This is a great book to be shared with children of all ages.

Ella Saw The Tree is available now from Big Sky Publishing.

Robert will be continuing his blog tour of Ella Saw The Tree at various exciting locations. Be sure to look out for his posts!

Robert Vescio has had his short stories published in anthologies, he has won awards for his children’s writing, as well as being an author on the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge list. Robert’s aim is to enthuse and inspire children to read and write and leave them bursting with imaginative ideas. Find more at Robert’s website and Facebook page.