Presence
The ability to be in the moment
- This workout takes approximately 10 Minutes
- This workout is for students in Grades 9-12
- Teacher Resources
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Move
Workout guide
Workout guide
Steps
1. Stand in NaliniKIDS posture
2. Close your eyes
3. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, allowing your chest to rise on the inhale and sink on the exhale
4. Reflect on the presence of the room and/or your state of mind in gearing up for or completing a workout
5. Focus on your breath, stillness, and reflection
NOTE: Teachers are free to engage in a few minutes of silent or guided relaxation
Sequence
A few questions for students to answer silently in their heads could be:
– Reflecting on the work you did or are about to do today, do you feel accomplished/ready?
– Do you feel aware of your body?
– Can you hear your breath? The sounds of other students breathing in the room?
– What sounds do you hear?
– Do you feel confident in your alignment?
– Can you quiet your mind chatter and be present?
How does your body feel after completing the workout?
How does your mind feel after completing the workout?
What does Presence mean to you in this moment?
Choose from the additional reflection prompts below to customize this lesson and meet the needs of your students and your time constraints. Create a unique workout experience every time you return to this lesson!
Self-Connection
Past
Think back to a situation that you wish you had been more present for (perhaps you were distracted by your phone or something on your mind). How did you feel in that moment and how do you feel about that situation now?
Present
Think critically about the word PRESENCE. What are some different ways that others might interpret this word?
Future
Practicing being present can be challenging when there are internal and external distractions. What advice would you give a friend who is trying to be more present?
Real-World Connection
Family
When do you feel the most present with your family? When do you feel the least present?
Learning Environment
Do you find it easy or challenging to be present while in your learning environment, and what makes you feel this way?
Community
When you are present, what are some sounds that you hear outside in your community? What do you see? What do you smell? How do you feel?
Academic Connection
ELA
Write a personal narrative describing one sound you heard in the past ten hours. Make sure to include: where/when you heard this sound, a description of the sound, and what this sound means to you.
Social Studies
What practices and traditions do different cultures perform in an effort to be present? Do you participate in any of these practices?
STEM
Practice mindfully eating a healthy snack. Chew each bite twenty times before swallowing and pay attention to all five of your senses.
Fun Fact
What’s one way to know you’re in the presence of a giant whale? A blue whale’s heartbeat can be heard from more than two miles away! Their heart is the size of a small car, and beats only 8-10 times per minute.