On this episode you’ll imagine being a full moon that lights the dark of a night sky.
Episode Notes
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Please send us a voice memo, drawing, or letter at hello@likeyoupodcast.com. We play a voice memos from listeners either at the beginning of an episode or during the affirmation segment of the episode. If your child wants to be included, record a voice memo and send it to us. Your child can introduce themself and then say a favorite affirmation, sing a line from a Like You song, say what they like about the show, or share whatever they feel! Keep it short (10-20 seconds). For more info on how to record and send a voice memo, see this post, or click here.
Like You is a production of Perpetual Motion. The show is written and produced by Noah Glenn. The show’s artwork was illustrated by Mia Saine. Episode art is created by Lindsey Glenn.
This episode features original music by Noah Glenn.
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Transcript
The music of Like You is now streaming through your favorite music services like Apple Music and Spotify. Now you can dance or sing along with your favorite songs any time! Just search for album title Music from Like You: Mindfulness for Kids, or find links on the music page of our website, likeyoupodcast.com. Also, if you want to help us keep making new podcast episodes, you can support the show by subscribing through Patreon or Apple Podcasts, or leaving a 5 star review wherever you listen to podcasts. Grownups can find more information in our episode notes, or on our website. Now let’s start the show.
[intro music]
Noah: Hello! I’m Noah and this is Like You: Mindfulness for Kids. I’m very glad you’re here. On this episode you’ll imagine being a full moon that lights the dark of a night sky. So listeners of all ages, find a place to listen where you feel comfortable and safe. As I ask questions and invite you to say affirmations, you’re welcome to speak out loud, or as always, you can just think your responses quietly in your mind.
Let’s start with a breathing exercise to help relax your body and focus your mind. With each deep breath you take, I want you to fill your belly and puff up your chest. Imagine yourself growing big and round like a full moon. Let’s go. Take a deep breath in 1-2-3. And out 1-2-3. Breathe in and fill your belly 1-2-3. Breathe out 1-2-3. Breathe deep and puff your chest 1-2-3. Breathe out 1-2-3. Another full breath in 1-2-3. And out 1-2-3. Last time, breathe in big and round like a full moon 1-2-3. Breathe out and relax 1-2-3.
Now, on the count of three let’s all say I like me. 1-2-3. I like me.
I like you too. Your smile shines bright, bringing joy to the people around you.
Have you ever felt afraid of the dark? Have you ever been worried about trying something new? Have you ever felt nervous to meet a new classmate? Have you ever felt anxious about any kind of big change in your life? What these all have in common, is a feeling of uncertainty. It can be scary to feel uncertain, because we don’t know what’s going to happen. Like the dark of a night sky, we can’t quite see what’s just out of reach, and that creates uncertainty, or maybe even fear. In times when I feel uncertain, it helps me to look for things that are familiar. Familiar things reassure me that even though some things change, other things will remain the same. Latching on to familiar things can help us feel more confident when things are uncertain. Holding the hand of a loved one can help us feel brave walking through the dark. Remembering the joy of our favorite activities can give us confidence to try something new. Having an old friend at your side makes it easier to meet someone new. It’s a bit like stepping outside at night. The darkness may feel uncertain, but you can look up at the familiar glow of the moon to light your way.
To help us remember this, let’s do an imagination exercise where we pretend to be a full moon lighting up the night sky. Close your eyes, relax your shoulders, and make yourself comfortable.
Picture an inky black night sky. Now you will be the moon to light the sky. Think of something that makes you feel safe and confident. A favorite stuffed animal, the smile of a friend, a warm hug from someone you love, the way you feel listening to your favorite podcast. Focus on that safe, confident feeling. Imagine it growing like a light inside you. Feel the warmth of the feeling rising up from your chest. Soon this warm feeling fills your body, and it has to spill out. You begin glowing from head to toe. Now breathe deep, fill your belly, puff your chest. Imagine you are the moon, glowing full and bright, filling the night with a familiar glow. Continue breathing deep as you float through the air, illuminating the darkness, lighting up the shadows, chasing away uncertainty and fear.
Now, remember that you are not alone. Imagine millions of stars twinkling around you. These stars are your family, your friends, your neighbors, your teachers, your classmates. Watch the stars sparkling, sending their light out for you to see. They send their light to you, you send light back to them. With each breath in, fill your chest and glow brighter. With each breath out imagine the light of the stars surrounding you. Moon and stars sharing their light, sending their glow back and forth, back and forth, offering their safe, familiar comfort. Illuminating the darkness. Shining bright in the night sky.
The next time you feel uncertain, look for something familiar, then imagine yourself as a full moon lighting up the night.
Now it’s time for affirmations. Affirmations are words you can say about yourself to remind yourself how wonderful you are. I’ll say each affirmation twice. So you can listen the first time, then say it together with me the second time. Here we go.
I am bold and daring.
I am stronger than my fear.
My courage grows when I try new things.
My positive thoughts create positive feelings.
I act bravely even when I don’t feel brave.
I believe in myself.
I light the world with my smile.
Now let’s take a few slow, deep breaths as we wind down our time together. If any of those affirmations stood out to you, feel free to write them down, or just store them safely in your mind to say when you need it. If you have an affirmation that is special to you, I would love to hear it! If you’d like to send a recording of your favorite affirmation to play on the show, have a grownup check our website or episode notes for more information.
Now let’s end this episode with a song. Feel free to sing, dance, or relax and breathe deep as I sing.
I know that I’m so bright
Glowing like the moonlight
Calm and peaceful all night
Glowing like the moonlight
Now I’m feeling alright
Glowing like the moonlight
Mmmmmmmm
Glowing like the moonlight
Breathe deep to fill my chest
Til I’m as full as the moon
Relax and let my body rest
Til I’m as full as the moon
I fill myself with good thoughts
Til I’m as full as the moon
So grateful now for all I’ve got
I’m as full as the moon
I know that I’m so bright
Glowing like the moonlight
Calm and peaceful all night
Glowing like the moonlight
Now I’m feeling alright
Glowing like the moonlight
Mmmmmmmm
Glowing like the moonlight
I can’t wait to spend some time together again soon. Until next time, I like you, I’m proud of you, and I’m glad we are friends. Have a happy and peaceful day.
Like You is a production of Perpetual Motion. It is made possible by our subscribers on Patreon and Apple Podcasts. Become a supporter by visiting Patreon.com/likeyoupodcast, or by tapping “subscribe” on our show page in Apple Podcasts. You can also tell your friends about the show or leave a 5 star review wherever you listen to podcasts. Like You is written and hosted by me, Noah Glenn. I also composed and performed the Like You theme music and other music that appeared in the episode. Our podcast cover art was illustrated by Mia Saine. Our episode art is created by Lindsey Glenn. Grownups can find more information about Like You by visiting our website at likeyoupodcast.com. Thanks for listening.
