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This is a GUIDED VISUALIZATION focusing on the theme of Curiosity, and set in Japan.
Kids are guided into a relaxing moment either in the classroom or at home, where they focus on their breathing while listening to an audio quiet time activity.
They embark on a voyage and discover some unique features of this location.
Thank you to Max, a subscriber in San Pedro, for this inspiration!
The Breathing Practice for this month is Box breathing.
Intro/Outro music by Jef Shadoan
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Big Belly Breathing (BBB) is an audio program primarily for kids in English and French focusing on health and wellness, started by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely.
As a teacher, a parent of bilingual kids & a yoga instructor/social emotional learner facilitator and holistic health & wellness coach, Vanessa wants to encourage children to thrive through establishing daily health habits.
Healthy Habits = Happy Kids
While listening, kids learn techniques to increase their creativity and attention spans. By practicing mindfulness, breathing, & gratitude kids experience mini-moments of deep rest that help them to reset, restore and recalibrate.
In today's busy world of multi-tasking, BBB is a place to help kids get centered, grounded and feel good. By practicing techniques learned here, kids develop their own self-care rituals, routines and habits.
These tools benefit their mind, body and heart health and set them up for greater joy in their present lives, and as adults.
So that kids aren't the only ones reaping these benefits, Vanessa has also included meditations specifically for older teens or adults!
Join her on IG @BigBellyBreathing , on YouTube for her BookNook stories or visit www.bigbellybreathing .com!
Guided Visualization in Japan (Thanks Max)
Intro:
Hello there! Bonjour and Welcome to Big Belly Breathing, Bienvenue to health!
My name is Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely and I’m so enthused to lead you on this audio journey where we practice mindfulness and our breathing technique.
This month’s theme is Curiosity and today we are going to practice a special kind of quiet time activity that is called a guided visualization.
Imagine you're a detective with a magnifying glass, eager to explore and discover new things. Curiosity is like a tiny, sparkly light inside your brain that lights up when you see or hear something interesting. It's that feeling that makes you wonder, "Why is the sky blue?" or "How do bees make honey?"
Now, close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and think about something you want to learn more about. Each time you learn something new, that sparkly light grows brighter, making your mind a more exciting place to be. Remember, being curious means you're always ready for an adventure in learning, always eager to explore and find out more about the world around you.
Today’s journey is inspired by our wonderful listener Max and is called “Jonesing for Japan”. If you know you know, but if not, Japan is a chain of islands located in the Pacific Ocean off the eastern coast of Asia.
To begin, find a comfortable seat and maybe close your eyes. Then take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, let go of any worries or distractions. Since we are practicing our Box breathing this month, let’s do that together:
Inhale for a count of 3, hold for a count of 3, exhale for a count of 3, hold for a count of 3.
Nicely done. Tres bien.
Meditation:
Alright, young adventurers, let’s embark on a mystical journey to Japan, a land filled with ancient traditions, bustling cities, and serene landscapes. Let's dive into this beautiful country with a spirit of curiosity, eager to discover and learn from every new experience.
Imagine we start our adventure in the vibrant heart of Tokyo at the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Picture yourself amidst the hustle and bustle, surrounded by towering digital billboards and the lively hum of the city.
Despite the crowd, there's a harmonious flow that feels almost choreographed. Feel the energy as you join the dance of pedestrians, and let your curiosity awaken as you wonder about the stories of the people crossing with you. Notice the colorful fashion, the myriad of sounds, and the scent of street food wafting through the air, inviting you to explore further.
Breathe in deeply. Pause. Breathe out even more deeply. Arigatou gozaimasu (or thank you very much).
Now, let's whisk away to the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto. As you step into this otherworldly forest, the towering bamboo stalks sway gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets of the past. The path beneath your feet is soft and inviting, leading you deeper into the grove. Each rustle and shadow sparks your curiosity about this ancient place that has stood witness to countless stories over the centuries.
Again, let’s breathe: big breath in. Big breath out.
As we continue our journey, imagine visiting the historic city of Nara, home to the friendly Nara deer. Picture these graceful creatures wandering freely through parks and streets, approaching visitors with gentle curiosity. Here, take the opportunity to interact and feed them some special crackers, each encounter offering a unique moment to connect with nature. Reflect on how these animals have been revered and protected, a beautiful example of the coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Next, we glide over to the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain and a sacred symbol of ambition and beauty. Picture yourself gazing up at this majestic mountain from a nearby lake, its reflection shimmering on the water’s surface. Feel your curiosity peak as you contemplate the many climbers who have ventured to its summit, each with their own reasons and stories.
Finally, let’s imagine sitting down at a peaceful tea house in Kanazawa, participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This ritual is a celebration of mindfulness and tradition, each movement deliberate and full of meaning. Watch with curiosity as the tea master carefully prepares the matcha, each step a reflection of a centuries-old art. Taste the tea and think about its journey from leaf to cup, and the cultural significance behind each sip.
Ready to box breathe: breathe in for a count of 3, hold for a count of 3, breathe out for a count of 3, hold for a count of 3.
As we conclude our journey through Japan, slowly open your eyes and carry the spirit of curiosity with you. Remember that each moment, whether navigating a bustling crossing or savoring a quiet cup of tea, is an opportunity to learn and discover.
In the land of Japan, curiosity transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Know that this journey of discovery is a treasure you can revisit whenever you wish to seek a moment of wonder and insight.
Closing:
Merci to Max for inspiring this journey to Japan! And thank you so much for your participation today. How do your body, brain and heart feel now? When you engage in quiet time activities, and focus on your breathing, you’re nourishing your whole self. Listening to these meditations is a terrific routine to feel calm, as well as build your strength and let your creativity flow. Bravo.
You can do this type of activity on your own whenever you feel like you want to bring some peace into your brain, body and heart.
Always feel free to send me an email to let me know how this made you feel or if you have any questions or comments.
Have a beautiful and healthy rest of your day.
Take BIG Care, see you soon and remember the BBB motto:
Breathe Move Eat Rest
Respirer Bouger Manger Se Reposer
Thank you! Bye! Ciao!