Relationship Fingers is another example of a mindfulness exercise to help youth intentionally focus on their relationships with people near and far, as well as themselves.

Start by holding out your hand with your thumb pointed towards yourself. Take a breath. For each finger, you will be focusing on a relationship we have with someone. There is no ‘right’ person so don’t worry about choosing who. 

1. Start by holding your pinky finger and think of someone who is far away from you. Take a breath for them. Really look at that relationship. What do you notice? 
2. Next focus or touch your ring finger. Think of someone who is leaning on you right now or who may be more vulnerable in this moment. Take a breath for them. Really look at that relationship. What do you notice? 
3. Hold or focus on your middle finger and think of a leader in your life. Take a breath for them. Really look at that relationship. What do you notice? 
4. Focus on your pointer finger and think of someone who is close to you. Take a breath for them. Really look at that relationship. What do you notice? 
5. Last, hold or focus on your thumb. Consider the relationship you have with yourself. Take a good look. What do you notice? What are you committed to? Take one last breath and shake it out.

Source: University of Minnesota, Kathryn Sharpe and Kate Walker, Extension Educators