Sensei Kersey

ever been angry?

ABCs of Conflict Avoidance: B

In this issue, before we get started, let’s review the simple steps of the ABCs of Conflict Avoidance:

A stands for “Avoid Dangerous Situations”

B stands for “Breathe”

C stands for “Communicate with Confidence”

D stands for “Don’t Make a Bad Situation Worse”

Let’s turn to B, which stands for be calm and breathe.

Have you ever been afraid? Have you

When you are afraid or angry, you can’t think clearly. If you’re not thinking clearly, you make poor choices. How do you breathe when you’re angry? It’s usually shallow and rapid. Our breathing is similar when you’re afraid. When you are calm and relaxed, you’re breathing is slower and deeper.

If you want to talk yourself out of a bad situation, then you have to calm yourself down by taking deep breaths. This will help you think clearly.

I will have the kids or adults in my classroom imagine they are angry or afraid. Breathe like you’re angry, stand the way you would stand if you were angry, clench your fist.

Now stop and tell yourself “peace be still,” relax as you breathe slowly and deeply.

Give this a try the next time you are angry or afraid and want to calm down. Remember “Be Calm and Breathe.”