Margret Stöckler
Here I would like to show you a very simple and wonderful heart ritual,
with which you can always embark again on the journey to Oups
and his Planet of Hearts.
I like to do it when I notice that we are losing sight of our goal,
peaceful togetherness and learning.
It will help you make the common goal tangible again, and through
shared reflection, you will find your way back to peaceful coexistence.
What you need for it…
You will need a wicker basket filled with small stones and also feathers
or blossoms, one for each child concerned. Since I like to participate in such rituals,
I also put a small stone for myself in the balloon basket.
I begin this ritual by taking a small stone from the basket into my hand. Now I say: "You know that I am sometimes impatient. This little stone represents my impatience. I am now removing my impatience and putting patience into the basket instead. My patience is as light as a feather."
In turn, each child now takes a small stone, explains what it symbolizes, and replaces it with a good intention in the form of a blossom/feather.
Thus, the basket gradually becomes lighter and is filled with more and more good intentions and behaviors. Of course, some children will need support in formulating. Oups, from the teacher's lap, whispers tips to the children.
Look, our balloon is taking off!!!!
For me, it is always wonderful to witness how children experience in this ritual
how beautiful it is to shed burdens. The moment the balloon basket becomes
lighter and finally actually lifts off... the children love it!!!
And here's a short video of our heart ritual
And here's a little story from Oups…
Oups invites Marie to his Heart Planet. The heart balloon is ready for the journey, but Marie has two heavy suitcases... With this heavy load, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to reach the Heart Planet, Oups thinks.
So Oups suggests to his dear friend that she should leave some of the weight behind, as they could then take off much more easily. After some hesitation, Marie agrees to set off with Oups without suitcases and is happy and relieved.
