This activity is based on the renowned teachings of the Vietnamese Buddhist teacher, author and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Thich Nhat Hanh. Breathing in with focused awareness is a simple way to integrate mindfulness practice into daily life. Take a couple of minutes each day to simply breathe with your child and feel how your energy will calm and focus.
Here are some thought suggestions to practice as you are mindfully breathing with your child:
Inhale think” breathing in I listen to my heart.” Exhale, think “breathing out I send love to me,” (or fill in the blank with someone you want to send love to).
Inhale, think “I hug myself.” Exhale, think “I hug myself.”
Inhale, think “I care for me.” Exhale, think “I care for me.”
Pay close attention that the exhale is slightly longer than the inhale. State the phrases out loud for your child as he/she practices. Then switch roles and have him/her state them for you as you practice.
For additional teachings from Thich Nhat Hanh, please visit: www.plumvillage.org, or watch the film Peace is Every Step by Gaetano Kazuo Maida.
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