Starbright--Meditations for Children

Rating:
Summary: Great bedtime routine
Review: An introduction to the guided visualization form of meditation, with some background for adults and a two-part meditation to read your child (in your best soothing voice). The first part is the same every time, the second part gives the variations on what happens when you get to your secret garden.

This book helps our daughter child settle down, relax and unwind at bedtime. It would probably also be good in times of stress (big game, big test, public performance, etc.). And it only takes about 10 minutes, so even very busy families can fit it in (they probably need it the most!).

It fits a wide age range - we've used these meditations at several stages so far. We got the book around age 2 when there were "mon-ters in the closet," and pulled it out again the next time that sleep and nighttime separation issues arose, around age 5. Now we're revisiting it at age 9 when she requested that we go through it a chapter a night - and our total night owl often falls asleep before the end.

Rating:
Summary: Starbright: Meditations for Children is stellar!
Review: I can imagine no more peaceful way to conclude evening reading time and enter the realms of sleep--Garth's ability to to capture one's imagination by weaving an innocent and whimsical landscape for the mind to explore is delightful! The simplicity of the language coupled with the richness of possiblities help these gentle, guided meditations become gateways to dreamland. I love to see my three and five year-old children snuggle-down and close their eyes, allowing themselves to be carried by their own imagery and curiosity. With so much external visual stimulation in our modern world, it is great to foster an inner vision. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled onto this book and am compelled to buy it as a gift for all the children I know!

Rating:
Summary: "NOT " A Danger To Anyone
Review: I can't believe the review that cautions Christians against this book. I'm a Christian and if you're educated you would knwo there is nothing new about what is called new age. This is a wonderful book for Christians as well as anyone with half a mind. I use to be closed minded too until one day my heart opened up along with my mind. I now use Guided Imagery for myself, my grandchildren and those who come to me for assistance.

I've been learning and studying for over eight years about the mind, body, spirit connection and anyone with any common sense would know it is a valid connection that helps us to heal in all areas of our life, health and relationships.

There is NO DANGER for anyone in reading or using these techniques, that is if you desire to help your children and yourself. My personal advice is learn and use it for yourself and see the results and miracles that occur in your life and that of your children. Don't close your mind to anything just because someone has their heart and mind based in fear. Fear will keeep you and your children from knowing God, knowing peace and the healing that comes with it.

Want some proof, read Dr.Herbert Benson's book "The Relaxation Response" or any books by Belleruth Naparstek. It's been proven for years now that meditation as well as guided imagery are beneficial for everone, just as prayer works so does relaxation, meditation, guided imagery and hypnotherapy, all are one in the same in different forms. They can and will change your life! Go for it and experience the miracles for yourself. I did and so are millions of others around the globe.

Rating:
Summary: DANGER! to Christian parents. Newage religion in disguise
Review: Some schools are teaching this as secular relaxation. It is newage pagan and strongly antithetical to the Christian worldview. Avoid this at all costs.

Rating:
Summary: DANGER! to Christian parents. Newage religion in disguise
Review: This is a FANTASTIC book for children and for adults. The meditations are short and effective. The meditations are magical and lull you to sleep. They even help those who tend toward insomnia. Highly recommended for anyone (parent, child or adult) who wants to experience more peaceful sleep.

Rating:
Summary: Peaceful sleep
Review: This is a FANTASTIC book for children and for adults. The meditations are short and effective. The meditations are magical and lull you to sleep. They even help those who tend toward insomnia. Highly recommended for anyone (parent, child or adult) who wants to experience more peaceful sleep.

Rating:
Summary: Changed my daughter's life!
Review: Up until a few months ago, my ten-year-old daughter suffered from severe anxiety. In desperation, my husband and I took her to a therapist who recommended (among other strategies) that we use "Starbright" at bedtime.

I read the stories to my daughter and her twin sister, and they loved them! The meditations are so peaceful and relaxing, and they can be adapted to any belief system. With my daughters I add guardian angels, because that is my belief. At work (I'm a preschool teacher) I avoid Christian symbols and focus on the beauty of nature.

By the way, my daughter's anxiety is almost entirely gone. I know that's not entirely because of this book, but it certainly helped!

Rating:
Summary: My son loves this book...
Review: We bought this book when he was 2 years old and he has loved it from the very first day. He still loves it at 3 1/2 and begs to have meditation every night...it has even inspired him to create his own meditations(and mommy too). There is nothing evil about this book as the previous reviewer stated. The meditations are filled with compassion and love, what is evil about that???