About us
What we do
About 123 Breathe With Me
At 123 Breathe with me, we use the 272 page curriculum written by Andrew Jordan Nance. Mindful Arts in the Classroom was written so all children have the skills needed to succeed in life. Using mindfulness techniques, original stories, art activities and fun games we provide an in-person mindfulness instructor to teach children how to use their breath to control their minds and bodies so that they can make good choices. We offer a complete course of study helping kids identify and talk about their feelings, self-regulate, self-soothe when stressed, as well as help them learn social skills all while participating in fun activities.
Our Goal
Our Mission
It is our mission at 123 Breathe with me to bring mindfulness into every TK-5 classroom so that all children have equitable tools to thrive. We want to provide each student the skills to cope with life by recognizing and expressing their emotions in an appropriate manner. We believe children will improve their self-esteem and gain a positive outlook on life. It is our goal to create future generations of healthy minded individuals whose mindfulness practice has supported them to see clearly, act wisely, and create a more aware just world.
Our Benefits
Mindfulness has been proven as an efficient method for managing stress and anxiety. Students learn how to react to internal and external pressure by better understanding their emotions and feelings. They learn how to respond to anxiety and stress by acknowledging all sensations and feelings, letting them be felt and processed.
Mindfulness improves attention and focus by teaching students to be present in the moment to focus on their breathing. It helps students avoid distractions and maintain concentration on the task at hand.
According to research, when children practice mindfulness the grey matter in the pre-frontal cortex can become thicker therefore showing increased activity. This part of the brain is responsible for things like planning, problem solving, and controlling emotions.
About Mindfullness
Mindfulness can change the brains anatomies. Mindfulness is more than a coping strategy. It can change the physical makeup of the brain. Researchers found that over time those who practiced mindfulness increased the gray matter in brain regions associated with memory, learning and focus.
- A mindfulness practice leads to a happier, healthier child.
- Mindfulness has been associated with improved decision making. When students practice mindfulness they learn how to make observations without getting wrapped up in thoughts or feelings. When applied to decision making, this skill can help kids weight options more rationally.
- Mindfulness can boost creativity and problem solving. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness increases a student’s capacity for creative thinking.
- Mindfulness is helpful in reducing anxiety and depression. It is thought that a consistent mindfulness practice may as be beneficial as established-evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy.
- A mindfulness practice may reduce insomnia and improve sleep quality.
A message from our founder
Our children are our future and our most precious resource for a happier healthier tomorrow. We must provide them with the tools they need to survive in this very challenging world.
Covid took a tool on all of us, however our youth suffered the most. Children were mandated to stay home isolated from friends and forced to learn in a whole new way. These children who were already showing signs of depression and anxiety had no outlets to cope. Thankfully people like Andrew Nance saw the need for a program that helped children learn how to self-regulate their emotions and become more resilient. When I found Andrew’s program, I knew I found my next chapter.
I had recently retired and was looking for something to do as I had moved from LA to Lincoln, CA. My background as a holistic Health Coach and Chopra Certified Meditation instructor was perfect for the task of helping Andrew spread his word. I joined on and through zoom, taught second graders mindfulness.
It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Seeing the children grow emotionally and socially through games and stories was amazing. The feedback from the teachers told me it was a valuable program and the kids responded with such enthusiasm I knew wanted to bring the program to Placer County. 123 Breathe with me was born. 12 Bridges Elementary School was the first to sign on and I hope that every child has the opportunity to learn mindfulness. I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to share and grow along with each child.