Smell the Rose, Blow out the Candle
A K-5 Mindful Breathing Practice
Today we’re going to practice a breath called “smell the rose, blow out the candle.”
For this breath, each time we breathe in, we’re going to breathe in through our noses, as though we’re smelling a beautiful rose.
Each time we breathe out, we’re going to breathe out through our mouths, as though we’re blowing out a candle.
Are you ready?
Begin by sitting comfortably on your mat or in your chair with both feet on the ground.
Sit up a little bit taller, noticing how your back stretches as you do this.
Breathe in through your nose, imagining that you are smelling a rose as you do so.
Breathe out through your mouth, pretending like you are blowing out a candle.
Excellent! That's it.
Breathe in again, imagining the sweet scent filling your body.
Breathe out, making sure that candle is completely blown out.
Wonderful.
Repeat as many times as you’d like.
Great job. Pause here and take a moment to check in with your body. Do you notice any differences?
You do not need to read the included script verbatim. Adapt the language so that it is appropriate for your students in particular.
It is not important for students to get this breath practice “exactly right.” Instead, focus on helping them build mind-body awareness each time you practice.
Offer students positive reinforcements throughout each practice. Focus on qualities and behaviors they can control, like their focus, effort, or persistence. Be specific whenever possible. This will help your students develop a “growth mindset.”
