Thumb Twiddling

Thumb Twiddling as a mindful practice.

My grandmother always twiddled her thumbs. My grandmother was also always calm and happy. This is something I've recently remembered and been thunking about. She twiddled her thumbs while she talked, while she watched TV, pretty much while she did anything. So I've been thinking about this practice and how I can use it as another way to teach students how to access mindfulness, places for creating peace, quiet, and a safe feeling inside themselves. Twiddling your thumbs takes a little bit of brain concentration to get started but can be a soothing, relaxing practice, once the basics are mastered.

Want to give it a try? Start by interlacing your fingers together, thumbs on top. Leave a little pocket of space in between your palms. Now lift your thumbs up. Begin to circle your thumbs around one another - as if one thumb is chasing the other around in a circle. Keep repeating this until you've mastered thumb twiddling. Getting really good at it? Switch the directions of your thumbs for an extra challenge. While you twiddle, focus on your breath as it comes in and out of your nose. Feel better now? You’re welcome!

Try it and let us know what your think!