Affirmation Relaxation - How do you want to feel today?
/Our yoga practice is unique each day because every day we are different in small or big ways. Our experience changes day to day based on our situation, circumstances, family, community, health, sleep and environment.
This affirmation relaxation is very powerful because it encourages us to explore what is present and while also experiencing our incredible ability to shift our perspective through our breath and mind.
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."
- Maya Angelou
Try this in your classroom, before nap or bedtime, or anytime you want to create a peaceful moment with your child.
Affirmation Relaxation
You can ring a chime or singing bowl gently throughout this visualization to create relaxed focus or play soft ambient music.
Lie on your back, relax your legs long and arms by your side with palms facing up. (This can also be done seated comfortably on the floor or in a chair.)
Close your eyes and allow your body to sink into the floor. Be very still and very quiet.
Can you be so quiet that you can hear yourself breathing? Can you be so still that you can feel your heart beating?
Listen as you take a deep breath in and slow breath out. Deep breath in, slow breath out.
With your eyes still closed notice if there are any feelings in your body. These feelings might be physical, like feeling the floor below you or feeling the air in the room touching your skin.
These feelings might be emotions like feeling calm or sad or happy or mad.
Breathe and notice how you feel in this very moment. Don't change it, just notice. Deep breath in, slow breath out.
Now, you can decide how you would like to feel for the rest of your day.
Maybe you want to feel happy. Say to yourself, quietly in your mind, "I am happy." Breathe in "I am happy", breathe out "I am happy."
Maybe you want to feel strong. Say to yourself, quietly in your mind, "I am strong." Breathe in "I am strong", breathe out "I am strong."
Maybe you want to feel peaceful. Say to yourself, quietly in your mind, "I am peaceful." Breathe in "I am peaceful", breathe out "I am peaceful."
However you want to feel, you have the power to make that happen using your mind and your breath. Your mind is so powerful. You can choose how you want to feel anytime, anywhere.
Relax as long as you like and then slowly wiggle fingers and wiggle toes. Hug your knees to your chest and curl up like a little ball. Give yourself a big hug, roll to one side and slowly sit up.
Give children the opportunity to draw or share how they feel after the relaxation. Or you can pass around a breathing ball or talking stick and have everyone take a turn sharing their affirmation.
Remember: The more you practice, the easier it will be for both you and the children to settle into calm. You will notice children quieting more quickly and staying for longer periods of time.
