Body Loving Gratitude: A Guided Meditation for Kids

One of the themes I weave into my yoga classes (pretty much every week!) during November is Gratitude. Sometimes, we discuss what it means to be grateful. This week, I am focusing on why we can be grateful for our bodies. Below is a simple body scan meditation that I am using in my classes.

Gratitude Body Scan Meditation

Let’s take a few deep breaths together. Breathe in… and breathe out. Let’s start our gratitude journey through our bodies.

First, let’s focus on our feet. Feel your feet on your yoga mat. Imagine saying, “Thank you, feet, for helping me stand, walk, and run.” Breathe in, sending love to your feet… and breathe out. [Pause for several seconds]

Now, move your attention to your legs. Think about all the amazing places your legs take you. Say in your mind, “Thank you, legs, for being so strong.” Take a deep breath, feeling grateful, and then let it out. [Pause for several seconds]

Next, place a hand on your belly. Feel it rise and fall as you breathe. Say, “Thank you, belly, for helping me grow and giving me energy.” Breathe in… and breathe out. [Pause for several seconds]

Now, let’s bring our attention to our heart, right in the center of our chest. Feel it beating, keeping you alive. think to yourself, “Thank you, heart, for your love and strength.” Breathe in, sending kindness to your heart… and breathe out. [Pause for several seconds]

Let’s move to our arms and hands. Think of all the ways they help you – from drawing, to climbing, to hanging and hugging. Say, “Thank you, arms and hands, for all you do.” Breathe in, feeling grateful for them… and breathe out.[Pause for several seconds]

Finally, let’s focus on our brain. It helps us learn, imagine, and understand. In your mind, say, “Thank you, brain, for all you do.” Take a deep breath, sending thanks to your brain… and let it out. [Pause for several seconds]

Now, take one last big breath, feeling grateful for your whole body. When you’re ready, open your eyes. Thank you for sharing this moment of gratitude with yourself.

More Resources!

When I first started teaching, I loved the meditations on Green Child Magazine. The meditation above works well for Preschool and Kindergarten. I found this Positive Body Image Body Scan meditation that can be tailored to elementary aged and middle school students.

Wishing you a week filled with gratitude & love!

How do you incorporate Gratitude into your lessons during November? I’d love to hear from you!