Ocean Breathing, Mindful Breathing

Last week at Om School, kids ages 6-9 practiced mindful breathing and enjoyed drawing what they discovered in their Mindful Schools workbooks.

First we put on our Mountain Bodies.  Then we opened our Fox Ears.  Next we just breathed normally... in and out... calm and at ease.  We call this our Ocean Breathing. 

After a moment of breathing like this together, kids put one hand in the air -- then placed it on their belly.  We continued to breathe like this for a few moments.  Some children noticed that their hand was moving up and down, in and out, with their belly.

Next, we placed one hand on our chest.  Breathing normally, some children noticed that their chest expands and contracts with each inhale and exhale.  Some children did not feel any movement here... so we tried something else.

I asked children to place a hand under their nose and see if they felt anything.  This one worked for everyone.  We breathed together like this for three breaths.  Then I asked the kids to draw what they experienced.

Why mindful breathing?  As Deborah Schoeberlein, author of, "Mindful Teaching and Teaching Mindfulness," writes in this article:

"Practicing mindfulness enhances cognitive functioning (including memory, concentration and performance), improves emotion regulation and resilience, increases self-awareness (including of one's own stress level) and promotes relaxation for the body as well as rest for the mind (including sleep)."

To my Om School kids and families -- don't forget that, in honor of President's Week, we don't have class this Wednesday, February 19th.  Until then, I hope you're enjoying your practice!

With metta,
Chelsea