We all hold in our movie-memory banks, that magical scene in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy closes her eyes, clicks her heels three times, and is miraculously transported to her home in Kansas, surrounded by loved ones. Equally vividly, we all hold memories of places that are very near and dear to our hearts… Places we have stopped to appreciate and really soak-in the beauty and wonder of it all... Places where we have felt joy, peace and unconditional love. These treasured memories are powerful gifts!
We have been breaking down the Breadcrumbs Superpower Breathing Practice, as follows:
“I place my hands on my heart, and a smile on my face.
I imagine that I am in my quiet, happy place.”
We are mindful of every detail of these extraordinary places. Talk with your children about the places in and around your home that they like to hide or rest and relax. Revisit highlights of a recent adventure or vacation. If they could transport themselves to a favorite park or playground, where would they go first? By cultivating and celebrating the sounds, the smells, and the feelings we associate with these special places, and inviting young children to do the same, we offer them a powerful social-emotional tool. Researchers at the Institute of HeartMath have shown that recalling feelings of joy, appreciation, care, compassion and love is deeply relaxing and provides regeneration to the nervous, immune and hormonal systems, facilitating health and well-being.
Teaching children that they can close their eyes, take a few deep breaths, (maybe even click their heels) and revisit all of those positive feelings, at will, is empowering.