FROM: Pammie Power
Hi Aisli,
I have two little boys, Zach (3) and Jake (6). Jake was officially diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, ODD, PDD-NS and sensory dysfunction. It's quite complex, and communicating feelings can be frustrating for him, especially at bedtime. Now Jake asks for Zenji and the Muzzy Bug every night. He does the breathing and is totally relaxed going to sleep. He's gone within a few minutes. Zach also joins in and he too is zonked. They both lie there doing their deep breathing, it's amazing to see.
Jake gets teary a lot during the day, because he is overloaded with stuff that we take for granted. Trying to explain what anxiety is to a 6 year old is difficult, but now when Jake gets frustrated during the day, he tells me he has green things in his tummy, like the muzzy bug. So I get him to do his breathing. I just love his reference to the green things in his tummy. I am so proud of Jake as he's using the story to tell me about the stuff that's going on inside him. Now whenever he feels anxious, he tells me he has a muzzy bug and it's so much easier for both of us. The last time I had this much interaction was when I read him the Gruffalo, but Zenji and the Muzzy Bug has actions which are part of the actual story. I can't praise it enough. Your book has had such an impact with Jake and his little brother, we all love the experience, and it has changed our lives. It's beautiful.
Thank you for a great transition to mindfulness. You've done an amazing job. We are all so much happier with Zenji in our lives.
Pammie Power xxx