A fresh start, a clean slate—the quickly approaching new year holds possibility. 

What if this is the year you established a CONSISTENT mindfulness practice—even the tiniest regular mindful activity, a minute of deep breathing at the same time each day, a gratitude practice in the morning—in an intentional way with your students and your own children? 

What if you started every class, virtual or otherwise, with a simple, one-minute mindfulness exercise—fun and kid-friendly, of course—to calm and focus the children before starting your lesson? 

What if before each family meal, you all took a 60-second pause to breathe, considering the trip your food took to get to your plate, and all the people who helped along the way? 

What if at bedtime, you had a simple, effective, and fun way for your child to let go of anxiety, clearing the way for a peaceful rest? 

You can make it happen. It would be a total game changer—and Peaceful Like a Panda is the tool that can help. I’m so excited that it’s available, wherever books are sold, TODAY!   

Here’s one of my favorite quick mindfulness exercises from the book: Give Yourself a Hug. It incorporates soothing deep breaths, gratitude practice, and the grounding, tactile experience of giving yourself a big squeeze! 

 

Sit up tall, and stretch your arms out wide to the sides.

Take a big breath in.

As you let it out, wrap both arms around your body.

Squeeze your arms tight, and give yourself a big hug!

Wiggle side to side.

Thank you, body! You’ve done a lot today.

Let go.

Sit up tall again, and stretch your arms out even wider to the sides.

Take a big breath in.

As you let it out, wrap both arms around your body.

Squeeze them really tight!

Give yourself a big hug!

Wiggle side to side.

Thank you, body! You’ve worked hard today.

Let go.

Take a big breath in, and let it all the way out.

 

Grab your copy of Peaceful Like a Panda right this minute!  And I’d love to hear what you think—please get in touch!