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Flower and Candle
Imagine a flower in one hand and a candle in the other — smell, then blow. Visual breathing for kids 4-10.
Goal
Anchor deep breathing through beloved mental images, quickly summoned mid-emotion.
Steps
-
1
Open palms before you. Right is a beautiful flower, left a birthday candle.
Expected Outcome
Immediate
Your child's pulse drops noticeably by round three.
Evidence base
School: Mindful Schools + Polyvagal
Founders: Susan Kaiser Greenland · Stephen Porges (2010)
A classic from Mindful Schools curriculum used in 30+ countries, proven to reduce school anxiety.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Flower and Candle" take?
This exercise takes about 3 minutes, practiced with another person in a Somatic format.
When will I notice the effect of "Flower and Candle"?
Your child's pulse drops noticeably by round three. In the short term: Within two weeks, he uses it spontaneously in a stress moment (before a test, mid-argument).
Is "Flower and Candle" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Mindful Schools + Polyvagal (Susan Kaiser Greenland, Stephen Porges (2010)). A classic from Mindful Schools curriculum used in 30+ countries, proven to reduce school anxiety.
Is "Flower and Candle" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Beginner. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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