Mindfulness In Isolation Day 20 - Balloon Breathing

This one's for the kids because little ones feel anxious during uncertain times too. The practice is designed to teach them mindfulness tools to help make them feel better. Grab a favourite stuffed animal and we'll take them on a ride with your breath.

Transcript

Welcome to Wonder Bowl.

How are you doing?

This is day 20 of our Mindfulness in Isolation course.

Today's exercise is designed for kids,

Because little ones feel anxious in uncertain times too.

But we can use mindfulness tools to help us feel better.

So now it's time to round up your kids and ask them to bring a favorite stuffed toy.

Pause if you need more time.

Okay,

Is everyone ready?

We're gonna lie down on our back and put our stuffed creature on our tummy.

Does your little friend have a name?

Is he or she feeling okay?

We're gonna help them feel better.

Here's how.

I want you to imagine your tummy is a bright balloon.

What color is your balloon?

Okay,

We're gonna blow the balloon up slowly with our breath to the count of four.

Breathe in slowly all the way down to your tummy blowing up the balloon.

One,

Two,

Three,

Four.

Make sure you breathe slowly so that your little friend doesn't fall off.

In and then slowly out again.

One,

Two,

Three,

Four.

Let's keep going and get this little creature on our belly.

Gentle ride on the balloon of our breath.

Breathe in and breathe out.

The balloon fills up and the balloon empties out.

That's it.

You should be able to feel yourself getting calmer and calmer and your wee friend too.

I'm gonna leave you with some music so you can keep going.

One day at a time.

Thanks for being here.

You're welcome.

You're welcome.

You're welcome.

You're welcome.