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The Breezling Superstar

The “Breezling Superstar” lesson helps children develop a powerful tool for emotional regulation, resilience, and mindfulness. By learning to simultaneously relax, allow, and be aware in any given moment, children can transform their relationship with stress, adversity, and their own thoughts and feelings.

Practicing relaxation helps children release physical and emotional tension, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Allowing teaches them to accept reality as it is, rather than resisting or fighting against it, which can reduce suffering and increase adaptability. Being aware encourages them to cultivate a non-judgmental, observant stance towards their experiences, fostering greater self-understanding and compassion.

By combining these elements into a single, easily remembered technique, breezling becomes a portable, practical skill that children can apply in a wide range of situations. As they practice breezling regularly, they can develop greater emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and resilience, as well as a more positive and appreciative outlook on life.

Introduction script for the child:

				
					Hey there, young mindfulness superhero! 

Today, we're going to learn a special technique called "Breezling." 

It's like having a superpower that can turn any tough moment into a joyful one. 

When you breezle, you're doing three things at the same time: relaxing, letting things be as they are, and being aware of everything that's happening. 

It might seem tricky at first, but with practice, you'll become a breezling superstar in no time! Are you ready to discover your breezling powers?
				
			

Instructions for the teacher:

1. Explain the concept of breezling to the child, emphasizing that it involves three elements: relaxing, allowing, and being aware.

2. Introduce each element separately and practice them individually with the child:

   Relaxing: Encourage the child to let go of any internal tension, tightening, or resistance.

   Allowing: Help the child practice accepting everything as it is and letting go of the need to change things, including situations, people, thoughts, and feelings.

   Being Aware: Guide the child to step back and identify with pure awareness, noticing everything that’s happening without judgment.

3. Once the child is comfortable with each element, start combining them gradually until the child can do all three simultaneously.

4. Provide examples of situations where breezling can be helpful, such as when someone cuts in front of them, when they feel annoyed or upset, or when they find themselves judging others or themselves.

5. Encourage the child to use a specific word or phrase, like “breezle,” “ahh,” “mmm,” or “RAA” (Relax, Allow, Aware), as a reminder to practice all three elements of breezling.

6. Remind the child that they can breezle not only challenging moments but also good ones by substituting appreciation for allowing.

7. Encourage the child to practice breezling as often as possible, turning it into a habit that can transform their life into a joyful “breezlefest.”

Follow-up questions for discussion:

  1. What was it like to practice relaxing, allowing, and being aware during the breezling exercise?
  2. Can you think of a recent situation where breezling could have helped you feel better or respond differently?
  3. How did it feel to breezle a positive moment by adding appreciation to the mix?
  4. What do you think would happen if you practiced breezling every day, in both good and challenging situations?

Follow-up resource:

To reinforce the lessons learned in “The Breezling Superstar,” consider introducing your child to the book “Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids” by Maud Roegiers.

This beautiful, interactive book offers a collection of simple mindfulness exercises and activities designed to help children develop greater awareness, calm, and appreciation for the present moment. Through a combination of breathing practices, sensory explorations, and creative prompts, the book encourages children to slow down, tune into their inner and outer worlds, and cultivate a sense of wonder and joy in everyday life.

Resource Read Aloud

1. What does the book encourage children to “take the time” to do?
a) Run as fast as possible
b) Watch TV all day
c) Be present and mindful
d) Finish their homework quickly

2. What does the book suggest doing when feeling angry?
a) Yell at others
b) Break something
c) Take deep breaths
d) Go to sleep

3. How does the book describe listening to your heart?
a) With a stethoscope
b) By being still and quiet
c) By running around
d) By talking loudly

4. What does the book say about emotions?
a) We should ignore them
b) We should only have happy emotions
c) It’s okay to feel different emotions
d) Emotions are not important

5. What activity does the book suggest for connecting with nature?
a) Watching nature documentaries
b) Reading about nature
c) Observing plants or animals closely
d) Staying indoors

6. How does the book suggest handling difficult situations?
a) Avoid them completely
b) Cry and give up
c) Take a moment to breathe and think
d) Blame others

7. What does the book say about our senses?
a) We should ignore them
b) We should pay attention to them
c) They’re not important
d) We only need one sense

8. How does the book describe being kind to others?
a) It’s a waste of time
b) It’s only for special occasions
c) It’s an important part of mindfulness
d) It’s not mentioned in the book

9. What does the book suggest about enjoying the present moment?
a) Always think about the future
b) Only focus on the past
c) Take time to appreciate what’s happening now
d) The present moment isn’t important

10. What is the main message of “Take the Time”?
a) Rushing through life is best
b) Mindfulness is only for adults
c) Taking time to be mindful can help us feel better
d) Time is not important for children

1. c) Be present and mindful
2. c) Take deep breaths
3. b) By being still and quiet
4. c) It’s okay to feel different emotions
5. c) Observing plants or animals closely
6. c) Take a moment to breathe and think
7. b) We should pay attention to them
8. c) It’s an important part of mindfulness
9. c) Take time to appreciate what’s happening now
10. c) Taking time to be mindful can help us feel better

Song: Breezle Your Way to Joy

Verse 1:
When life gets tough and you feel stuck
There’s a superpower you can pluck
Relax your body, let it be
Be aware of all you see

Pre-Chorus:
Three steps to freedom, here’s the key
Relax, allow, and carefully see

Chorus:
Breezle, breezle, let it flow
That’s how superheroes grow
Relax, allow, and be aware
You’re a breezling superstar

Verse 2:
In good times too, don’t forget
To breezle with appreciation, you bet
Transform your day with this simple trick
Joy will come, both fast and quick

(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)

Bridge:
Practice daily, make it your friend
From morning light to day’s end
In every moment, give it a try
Watch your worries wave goodbye

(Chorus)

Outro:
So breezle on, don’t hesitate
A joyful life is yours to create
Relax, allow, aware you’ll be
A breezling superstar, just wait and see