Coming back to the breath is one of the easiest ways to pause, reconnect our awareness to the present moment and reduce reactivity.
Focusing The Mind
Take Five Breathing Practice
Focusing The Mind
Take Five Breathing Practice
Did You Know?
What?
A short breathing activity that can be done anywhere, by anyone, at any time of day. The ideal tool when you find yourself needing a time out, some insight or just want a brain-break.
Why?
Being over-stimulated, too busy or completely stressed out can hinder one’s ability to be fully self-aware. Breathing mindfully and focusing on the natural flow of the breath offers a new way of relating to moment-to-moment experiences.
How?
- Lead the Take Five breathing practice by playing the recording or reading the instructions below.
- Once the activity has concluded, give the participant(s) a moment to reflect on how they feel.
- After a brief pause, engage the participant(s) in a dialogue, using the conversation starters as a jumping off point.
Take Five Practice Instructions
- Sit in a comfortable position and allow both soles of the feet to connect to the floor.
- The intention of TAKE FIVE is to breathe in and breathe out, noticing the whole length of the breath for five times.
- Turn one hand palm up to the ceiling. This will be your counting hand.
- At the end of each breath cycle, which is one inhale and one exhale, you will fold one finger into the palm of your hand until all five fingers are folded.
- When you have completed five breath cycles, slowly bring your attention back to your surroundings and notice how you feel.
Conversation Starters
- Describe your experience of TAKE FIVE with one word or image.
- Name a situation in which the TAKE FIVE breathing practice would be a useful skill.
Want more?
Get access to over 100 tested activities, with downloadable lesson plans, video clips, and attention training practices that impart soft skills to help today’s youth become capable of creating a more compassionate world.