Washing the hands is a task we perform many times a day, and provides a wonderful opportunity for taking a few minutes to practice mindfulness-in-action.

Washing hands involves many actions that can be slowed down, watched and felt with full and focused attention. 

As you go through this activity you will also start to understand more about how movements are planned and coordinated. 

Ideas for practicing mindful hand washing.

The first time you practice mindful hand washing with your child, you will need to guide his or her actions, and spend time talking about the experience. with 

After practicing the task a few times with verbal guidance, try to decrease the guidance and do at least part of the task n silence. 

Start with paying attention to getting ready for washing the hands.

You may want to start by pulling up your sleeves to stop them from getting wet.

Notice how your hands move the pick up the basin plug and insert it in the plug hole.

You move your hand towards the plug, open the fingers, close the fingers around the plug, lift it up, move the hand towards the plug hole, fit the plug into the hold and let go.

Next pay the same degree of attention to turning on the cold tap and watching the water running into the basin

Take some time to watch the ripples that are created as it forms a small pool in the basin.

You may also like to put your hand under the running water and notice the sensations you experience as the cold water trickles over your hand.

Turn and move your hand so that the water flows over your palm and your fingers, then over the back of your hand.

When there is enough water in the basin turn off the tap, slowly and with close attention to your movements and sensations.

Now it is time to pick up the soap and smear it over your hands. Rub your hands together and feel the slipperiness of the soap.

Put the soap down and take some time to smear the soap onto the back of your hands and between the fingers.

Next rinse your hands in the basin of water and lift them out.

Stop for a moment to observe  the shininess and drop of the water on your the drops.

You can also shake your hands or flick your fingers to move some of the water off your hands.

Finally take time to pay attention to drying your hands on a towel. 

Feel the texture of the towel as you move it across your skills. 

Notice the many movements you use to get your hands dry.