STUDENTS from the Whitfield and District Primary School are among those learning to improve their health and wellbeing by learning mindful breathing techniques, with the help of Beata Heymann from Breath Circle.
Whitfield, Moyhu, Myrrhee and Whorouly primary schools have embarked on a 10 week course guiding students to experience the power of breath as a tool for self-regulation, resilience and empowerment.
At an afternoon session held last week they began with deep belly breaths, learned to listen to nothing but the sounds in the room and to concentrate on how they were feeling.
They also shared how they were feeling, took part in exercises and learnt songs together.
It was amazing to see the group of energetic and active kids from years four to six listen and embrace the exercises, eventually submitting to a state of quiet contemplation and total relaxation.
At the end of the session, student Emily Swinburne said the techniques helped her to calm down a lot from having so much energy during the lunch break.
Inanay Gilson said she particularly like the music, which made her feel calm and happy.
For Isabelle Christison the benefits were experienced both inside and outside the classroom, finding deep breathing a tool to calm her when she felt angry or frustrated about things, but also to help her relax and go to sleep at night.
While there are times when some students are a little noisy or restless to begin with, instructor Beata Heymann takes it all in her stride.
She said it was important the techniques were able to be applied in everyday situations and environments.
"It's challenging but it's real - there are always going to be distractions in life but with practse you can do this in the real world," she said.
"It's beautiful when we give thanks and when I hear the students give honest reflections on when they practise deep breathing at home."
Principal Mark Van Bergen said the Breath Circle classes have provided an opportunity for students to trial a range of tools to help regulate their emotions and assist them to focus.
"For some students the breathing tools have been useful when they have been anxious, for others when they have been frustrated or overexcited," he said.
"For some it is the sound, music and listening activities which have resonated with them while for others it's the movement activities, focussing and sequences which have been valuable.
"The classes have complemented our emotional literacy classes at school and increased the range of tools that they can draw upon to help manage their emotional wellbeing.”
It's hoped the benefits of Breath Circle will be something students can carry with them through their schools years and on into adulthood.
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King Valley in brief
Myrrhee school fundraiser
Myrrhee Primary School is running its fundraising bulb drive again this year to raise money for the purchase of specialised reading books for students.
Catalogues are available and orders can be placed on line by visiting www.bulbfundraiser.com.au/MYRRPS or contact the school on 5729 7524 for more information.
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Moyhu bowling continues
THE Moyhu Bowling with Babies program is running at the Moyhu Bowls Club on Thursday mornings.
The community bowls competition will also come to an end on Friday night with play to start at 6pm sharp.
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Moyhu community meal
THE next Moyhu community meal will be held at the Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall on Wednesday, March 17 from 12pm.
RSVP is essential one week prior by email to neil.jarrott@bigpond.com or call 5727 9464.
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Moyhu CWA meeting
THE next meeting of the Moyhu CWA will be held tonight, with a local yoga instructor coming along to provide an introduction to yoga.
All are welcome however RSVP is required with the class costing $20 per person.
To find out more email moyhucwa@outlook.com or visit the Moyhu CWA on Facebook.
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