Michael R Kiel, MA, LPC | Mindful Living Resources
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Michael R Kiel, MA, LPC | Mindful Living Resources
@mindfullivingres.bsky.social
930 followers 550 following 700 posts
Therapist behind Mindful Living Resources ™️ a website that blends creativity and care, creating mental health tools for children.

Finn the Fox ™️ and Acceptance Acres ™️, along with other characters, stories, and tools, are trademark protected. Thank you.
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When art, ethics, and technology intersect—it gets messy.

This isn’t about picking a side.

It’s about slowing down. Holding space. Listening deeply.

In this post, I explore AI, the environment, and the ethics of creativity.

Read more in the ALT.

#exploringai
A Quiet Path for a Complex Topic What do we do when art, ethics, and technology overlap in uncomfortable ways? This blog invites thoughtful reflection—not a hot take. Here’s what I explore: • The environmental impact of AI (with real-world context) • Consent + credit in creative work • The tension between displacement and opportunity in the art world Whether you’re an artist, tech user, or curious observer, I hope this piece offers clarity without collapsing the complexity. Read the full post at www.mindfullivingresources.com. Photo by @simons_medium, via Pexels—supporting free creative tools. #MindfulCreativity #HoldComplexity #EthicalTech #SustainableArt #MindfulLiving #CreativeEthics #DigitalResponsibility
April 5, 2025 at 4:19 AM
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There’s something magical about feeling small—in the best way.

This morning, Finn didn’t plan or fix. He just stood in wonder.

You don’t need a mountain to feel it.

ALT has questions to invite wonder with your child today.

Where do you feel small and connected?
ALT Text (Parent-Focused Guidance): Wonder Wednesday – The Quiet Power of Awe Finn stood at the cliff’s edge this morning—not to fix anything, just to notice. The view. The breeze. The quiet courage in his chest. Wonder doesn’t shout. It whispers when we slow down enough to hear it. Try this with your child today: Ask one of these gentle prompts: “What’s something amazing you noticed today?” “Where do you feel most connected to the world around you?” “What makes you say wow?” You don’t need a mountain view. Sometimes wonder shows up as: A dandelion. A shadow. A star. You’re not just raising a thinker. You’re raising someone who can pause and feel the world. Invite a moment of wonder today. Then share it—or just hold it gently.
April 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
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Some thoughts feel big and real…

But not all thoughts are facts.

In Acceptance Acres, Delaney watches her reflection in the pond—just like thoughts, some are clear, some wobbly.

ALT has a simple way to talk about this with your child today. Let me know if you try it!

#LetsTalkTuesday
Let’s Talk Tuesday – Reflections & Thoughts In Acceptance Acres, Delaney loves watching her reflection ripple in the pond. It helps her remember: Thoughts come and go. Some are clear. Some are wobbly. And not all thoughts are facts. Try this with your child today: 1. Gently ask: “What thought showed up for you today?” 2. Follow up with: “Was that a helpful thought… or just passing through?” This simple, reflective moment helps kids: Notice their thoughts without getting stuck. Practice emotional awareness. Take power away from thoughts that don’t serve them. Bonus idea: Draw the pond together! Let your child sketch “thought ripples”—some clear, some scribbly—to show how thoughts show up and pass through. You’re teaching defusion—softly, playfully, and in connection.
April 1, 2025 at 6:51 PM
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Start your week like Finn—calm, curious, and connected.

Mindfulness isn’t fancy.
It’s the breeze, the light, the pause.

Try a 20-second moment of stillness with your child today.

Simple steps in the ALT.

Share or save for your next quiet moment.

#MindfulMonday #MindfulnessWithFinn
ALT Text (Parent-Focused Guidance): Mindful Monday – A Gentle Start Begin the week like Finn: Sitting still. Soaking up sunbeams. Noticing what’s here. Try this simple mindfulness activity with your child: 1. Pause for 20 seconds Sit together—inside or outdoors. No pressure. Just stillness. 2. Ask: What do you hear? What do you see? What do you feel? 3. Let them share—or just notice quietly. You don’t need deep answers. You’re simply helping them check in. Mindfulness for kids doesn’t need tools or timers. It starts with moments like this.
March 31, 2025 at 3:21 PM
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Finn knows a little abouy #Stunday .

He didn’t chase or fix—he just watched the clouds.

Some moved fast. Some barely moved.

None stayed forever.

Stillness is enough.

Let today be quiet.

His full reflection in the ALT.

Save or share with a parent who might need a pause.
Stunday Sunday – Nature Reflection Finn didn’t chase. He didn’t dig. He didn’t run. He simply lay in the soft grass, watching clouds drift over the trees. Some moved fast. Some barely moved. None stayed forever. Today’s a day for stillness. You don’t need to fix anything. You don’t need to achieve or prove. You can just notice. Breathe. Observe what’s here—just like clouds in the sky. Ask your child: “What do you see in the clouds today?” Let the moment unfold without rushing. This is a mindfulness practice. This is enough.
March 30, 2025 at 5:18 AM
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Finn’s eyes said it all: “What if I mess up?”

Delaney didn’t fix it—just gently said:

“You don’t have to believe everything your mind tells you.”

From our new story set on Defusion.

More in the ALT.

Save + share with a parent who gets it.
ALT Text (Parent-Focused Overview): Story Sneak Peek – Defusion in Action Finn was stuck in a spiral of self-doubt. Delaney noticed—even before he spoke a word. Instead of trying to fix his feelings, she offered gentle presence and a key reminder: “You don’t have to believe everything your mind tells you.” This scene is part of our Finn & Delaney Defusion Story Set—a printable collection designed to help kids recognize sticky thoughts and gently let go. Each story teaches a defusion skill using fun visuals, relatable feelings, and 5 comprehension questions you can return to again and again. Explore the full printable set at Mindful Living Resources.
March 29, 2025 at 1:18 PM
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Finn was grumpy.

Delaney didn’t fix it—she just offered a rock and a leaf.

“Which one feels like your thought?”

That’s it. A choice. A moment.

Try this metaphor with your kid.

Detailed steps in ALT.

Tag a parent or teacher who'd love this!

#FamilyFriday
ALT Text (Expanded for Parent Use): Heavy Rock or Light Leaf? (Emotional Regulation Tool) Use this nature-based metaphor to help your child explore tough feelings: 1. Practice during calm moments. Let your child hold a real rock and leaf (or draw them). Talk about how each one feels. 2. In tough moments, ask: “Is that thought a heavy rock or a light leaf?” 3. If they say “rock,” invite them to hold it... then let it go. If it’s a “leaf,” they can gently blow it away. 4. Emphasize: All thoughts are welcome, but we don’t have to hold on to every single one. Build this into your routine to grow your child’s emotional vocabulary, flexibility, and calm-down tools.
March 28, 2025 at 3:04 PM
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Grumpy bear or calm bunny?

Kids can “feed” a thought and learn that not all thoughts need attention.

Try this silly + powerful defusion game with your child.

Steps Finn Image ALT.

Tag a parent or teacher who’d love this!

#ThoughtfulThursdayChallenge #FinnTheFox
ALT Text (Expanded for Parent Guidance): Thought-Feeding Game (Defusion Practice) 1. Show two thoughts: – “I’ll never get it right.” – “I can try again tomorrow.” 2. Ask: Which thought would you feed today? 3. Let your child draw, act, or imagine the animal behind each thought. Grumpy dragon? Calm owl? Go wild! 4. Emphasize: Thoughts aren’t facts. We don’t have to feed every single one. Use this to build awareness, flexibility, and playful emotional regulation.
March 27, 2025 at 1:52 PM
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This #Wonderesday take 2 minutes tonight to step outside with your child and gaze at the stars.

Ask: “What do you think is up there?”

Then: Just listen with curiosity.

Wonder lives in stillness, curious questions, and the quiet glow of imagination.

#ParentingWithPresence
#BeCurious
#Listen
ALT: A breathtaking, painterly night sky glows above a quiet forest, the Milky Way stretching overhead in soft swirls of light. This peaceful scene invites reflection, connection, and awe. Wonder Prompt for Families: 1. Step outside tonight and look up at the stars together. 2. Ask your child: “What do you think is up there?” 3. Pause and listen—stay curious, no need to correct. 4. Share your own wonder or memory of the stars. This quiet moment encourages mindfulness, nurtures imagination, and creates space for connection—one star at a time.
March 26, 2025 at 2:31 PM
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Want your child to open up and share more?

Gently ask, “What was a heavy thought today?”

Just listen and validate.

Then gently share your own.

Naming thoughts makes them easier to let go.

See ALT for the steps of this defusion tool and try it tonight.

#DefusionForKids #MindfulParenting
📷 ALT: Delaney the Duck offers a leaf to Finn the Fox beside a quiet forest stream, where other leaves drift gently away. This scene illustrates a calming defusion exercise for kids: 1️⃣ Ask: “What thought felt heavy today?” 2️⃣ Say: “That sounds sticky.” 3️⃣ Invite your child to imagine placing that thought on a leaf and watching it float downstream. This gentle practice fosters emotional awareness, connection, and healthy ways to unhook from tough thoughts. Great for bedtime, car rides, or after-school check-ins.
March 25, 2025 at 1:47 PM
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Feeling fidgety or scattered?

Try this: 3 slow breaths, then press your feet to the floor.

Grounding helps both kids and adults refocus in the moment. Try it together!

#MindfulMonday #ParentingTip
ALT Text: A simple grounding routine: 1. Take 3 slow breaths. 2. Press your feet firmly into the floor. 3. Say out loud: “I am here.” This quick practice helps kids (and grownups) reset during moments of distraction, transition, or emotional overwhelm. Try it after a tantrum, before homework, or mid-workday!
March 24, 2025 at 2:15 PM
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The moonlight rests gently on the water, just like our thoughts can rest in stillness. 🌕

Tonight, invite your child to sit quietly, breathe, and imagine their thoughts floating across the surface of a calm lake.

#MindfulMoments #Stunday
#FamilyTime
ALT Text: A painterly vertical scene of a still forest lake under a glowing full moon. The moon’s reflection shimmers across the calm water, surrounded by tall pines and fireflies at the edge. 🧘‍♂️ Try this with your child: 1. Find a quiet moment before bedtime. 2. Ask them to close their eyes and imagine a lake under the stars. 3. Invite them to picture their thoughts as leaves or bubbles resting on the water. 4. Each breath is a ripple—watch the thoughts gently float away. This calming visualization helps children gently release sticky thoughts and return to the present.
March 23, 2025 at 2:57 PM
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🎭 The 5-Minute Role Swap Game Caption: Want a quick way to boost connection?

Try swapping roles with your child for 5 minutes!

👶➡️👩‍👦

They act like the parent, and you act like them. Expect giggles and a fresh perspective.

See ALT for how to make it fun!
ALT: 👶 5-Minute Role Swap Game 1️⃣ Set a timer for 5 minutes. 2️⃣ You act like your child—mimic how they talk/play. 3️⃣ They act like you—let them “be in charge.” 4️⃣ Discuss: What was funny? What did you learn? 🌟 This builds empathy, laughter, and a fresh way to see each other!
March 21, 2025 at 4:03 PM
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🚗 Stuck in traffic? Here’s today’s challenge: Reframe the frustration!

Instead of “Ugh, traffic!” try this instead: “I get extra time to enjoy my favorite song.” 🎶

See ALT for why reframing shifts your brain’s response.

#ThoughtfulThursday #Reframing #MindsetShift #DefusionInAction
📷 ALT: Delaney the Duck sits happily in traffic, her seatbelt fastened as she grips the steering wheel with a contented smile. 🦆🚘 Despite the congestion around her, she’s relaxed, enjoying the moment. 💡 Try this simple reframing challenge: 1️⃣ Notice the frustration (“Ugh, traffic!”). 2️⃣ Shift your perspective: “This gives me extra time to listen to music or reflect on my day.” 🎶 3️⃣ Feel the difference—your brain starts focusing on what’s helpful instead of what’s frustrating. ✨ Small mindset shifts = big changes in how we handle daily stress. What’s a moment you can reframe today?
March 20, 2025 at 5:21 PM
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The Pause Before Flight

Have you ever watched a hummingbird just before it takes off? That stillness, that suspended moment before movement. Wonder often lives in these quiet pauses.

What moment of stillness left you in awe?

Share your own #Wonderesday moment and join the movement of wonder!
ALT: A vibrant hummingbird perches on a thin branch, its iridescent green feathers shimmering in the golden light. Its wings are slightly lifted, poised for flight. The moment holds quiet anticipation—stillness before movement. 🌟 Try this: Pause when you notice a moment of stillness. Observe your surroundings—the colors, sounds, and light. Breathe it in...and exhale...before life takes off again.
March 19, 2025 at 3:43 PM
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🕰️ The ‘Not Right Now’ Trick

Not all thoughts need a response. When your mind brings up a worry, try saying: “Not right now, I’ll check in later.” This tiny pause can break the cycle of rumination.

See ALT for a quick way to use this trick.

#LetsTalkTuesday #DefusionInAction
#SelfcareMatters
ALT: 🛑 Thought pops up? Try this: 1️⃣ Acknowledge it: "Okay, mind, I see that thought." 2️⃣ Set it aside: “Not right now. I’ll check in later.” 3️⃣ Redirect focus: Name 3 things you can see, hear, or feel. 🌟 With practice, this helps you take charge of your thoughts instead of them running the show!
March 18, 2025 at 3:58 PM
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🌳 Grounded Like a Mountain

The wind may howl, but the mountain stands firm. 🏔️

When life feels chaotic, imagine yourself as a mountain—steady, grounded, unshaken.

Try this grounding exercise in the ALT to start your week with stability.

#MindfulMonday #SelfRegulation #GroundingExercise
ALT: Picture yourself on this mountain with Finn the Fox. 🏔️ 1️⃣ Stand or sit tall with both feet firmly on the ground. 2️⃣ Inhale deeply—feel your breath anchoring you like deep mountain roots. 3️⃣ Exhale slowly—let stress slide off like rolling mist. 4️⃣ Repeat for a few breaths, feeling strong and unmovable.
March 17, 2025 at 3:35 PM
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When thoughts feel heavy, try this: ‘Ah, there’s my mind again.’

And then try this:

Imagine your thoughts are like clouds passing over this moonlit cathedral. You don’t have to chase or fight them—just notice and let them drift by.

#Stunday Check ALT for a deeper reflection.

#DefusionInAction
ALT Description (Expanded Exercise for Adults): 💭 Defusion phrase: “Ah, there’s my mind again.” 🕊️ How to Practice: 1️⃣ Picture your thoughts as drifting clouds over a moonlit cathedral. 2️⃣ When a thought appears, gently acknowledge it: “Ah, there’s my mind again.” 3️⃣ Don’t push it away—just let it float. 4️⃣ If it sticks, place it on a cloud and watch it pass. 5️⃣ Breathe in the stillness and repeat as needed. ☁️ This simple defusion skill helps loosen the grip of overwhelming thoughts, making space for calm awareness. Try it and let your thoughts pass like the night sky above. 🌙 If you're interested in how to help kids use the same technique, drop me a comment in this post. I'd be glad to offer some quick examples!
March 16, 2025 at 12:36 PM
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Finn’s thoughts felt like a storm—until Delaney showed him how to let them float by. ☁️🌿

“Thoughts are like leaves on a stream,” she said. “We don’t have to chase them.”

What if you let your thoughts drift instead of holding on?

See ALT for why this skill matters + story bundle details!
ALT: Finn stared at the water as leaves floated past. “Imagine your thoughts are like these leaves,” Delaney said. “They come and go—you don’t have to grab onto them.” Why It’s Useful: Teaching kids to let thoughts pass—rather than getting stuck—builds emotional flexibility and social emotional skills. This mindfulness tool can help with anxiety, overthinking, and frustration. What’s Included in the Floating Thoughts Story Bundle? 📖 A fully illustrated Floating Thoughts story with comprehension questions(PDF) 🃏 Sequencing cards to reinforce learning through play 🌀 A simple, kid-friendly mindfulness exercise 🌿 Help children navigate tricky thoughts with kindness and curiosity!
March 15, 2025 at 3:23 PM
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What song brings your family together? 🎵

Maybe it’s a silly dance song, a road trip classic, or a tune that makes everyone sing along. Music connects us in ways words can’t.

Drop a song below that holds a special family memory! Or check out the ALT for ideas!

#FamilyFriday #FamilyTime
March 14, 2025 at 1:21 PM
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In moments of stress, we have two paths: react or respond. 🌿

Reacting is instant, driven by emotion. Responding is intentional, guided by wisdom.

The next time you're faced with frustration, pause. Which path will you choose? See ALT for a reflection challenge!

#MindfulChoices #MindfulPauses
ALT: Imagine a forest path splitting into two trails. 🌲 One is overgrown and tangled—the path of reaction, where emotions lead without pause. The other is clear, winding through the trees—the path of response, chosen with awareness. 📝 Try this challenge: 1️⃣ Think of a moment today when you felt frustrated. 2️⃣ Did you react instantly, or did you pause before responding? 3️⃣ If you reacted, how might pausing have changed the outcome? 4️⃣ If you responded, how did that shift your experience? Building self-awareness helps us choose the clearer path more often. 🚶‍♂️🌿
March 13, 2025 at 1:13 PM
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No two snowflakes are alike, each one a tiny masterpiece. ❄️

This #WonderWednesday, take a moment to appreciate nature’s smallest miracles, and maybe share your own here on #Bluesky.

What’s a tiny detail in your world that sparks wonder? Share below!

#MindfulLiving #Selfcare
ALT: An intricate, close-up view of a perfectly symmetrical snowflake. Wonder is often found in the unnoticed—the details so small yet so full of beauty that they remind us of the world’s endless creativity.
March 12, 2025 at 10:33 PM
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Sometimes, wonder is in the tiniest details.

🌿💧 A single drop of morning dew, a perfect moment of stillness.

What small wonders have caught your attention lately?

Share your own #WonderWednesday image on your profile!
ALT: A close-up of a delicate flower, a droplet of dew clinging to its petals. Nature’s smallest details often hold the most beauty—reminders to slow down, observe, and appreciate the fleeting moments of wonder.
March 12, 2025 at 6:10 PM
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Some landscapes stop us in our tracks. 🌄

This Wednesday, pause and take in the wonder of the world around you. What’s a place that’s left you speechless?

Share your own #WonderWednesday moment, and let’s celebrate the beauty of awe together!

#AweInspiring #Wonders #Reflect #MindfulLiving
ALT: A breathtaking mountain range at sunrise, its peaks glowing as light breaks over the horizon. Wonder is a mix of surprise, curiosity, and joy—moments that make us pause, reflect, and feel something beyond ourselves.
March 12, 2025 at 1:12 PM
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Feeling overwhelmed? Try the 5-Second Breath-Hold Reset:

Inhale deeply.
Hold for 5 seconds.
Then exhale slowly.

This child-friendly, simple technique can activate your body's relaxation response, helping you regain calm. See ALT for more steps and benefits.

#EmotionalReset #SelfRegulation
📸 ALT: Delaney the Duck floats serenely on a calm pond, her cheeks puffed as she holds her breath, embodying the 5-Second Breath-Hold Reset technique. 🌊 How to Practice the 5-Second Breath-Hold Reset: 1. Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or stand with a straight back. 2. Inhale Deeply: Breathe in slowly through your nose, filling your lungs completely. 3. Hold Your Breath: Gently hold the breath for 5 seconds. 4. Exhale Slowly: Release the breath slowly through your mouth. 5. Repeat as Needed: Practice this technique 2-3 times to promote relaxation. Why It Works: Controlled breathing techniques, including breath retention, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This simple pause can create space between a trigger and your response, allowing for a calmer reaction. Building the Skill: Practice this technique during calm moments to make it more effective during stressful times. Regular practice can enhance your ability to manage stress and improve overall emotional regulation. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have any respiratory conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before practicing breath-holding techniques. It is important to start slow and small and observe your body. SUPPORT FOR CLAIMS: Just a few sources for your consideration to stay informed. Copy and paste and read the research! https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6137615/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6137615/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-27247-y
March 11, 2025 at 1:14 PM