It may be a children’s picture story book, but Levi Leaf Rider can teach all of us a lesson, says author Laura Jean Gannan.
The Beaconhills College student counsellor recently published the book to assist in her mindfulness teachings at the school’s Berwick campus.
“What we are noticing is that people are becoming more and more time poor and when they are stopping, they are using some form of technology,” she said.
“Kids are over stimulated a lot of the time and they’re hesitant to keep off technology because if they do they think they’re going to miss out in some capacity.”
A large part of Mrs Gannan’s work as a student counsellor involves working with students to explore what balance looks like.
Mindfulness, she says, is essential in finding that balance.
“When you explore what relaxation looks like, a lot of students think it’s TV or things where they’re stopping and relaxing, but not giving their head that break from everything in the same way mindfulness does.
“It’s all about being conscious to do things that you can be in the present moment for, such as going for a walk, or playing a board game.”
The story follows the journey of Levi Leaf Rider, who is described as “a peculiar robin red breast, whose unique means of travel, can teach us a thing or two about the power of mindfulness”.
Mrs Gannan has been implementing the book, which includes a nursery rhyme, into wellbeing workshops at Beaconhills’ Berwick campus and hopes other parents and educators might do the same.
“The book is designed to be aimed at kids but also provide a bit of insight to parents as well about how they can stop and reflect,” she said.
“Parents are busier than ever so its hard to find that balance, but we know the best way for children to learn is through modelling.”
Levi Leaf Rider is available to purchase on Amazon at amazon.com/Levi-Leaf-Rider-Laura-Gannan/dp/B0B92V9K7T
To celebrate the launch of the book, Laura is doing a reading at Creek and Bay in Seaford on Sunday 20 November at 10am and 11am, with the first 30 participants receiving a free goodie bag.
