Practicing Rollercoaster Breath

At Inman Park Co-operative Preschool (a few open spots right now, which is rare—if your 3–4 y/o is interested), you do a handful of parent-helper days. You bring the snack, assist the teachers, and mostly get a front-row seat to what your kid lives through each day. The new friendships. The special teachers who care so much. The rhythm of the place—the songs, the transitions, the little rituals—all feels magic.

The day starts with circle time on some kid-height tree stumps. Check-ins happen, lessons are shared, and most importantly, jobs are handed out. Safety helper, Meteorologist, Line leader, etc. But the one I want to steal for grown-up life is “breath chooser.”

They have movements that go along with each choice—roller coaster breath, bee breath, pretzel breath—but the idea underneath it all is simple: conscious breathing.

Breathing is one of our few levers as humans we have to regulate our body and mood. Almost nobody uses it enough. 

I know I need more of it. 

Not writing this for you anymore.

Note to self: Breathe better. Breathe on purpose. Be your own breath chooser. 🌬️🧘

💛 Steve