Summer Encore: On this episode, we’ll have a mindful dance party! We’ll learn how dance can help you learn about yourself and be present in the moment. 💃🕺
Show Notes
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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
Noah: Hey everyone! Like You is on Summer Break, so I’m re-sharing some of my favorite summery episodes.
If you’re a fan of the show, please consider supporting our work by subscribing through Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Your small monthly donation makes it possible for us to record new episodes, plus you get early access to new episodes and exclusive bonus episodes. You can also spread the word by telling your friends about the podcast or leaving a 5 star review on your favorite podcast platform.
Now here’s today’s encore episode, A Mindful Dance Party.
Remember to subscribe to Like You on your favorite podcast app, so you never miss an episode. If you’re a fan of the show, please consider supporting the podcast with a small monthly donation by visiting Patreon.com/likeyoupodcast. And if you want to help others find out about us, you can tell your friends about the show or leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts. Now let’s start the show!
[intro music]
Hello! I’m Noah and this is Like You, a mindfulness podcast for kids. On this episode, we’ll have a mindful dance party! We’ll learn how dance can help you learn about yourself and be present in the moment. So, listeners of all ages, find a place to listen where you feel comfortable and safe. During the podcast, you’re welcome to speak out loud and play along. Or if you’d rather just think your responses quietly in your mind, that’s ok too.
We’ll use our breathing exercise to get our breath and our bodies warmed up. And since we’re getting ready to dance, we might as well use a musical breathing exercise. This breathing song has words that help guide your breathing. Breathe deep, hold it for a moment, then slowly blow it out. I want to add a stretching movement to the breathing exercise. Stand up for this if you’re able to. When you breathe in, reach your hands up to the sky, stretching them out as high over your head as you can. And when you breathe out, you can drop your arms, and bend forward like a rag doll. You can even let your arms dangle loosely if you want. Let’s practice the movement once . Breathe deep and stretch your arms high above your head. Hold it for a moment. Then slowly blow it out as you bend forward and let your arms dangle loosely.
Great! Now we’ll add the song so you can breathe and stretch along.
Breathe deep
Hold it for a moment then
Slowly blow it out
Breathe deep
Hold it for a moment then
Slowly blow it out
And while you’re breathing
Think of happy things
Relax
Keep breathing as I sing
(Then once again you)
Breathe deep
Hold it for a moment then
Slowly blow it out
Breathe deep
Hold it for a moment then
Slowly blow it out
Fill your lungs
As you breathe along
Hear your heart beat
Adding rhythm to your song
Breathe deep
Hold it for a moment then
Slowly blow it out
Breathe deep
Hold it for a moment then
Slowly blow it out
Now on the count of three we’ll say I like me. 1-2-3. I like me.
I like you too. Deep down inside you there is a special spark. A spark no one else has. That’s what makes you unique, and I want to celebrate that spark inside you.
Let’s talk about mindful dancing. Did you know that dancing can improve your mood and even improve your memory? Dance can be both energizing and calming. It can relieve stress and it can build confidence. And mindful dancing just means you are being present in the moment, letting go of other worries or distractions and just moving and dancing however feels good to you. If dancing isn’t something you love, that’s alright. You can think of it as mindful wiggling, or silly movements, or just letting your body freely explore the space around you.
In a moment I’ll play a new song for you, and you can let yourself begin moving in whatever way feels natural to you. It could be slow, smooth, graceful movements like a , or it could be wild and silly movements like a dancing monkey. You might feel like gently swaying side to side, or you may feel like jumping and spinning all around. There’s no wrong way to dance. Just let your body move and pay attention to how it feels as you dance. Check in with different parts of you body to see how they are feeling. Is your heart beating fast? Which part of your body feels the loosest? What dance moves feel the most fun? You might learn a lot about yourself by just noticing what feels good when you dance. Just remember to keep breathing, and if you feel your mind start to wander, just come back to noticing your breath. If you need to take a break, listen to your body. You can stop at any time and take a few deep breaths then when you’re ready, go right back to dancing.
As the song begins, lets start by focusing on our breath. Try breathing along with the rhythm. Breathe in. And out. And in and out. Now let your body move however feels natural to you and notice how it feels as you dance.
Let your body move
Any way you feel
You can wiggle all around, or make a funny sound
Or spin like a wheel
Notice how it feels
As you dance around
Check in as you go, from head down to your toe
From sky down to the ground
Breathe freely
There’s no wrong way to move
Breathe deeply
And try to feel the groove
You can dance real wild
Or graceful, smooth, and slow
However it feels cool, there isn’t any rule
So just go with the flow
And when you need a break
Sit down and take a rest
And while you’re in your seat, your heart will keep the beat
It’s dancing in your chest
Breathe freely
There’s no wrong way to move
Breathe deeply
And try to feel the groove
What wonderful dance moves you have! How do you feel now after a few minutes of dancing?
We’re going to move on now to affirmations. If you want to keep moving, you can strike a power pose with each affirmation we say. Pick poses that make you feel strong, confident, and powerful. I’ll say each affirmation twice. You can listen the first time, then say it with me the second time, either out loud or inside your mind.
I embrace the greatness within me.
I inhale confidence and exhale doubt.
I am full of wow.
I love myself no matter what.
I am confident and strong.
I deserve good things.
There’s no one better to be than myself.
Now smile and take a few slow, deep breaths as we wind down our time together. I can’t wait to spend some time together again soon. Until then, 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 supporters on Patreon. Become a supporter by visiting Patreon.com/likeyoupodcast. 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. If you’ve enjoyed the podcast, I hope you’ll tell your friends, and leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts. We love hearing from listeners. You can send us voice memos, drawings, and pictures by having a grownup send an email to hello@likeyoupodcast.com or if you follow us on instagram, send us a direct message there. Visit our website at likeyoupodcast.com to find show notes, an online shop, and other info about the show. Be sure to follow us on instagram, Facebook, and twitter @likeyoupod. Thanks for listening!
