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do that, right? So, part of the emotional intelligence is giving them these tools in their emotional toolbox, these resources to understand their own emotions, so that they can flow through them with a much better understanding." Connecting with children Heather Knowles, a third-grade teacher at St. Joseph's School, has learned first-hand the benefits of incorporating breathing exercises in the classroom. "e children (9-year-olds) have embraced breathing techniques in a way I never could have anticipated," Knowles said. "Not only do we begin our day in a calming and peaceful way, but we are reflecting and developing an emotional skillset to better handle setbacks, anxiety and anger in our everyday lives." Science has proven that the act of diaphragmatic breathing reduces stress because the increase of oxygen flow allows for relaxation. "We don't think about it, but our breath tells us so much about ourselves and how we're feeling because the older we get, we lose that connection," Andrade said. "ere are so many things happening around us, and ironically, we talk about it in terms of metaphors, such as 'I'm so busy I can't breathe,' or, 'I'm feeling underwater right now.' In just four minutes, we're teaching these children to find that pause and find that space to listen to how they're feeling and what emotions come up, then they can make a choice how to react to it." e response has been resoundingly positive from students and parents, both of whom believe they have truly tapped into something that has left a lasting impression. Amy Tarpley, mother of St. Joseph's School student Brenna, has seen the impact of ABCBreathe and said she couldn't be more thrilled with its results. "I love that our school has implemented this program and recognizes the importance of teaching children to be mindful. We have so many distractions in our day-to-day lives and the practice of mindfulness is essential to move past the distractions and live our best lives," Tarpley said. "e mindful breathing exercises have been really beneficial in our home. ... Having these tools in our toolbox to help Brenna get through stressful situations has been really amazing." What's even more intriguing about this entire practice is the emotional awareness students are tapping into. Lily Kate Wilkins, age 10, articulately expresses the change ABCBreathe has made in her life. "I'm able to think more clearly and be brave about my emotions," she said. "I feel like I've unlocked a different part of myself and am able to help others do the same. I know that 'I am ready, I am steady, I am clear, I have no fear.'" Access is key when it comes to the use of these practices, which is why Andrade is working earnestly to make mindful breathing available to anyone regardless of ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status. "I know that there's a stigma that can be associated with the practice of yoga, with breathing techniques, and I want to curb that completely. My priority is to help others by means of breathing, something that anyone can harness and grow from," Andrade said. Pace Center for Girls, a nonprofit that provides free therapeutic support to girls ages 11-17 in the Macon-Bibb County school district and the Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC), is in the midst of implementing mindful breathing in addition to individual counseling sessions and monthly family sessions they currently provide. "Many of the girls Pace serves struggle with impulse control. is combined with adverse childhood experiences and negative environmental factors can result in a girl engaging in self-destructive behavior," said "IT REALLY HAPPENED VERY ORGANICALLY AND FELT INCREDIBLY NATURAL TO MARRY THESE BREATHING TECHNIQUES, THIS MINDFUL BREATHING THAT I WAS DIVING INTO WITH THE PRACTICE OF YOGA. BOTH ARE FOCUSED ON CONNECTING WITH AND TO YOURSELF." - MARIA ANDRADE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 | maconmagazine.com 51