lenny

Inner Landscapes: Guided Mindfulness and Reflection

user image

Lesson Plan

Inner Landscapes Lesson Plan

Guide students to explore and articulate their emotions through mindfulness, yoga, and journaling, thereby enhancing self-awareness and emotional regulation.

This lesson helps students understand and manage their feelings, promoting mental calmness and clarity essential for emotional well-being.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive mindfulness combined with reflective journaling.

Materials

Inner Landscapes Lesson Plan, Guided Journaling Worksheet, and Mindfulness Yoga Pose Guide

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Mindfulness Warm-up

10 minutes

  • Welcome students and introduce the concept of inner landscapes and mindfulness
  • Lead a brief discussion on how emotions play a role in our daily lives
  • Conduct a short breathing exercise to center the class

Step 2

Guided Yoga and Mindfulness Practice

20 minutes

  • Instruct students through simple yoga poses as per the Mindfulness Yoga Pose Guide
  • Encourage them to pay attention to their physical and emotional sensations during each pose

Step 3

Reflective Journaling Activity

20 minutes

  • Provide the Guided Journaling Worksheet and ask students to reflect on their feelings and sensations
  • Prompt students to write about any new insights or emotional experiences
  • Allow a few volunteers to share their reflections with the group if comfortable

Step 4

Closing and Reflection

10 minutes

  • Recap the session and emphasize the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness
  • Encourage students to practice these techniques in their daily routine
  • Ask students to share one takeaway from the lesson
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Inner Landscapes: Guided Mindfulness and Reflection

Today we will explore our emotions and inner experiences through simple mindfulness practices, yoga poses, and guided journaling.

This slide introduces the lesson topic and sets the stage for exploring our inner landscapes. Emphasize the importance of mindfulness and being present.

Talking points:

  • Welcome the class.
  • Explain that today's session will help them explore their emotions through yoga and journaling.

Introduction & Mindfulness Warm-up

  • Discuss what inner landscapes mean
  • Brief talk on emotions in daily life
  • Lead a short breathing exercise to center the group

Discuss the concept of inner landscapes and how our emotions influence our daily life. Guide students through a short breathing exercise to center themselves before moving onto the main activities.

Guided Yoga & Mindfulness Practice

  • Follow the yoga poses from the guide
  • Notice how your body feels
  • Observe any emotional sensations during the practice

Guide students through simple yoga poses. Refer to the Mindfulness Yoga Pose Guide for visuals and instructions. Encourage them to pay attention to both their physical sensations and emotional responses during each pose.

Reflective Journaling Activity

  • Use the Guided Journaling Worksheet
  • Write about feelings, sensations, and any insights
  • Volunteers can share reflections (optional)

Hand out the Guided Journaling Worksheet. Encourage students to reflect on the experiences they've had during the yoga session. Provide supportive prompts if needed.

Closing & Reflection

  • Recap the session
  • Discuss the benefits of mindfulness and self-reflection
  • Share one takeaway from today's lesson

Wrap up the session by reviewing the key points about mindfulness, yoga, and journaling. Remind students of the importance of self-awareness and encourage them to keep practicing these methods in daily life.

lenny

Activity

Mindfulness Yoga Pose Guide

This guide provides simple yoga poses that help enhance mindfulness by connecting the body and the mind. Follow the instructions for each pose, and remember to breathe deeply and focus on the sensations in your body.

Pose 1: Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

  • Description: Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Roll your shoulders back and align your ears with your shoulders.
  • Instructions:
    1. Stand straight with your feet firmly on the ground.
    2. Distribute your weight evenly across both feet.
    3. Keep your arms at your sides, palms facing forward.
    4. Hold the pose for 30 seconds while taking deep, slow breaths.

Reflect: How does your body feel in this strong, grounded position?


Pose 2: Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

  • Description: Balance on one foot while the other foot rests against your inner thigh. Bring your hands together in prayer position.
  • Instructions:
    1. Shift your weight onto your right foot.
    2. Place your left foot on your right inner thigh (avoid the knee).
    3. Bring your hands together in front of your chest.
    4. Focus on a spot in front of you to maintain balance.
    5. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.

Reflect: Notice the balance between stability and the gentle stretch in your side. What emotions arise when you find your balance?


Pose 3: Child's Pose (Balasana)

  • Description: A gentle resting pose that promotes relaxation and self-reflection.
  • Instructions:
    1. Kneel on the floor and sit back on your heels.
    2. Bend forward, stretching your arms in front of you, and rest your forehead on the mat.
    3. Breathe deeply and relax your entire body.
    4. Stay in the pose for 1-2 minutes.

Reflect: As you relax into this pose, what sensations do you notice? Are there any emotions or thoughts that arise?


How to Use This Guide During the Lesson

  • Follow the sequence of poses at your own pace.
  • Focus on inner sensations: how your muscles feel, your breath flow, and any emotions that come up.
  • Remember, there is no right or wrong way – mindfulness is about being present in the moment.
  • If you feel any discomfort, gently ease out of the pose and take a moment to rest.

Enjoy your mindfulness journey and let these poses help you explore your inner landscapes!

lenny
lenny
Inner Landscapes: Guided Mindfulness and Reflection • Lenny Learning