ABSTRACT
The simple combination of relaxation, meditation and visualisation naturally complements the work already being undertaken in education to help children to become aware of their emotions, the power of their minds and how they choose to respond to the world they live in. The children start their day with a series of gentle yoga breathing and posture exercises found to have a calming effect. This can improve their awareness of themselves and their bodies, and even in some cases enables them to use a movement to signal 'yes' or 'no' for the first time. The breathing process is directly connected to the brain and the central nervous system; it is an essential part of life itself – the unconscious/involuntary ventilation of the body. Breathing is a key element in meditation and concentration, and it is beneficial to start with four or five deep abdominal breaths in order to oxygenate the brain.
