Soothing Sway

This is a mindful movement practice. Slow-moving, swaying, is calming to the nervous system. It will empower and teach children to use slow movement as a tool for self-regulation. There are no background sounds. Teachers can listen to the Beginner Teacher Tips to set their students up for success.

Transcript

Sit tall and proud to be you.

This exercise is about swaying to a rhythm that helps you feel more centered.

It's similar to rocking in a chair or a swing,

But your body is the swing.

First,

Sit nice and tall and feel your seat beneath you in your chair.

Now,

Either close your eyes or take your gaze down and soft.

Now,

Start to sway your body side to side,

Very slowly at first,

Moving from one side to the other.

You may decide to go a bit further each time.

Just remember to keep your balance.

The movement can be very slow or maybe you pick up the pace just a little bit.

Check in and see what feels best for you.

The movement is kind of like trees swaying in the wind.

Now,

Let's take the sway very gently front to back,

Starting the movement small at first,

Maybe making the movement a little bit bigger,

Again,

Remembering to keep your balance.

Notice how the weight changes beneath you as you move front to back.

Lastly,

Find a sway that feels best for you.

You could stick with moving front to back.

You could go back to moving side to side or maybe take your movement around in a circle.

Keep your body tension free,

Just letting your body sway side to side,

Almost as if you're being rocked slowly in a chair or on a boat back and forth.

Start to slow your sway down and come back to your center.

Find stillness.

Take a deep breath in and a deep breath out.

Take a moment to notice how you feel.

When you're ready,

Open your eyes.