"I hope this book by Timothy Culbert and Anastasia Ristau, with illustrations by Britten Elizabeth, helps children grow more kindness and compassion in their hearts." —His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Research confirms that today's children and teens are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition, humans of all ages are at greater risk of feeling less self-compassion and less connection to others. Thankfully, mindfulness routines centered on awareness, compassion, and love can counter the harmful effects of modern life on mental wellness.

GLOW—Greater Love for Ourselves and the World—is a guide for children and teens (and their adults) to use to develop a loving-kindess meditation practice. It will show them how to fire up their inner GLOW, to keep their light shining bright. It will show them how to change their thoughts and feelings when they're having a hard time. It will how them how to be balanced and compassionate. And finally, it will show them how to share their GLOW with others. With GLOW, children and teens can grow their love for themselves and the world they inhabit, day by day, breath by breath.

Timothy Culbert, MD, FAAP, is a retired behavioral/developmental pediatrician, with special training and expertise in functional medicine, integrative pediatrics, clinical aromatherapy, biofeedback, and mind/body skills. Tim has served as an author, speaker, researcher, and clinician, focusing on teaching kids and teens self-care skills. He has four children and five grandchildren and is married to Angela Culbert. Tim and Angela founded and lead Mental Wellness Innovations, a nonprofit organization that focuses on children's mental health literacy, self-care skills, and mental health first aid for children in crisis. He enjoys cooking, writing, adaptive sports, and traveling.

Anastasia Sullwold Ristau, PhD, LP, is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, writer, clinical leader, and media contributor with over two decades experience on a career pathway devoted to helping others flourish and grow with resilience. Dr. Ristau is passionate about translating psychology into meaningful, intentional practices and holds a deep belief that kindness, authenticity, and compassion—toward ourselves and others—has the power to transform lives. Dr. Ristau lives in Minnesota with her husband, Corey, their two children, Elijah and Brielle, and two rescue dogs. She is grateful for those in her life who help her find adventure and joy in life's simplest moments.

Britten Elizabeth is an internationally collected artist based in Colorado. She studied fine art with an emphasis on painting at the University of Colorado and in Florence, Italy. Her devotion to light, love, and creativity is reflected in every piece of her art. From large mixed media paintings to her new adventure in illustration, she allows creativity to simply take a form, remaining open to the infinite possibilities.

"This short picture book teaches children about GLOW meditation, which means Greater Love for Ourselves and the World. It can help many people to learn how to be loving and kind and to understand our minds—almost like having a map that shows us how our thoughts and feelings work.When we use love together with careful thinking, it can guide us in a good way. I have found that practicing compassion—caring about others and wanting to help—brings a lot of happiness and inspiration. I hope this book by Timothy Culbert and Anastasia Ristau, with illustrations by Britten Elizabeth, helps children grow more kindness and compassion in their hearts." — His Holiness The Dalai Lama

"GLOW is a gentle, uplifting guide that introduces children to mindfulness in a natural, engaging, and deeply meaningful way. In a world where kids are experiencing more stress than ever, this book offers a calming and empowering path forward. I recommend it as a beautiful and much-needed resource for young minds learning to shine from within." — Andrew Weil, MD, Founder, University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine

"GLOW is a beautifully crafted introduction to self-compassion and mindfulness for children. Drs. Culbert and Ristau translate decades of integrative pediatric mental health experience into a simple, engaging practice that helps kids build emotional resilience, connection, and inner calm. This book is much like the authors themselves: thoughtful, supportive and full of heart. A timely and much-needed resource for children." — Scott Shannon, MD, Child Psychiatrist, and author of Parenting the Whole Child

"GLOW teaches children something most adults are still struggling to learn: that we can brighten our own inner light through self-care practices. In GLOW, Drs. Culbert and Ristau have taken the technique of loving-kindness meditation and made it wonderfully accessible for kids. This isn't just another children's book—it's a tool that can genuinely change how children relate to themselves and others." — Henry Emmons, MD, Integrative Psychiatrist, author of The Chemistry of Calm

"In GLOW Drs. Culbert and Ristau skillfully apply their wisdom and experience to introducing the ancient Buddhist practice of loving kindness. Not only do they present the practice in engaging and easy to understand language, they create an invitation that is playful and welcoming—for both children and the adults in their lives!" — Rachel Workman, MD, FAAP