About the Series
Give Your Brain a Bath was an idea that came to mind when I attended a ten-day silent retreat in December 2018. Prior to the retreat, I had never meditated. At the retreat, I went from not practicing meditation at all to practicing for 10—14 hours a day! In the beginning, I had a very hard time sitting in silence and stillness for fifteen minutes, let alone the two-hour Vipassana meditations that participants were expected to participate in several times a day.
One day when I was struggling to sit still and be present, a visualization came to mind that helped me through it. I imagined a stream of water running down my brain, rinsing out all the fear and anxiety that plagued my mind and soul. I envisioned each of my brain’s lobes being cleansed with a stream of water, taking with it all thoughts that were holding me back from reaching my greatest potential.
I left the ten-day silent retreat feeling incredibly light and free: like the weight of the world was lifted from my shoulders. I started sleeping more deeply and focusing better than ever before. I knew I had discovered my superpower: Meditation! I knew I needed to share it with others and teach them how to access theirs. This revelation was the moment Give Your Brain A Bath was born.
The goal of the series is to offer a road map for kids and parents to follow, that provides easy, accessible self-care practices to use in everyday life! The titles will be published in 2020—2022.
xoxo
Katie
Let’s Have an Attitude of Gratitude
Practicing Gratitude has been scientifically proven to make us happier humans: it helps us focus on the good in our lives, foster healthy relationships, and improves our self-esteem and so much more. Let’s Have an Attitude of Gratitude teaches children and humans of all sizes how to practice and express gratitude in their daily lives--and the many benefits of doing so! Order your copy now.
“LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! This is a beautifully written and illustrated book for all ages ! It is perfect to use both at home and in my classroom! This book is a popular request throughout the week. My kids love to practice what we are reading and really enjoy talking about the pictures and relating to their experiences. There are amazing discussion tips, as well as a scavenger hunt and enrichment resources. This book was very well thought out with all of the follow up activities to help both parents and teachers!”
—Samantha, February 2020
Let’s Sit Down and Meditate
“Release all your worries, do not wait! It’s time to sit down and meditate!”
The first book in the Give Your Brain a Bath series is Let’s Sit Down and Meditate, and it was published on February 14, 2020. Let’s Sit Down and Meditate teaches children—and humans of all sizes—how to meditate and the benefits of doing so. Perfect for the classroom or for bedtime, author Katie Stoeckeler’s gentle, easy-to-follow narrative introduces children to the benefits of meditation: it trains our awareness and attention, settles our minds, and encourages a calm state of being. Original watercolor illustrations by artist Sara Martin pair beautifully and bring a feeling of peace to young readers. Let's Sit Down and Meditate includes a glossary, a scavenger hunt, and a guide for parents and teachers to provide enrichment.
"We absolutely love this book. With beautiful illustrations it guides the reader through the steps of meditation and it’s benefits. The illustrations are phenomenal, the writing is fantastic and the message is heartwarming. In the words of a 4 year ‘I love to meditate and give my brain a bath. This book makes my brain feel rested and my heart feel full.’"
-Alexandra, February 2020
How Yoga Saved Christmas
Yoga helps us connect our body, breath, and brain; it helps us foster inner peace and caring for ourselves and others. How Yoga Saved Christmas teaches kids, and humans of all sizes, that self-care is important to everyone—even Santa!
Join Miss Katie and her students as they journey to the North Pole to teach Santa and his elves about the importance of yoga. Can Miss Katie and her students teach Santa and the elves how to feel their best in time for Christmas?
"I purchased this book as a gift for my daughter and had to read it at least once. It is absolutely adorable. The diversity of ethnicities, and different Santas stretching and bending, had me smiling and appreciating all the hard work that went into making this book. Personally, I love supporting independent artists."
-George, October 2020