Let’s Learn: Starfish Breath!
Let’s learn about Starfish Breath with our Co-Founder, Erin! You can either watch on our YouTube channel or read below!
What is Starfish Breath?
Starfish Breath introduces mindfulness in a tactile, accessible way for children.
Starfish Breath, or Five-Part Breath, is a breathing technique used in yoga, breathwork, and meditation practices. The breath is consciously divided into five parts while focusing on maintaining slow, controlled breath.
While this breathing technique fosters positive regulation by slowing down the breath to decrease stress and increase relaxation, it can also build stronger concentration skills through prolonged focus on maintaining five equal inhalations and exhalations.
Applying an imagery approach to Five-Part Breath forms a kinesthetic connection to mindful breathing. Using the index finger to trace the opposite hand creates an opportunity to increase fine motor skills, paired with focused eye movement to develop greater hand eye coordination.
That's a lot of benefits! High five!
How to Do Starfish Breath:
You can do Starfish Breath anywhere, anytime! This is a great tool for catching oneself in a challenging movement and needing to develop a sense of ease and focus. It's also a wonderful, quick practice to try in the morning or afternoon to establish connection and concentration, and in the evening when it's time to wind down for bed. It's always a good time to connect with your breath!
Take a seat however feels comfortable to the body and supports focused relaxation.
Hold out your hand in front of you so all five fingers are visible. Then take the opposite index finger and place it on the base of the Starfish thumb.
Now it's time to breathe! Inhale as you move your index finger up towards the tip of the thumb. Bring notice to the movement when the inhale shifts into the exhale. On the exhale, trace the finger down to the inside of the thumb.
Continue this pattern of breath. Inhale up the side of the finger, exhale down the side of the finger. In total you will complete five intentional breaths when complete!
You did it! Great job.
How does it feel to focus on the breath for a sustained amount of time? Does your body feel different? Have any thoughts or feelings shifted?
By engaging our bodies and mind with simple but impactful mindfulness practices we develop the skill of bringing pause and peace into our days.
Reach for the stars, starfish!