
Big Belly Breathing
đâš Big Belly Breathing (BBB): Your Holistic Health Hub for Kids đïž
Welcome to the Big Belly Breathing Podcast with host Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekelyâwhere mindfulness meets magic! Each episode invites kids (and their grownups!) into a joyful world of guided visualizations, breathing exercises, and uplifting stories that ignite imagination and nurture well-being.
đ§ Podcast Highlights:
- Fun, interactive mindfulness and breathing activities for all ages
- Creative storytelling to inspire calm, joy, and confidence
- Relaxation techniques that support emotional balance
- Bilingual episodes in English and Frenchâdouble the magic!
Rooted in the BBB mottoâBreathe, Move, Eat, Restâthis podcast helps kids build emotional resilience, body awareness, and creative confidence, all while staying grounded and centered. đ
With 100+ FREE episodes (half in English, half in French!), thereâs so much joy to exploreâespecially if you speak both!
âš Subscriber Bonus:
Support a woman-owned small business and unlock the exclusive sub-series, "Cheese & Burritos"âa fun, lighthearted celebration of California cool and French flair. Itâs mindfulness with a side of personality!
đ§đŻ âCheese & Burritosâ champions the gloriousness of the California + French lifestyle⊠and the joy of being your full, authentic self.
Discover even more mindfulness joy from educator and creator Vanessaâfrom journals to courses, meditations, and more:
đ www.bigbellybreathing.com
#BigBellyBreathing #MindfulnessForKids #JoyfulParenting #KidsWellness #HealthyHabits #CheeseAndBurritos
Big Belly Breathing
13.2 Bed Time Guided Meditation in Lisbon: Relaxation Theme
This is a BEDTIME MEDITATION focusing on the theme of Relaxation, and set in Lisbon, Portugal.
Kids are guided into a very relaxing moment at home in their cozy beds, where they focus on their breathing while listening to an audio quiet time activity.
This meditation can be used as a nighttime routine before bed is to help them ease into slumber land, or also before nap.
The Breathing Practice for this month is Diamond breathing.
Intro/Outro music by Jef Shadoan
Big Belly Breathing (BBB) is a bilingual audio program for kids (and the grownups who love them), founded by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely. Featuring episodes in English and French, BBB focuses on mindfulness, health, and wellnessâinviting young listeners into joyful, imaginative, and restorative practices.
As a Physical Education and meditation teacher, parent of bilingual kids, yoga instructor, social-emotional learning facilitator, and holistic health & wellness coach, Vanessa created Big Belly Breathing to help children establish daily habits that nurture both body and mind.
Healthy Habits = Happy Kids
Through each episode, children are gently guided to:
- Breathe mindfully
- Stretch their creativity
- Build emotional awareness
- Practice gratitude
- And enjoy mini-moments of deep rest that help them reset, restore, and recalibrate.
In todayâs busy, screen-heavy world, BBB offers kids a chance to feel centered, grounded, and goodâhelping them create their own self-care rituals, routines, and wellness habits that can last a lifetime.
These tools support mental clarity, physical health, and emotional resilience, setting kids up for more joy today and as they grow into adulthood.
But itâs not just for kids!
BBB also includes special episodes designed for ...
2. âA Starry Stroll Through Lisbon: Diamond Breathing and Nighttime Calmâ
Good evening! Bonsoir and welcome to Big Belly Breathing, bienvenue to health! My name is Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely, and Iâm so happy to guide you on tonightâs magical bedtime adventure through the enchanting city of Lisbon, Portugal. If you know, you know, but Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a coastal gem in southern Europe, where old-world charm meets vibrant culture, with its cobblestone streets, historic trams, and stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. It is a place full of history, beauty, and wonder, and tonight, weâll explore it together under the stars.
First, settle into your bed, get cozy under your blanket, hug your lovey or stuffed animal, and gently close your eyes. Weâre about to start our journey, and weâll begin with a special breathing technique called âDiamond Breathingâ to help us relax and prepare. Imagine a diamond glowing softly in front of you, sparkling with a calm, peaceful light. As you breathe in through your nose, the diamond gets brighter, filling your whole body with its light. As you breathe out through your mouth, the light gently surrounds you, making you feel calm and safe. Letâs try it together. Deep breath in⊠see the diamondâs light grow. And breathe out⊠let that light cover you like a blanket of stars. One more time, deep breath in⊠and breathe out.
Now, weâre ready to begin. Imagine you are standing in a beautiful square in the heart of Lisbon, surrounded by old buildings with colorful tiles. The cobblestone streets feel warm under your feet, and you can hear the soft music of a guitar playing in the distance. Above, the night sky sparkles with stars, and the cool breeze carries the sweet scent of orange blossoms. As you look around, you see a gentle river in the distance, reflecting the moonlight like tiny diamonds on the water. This is the famous River Tagus, and it will guide us on our adventure through Lisbon tonight.
As you begin walking toward the river, a soft fluttering sound catches your attention. A magical, glowing bird with feathers as golden as the sun flies down to greet you. This bird is your guide, and with a gentle chirp, it invites you to follow it through the city. Together, you and the bird stroll through the narrow streets of Lisbonâs old town, known as Alfama. The buildings here are painted in warm, cheerful colors, and the streets are lined with tiny cafĂ©s. You can hear the soft voices of people laughing and chatting, but the night feels calm and peaceful, just for you.
As you stroll, you catch a whiff of grilled sardines, a beloved local dish, sizzling on the open flames of nearby stalls. The colorful tiles on the buildings reflect the warm glow of the streetlights, and the cobblestone paths lead you to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the sparkling Tagus River. The magical bird leads you up a hill, and at the top, you see the grand **SĂŁo Jorge Castle**. From here, you can look out over the whole city, with its red rooftops and winding streets. The view is breathtaking, and you feel the birdâs calm presence beside you as you take it all in.
Now, the bird leads you to the quiet, peaceful **Jardim da Estrela**, one of Lisbonâs most beautiful gardens. You sit down on a bench, and the bird perches beside you. Take a deep breath in, feeling the cool night air fill your lungs. Breathe out slowly, letting all your worries float away like clouds in the sky. In this moment, you feel calm, happy, and full of gratitude for the beauty around you.
As you sit in the tranquil Jardim da Estrela, the fragrant scent of blooming jasmine and orange blossoms fills the air, wrapping you in a sweet embrace. The soft sounds of rustling leaves and distant laughter create a soothing backdrop, inviting you to relax even further. The bird hops closer, its golden feathers shimmering softly in the moonlight, encouraging you to close your eyes and savor this peaceful moment. As you breathe in, let the delightful aromas of Lisbonâs famous **pastĂ©is de nata**âwarm custard tarts dusted with cinnamonâremind you of the cityâs rich culinary delights. With each breath, feel your heart swell with joy for the flavors and experiences that make this city special.
Next, the bird guides you to the charming **Chiado district**, known for its lovely shops and cozy cafĂ©s. As you stroll along the cobblestone streets, the air is filled with the sweet scent of chestnuts roasting, a popular treat enjoyed on cool evenings. The soft glow of lanterns illuminates the buildings, creating a magical atmosphere as you pass by friendly faces and hear gentle laughter from families enjoying their night out. You find a quiet spot near the beautiful **Praça LuĂs de CamĂ”es**, where the bird encourages you to sit and take a deep breath. As you breathe in, feel the warmth of the cityâs spirit surround you, and as you breathe out, let any remaining worries drift away, leaving you feeling calm and happy in this enchanting place.
Think of something or someone you are grateful for right nowâmaybe a family member, a friend, or something that makes you smile. Hold that feeling in your heart and let it grow, just like the sparkling light of the diamond we imagined earlier. Now, as you breathe out, imagine sharing that happiness and love with everyone around you. Feel the joy spread, just like the twinkling lights of Lisbon at night.
Itâs time to return from our adventure, but before we do, take one last look at the peaceful city and thank Lisbon for this magical journey. Your bird guide gently flutters its wings and leads you back to the square where we started. The music is still softly playing, and the stars are twinkling overhead.
Now, take one last deep breath in, filling yourself with the calm of this beautiful night. Breathe out and let your body relax completely, ready for a peaceful sleep. Give thanks to your magical bird guide, and feel the warmth of Lisbon stay with you as you drift off to sleep.
Goodnight, sleep tight, and let Lisbonâs gentle beauty fill your dreams. âBoa noiteâ and âbons sonhosâ! đđ«