Sparkle Like Corals in the Ocean
Coral Pose from the book Breathe and Stretch on the Beach
Corals are colorful animals that live on the bottom of the ocean floor. Some corals are shaped like sea fans that look like plants or trees. Other corals are hard and resemble rocks or barrels. Not one coral is like another. Corals often change color to adapt to different light conditions and water temperature. Each type of coral is special in it’s own way and amazes scuba divers or swimmers who are fortunate enough to get a glimpse of this miraculous animal.
https://www.leisurepro.com/blog/explore-the-blue/coral-identification-types-of-coral-part-1/
You are a Miracle, too. You sparkle and adjust to what is happening around you each day. In a recent talk at TED TALK, Mel Robbins, mentioned that scientists estimate the probability of your being born at about one in 400 trillion - (400,000,000,000,000). Wake yourself up thirty minutes early and activate your body.
Kids light themselves up each time they practice coral pose from the book Breathe & Stretch on the Beach. They feel their miraculous body as they stretch their fingers toward the sun. It is here where they feel strength, balance, and focus by integrating their whole body during movement. They breathe, stretch, and change negative self-talk.
See one of my sparkly students below as she practices coral pose. She will show you two modifications you can practice. Amaze yourself in coral pose and remember that you are a miracle!
Breathe and Stretch on the Beach is an interactive listening and movement game that helps children build focus, confidence, calmness, and self-awareness through playful stretching and positive self-talk. Designed for ages 3 and up, this engaging resource can be used in the classroom, counseling groups, therapy settings, or at home by teachers, counselors, parents, and caregivers.
After learning the beach-themed poses, a leader calls out poses in any order, encouraging participants to listen carefully, move mindfully, and practice deep breathing, stretching, and relaxation. Children stay engaged while developing important social-emotional and self-regulation skills in a fun, active way.
Participants will:
Understand and practice controlled breathing
Respect personal space by moving safely without touching others
Strengthen self-control using nonverbal communication
Improve focus and attention
Increase self-awareness
Replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk
Build joy, strength, gratitude, and confidence
Each pose is paired with empowering affirmations so children can embody positive mindsets as they move. Examples include:
Coconut Tree, Eagle, Airplane – I am focused
Sports Boat, Charge Your Battery, Flying Fish – I am full of energy
Hurricane – I step aside for others
Crab – I let my light shine
Paddleboard – I am responsible for what I say, think, and do
Breathe and Stretch on the Beach is a joyful way to help children move their bodies, calm their minds, and grow strong from the inside out.