15.4 Guided Visualization in Accra, Ghana: Caring Theme

This is a GUIDED VISUALIZATION focusing on the theme of Caring, and set in Accra, Ghana.

Kids are guided into a relaxing moment either in the classroom or at home, where they focus on their breathing while listening to an audio quiet time activity.

They embark on a voyage and discover some unique features of this location.

The Breathing Practice for this month is Circle breathing.

P.S. Thank you dear listener, Colette in San Francisco, for this location idea!

Intro/Outro music by Jef Shadoan

Transcript

A Breath of Care: Mindful Moments in Accra

Hello there! Bonjour and welcome to Big Belly Breathing, bienvenue to health!

My name is Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely, and I’m thrilled to guide you on this month’s audio journey, where we’ll practice mindfulness and our special breathing technique.

This month’s theme is Caring, and our breathing practice is called "Circle Breathing." Place one hand gently over your heart and the other over your belly. As you breathe in, imagine a gentle circle of air moving from your heart to your belly. As you breathe out, feel that circle completing its loop, flowing back up to your heart. Inhale, heart to belly. Exhale, belly to heart. Let this rhythm help you feel connected, cared for, and calm.

Today, we’re going to visit some beautiful places in Accra, Ghana, and reflect on the spirit of caring—caring for ourselves, for others, and for the world around us. Accra is a city filled with culture, color, resilience, and deep community. Let’s explore it together with an open heart.

To begin, find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and allow your body to relax. Take a deep breath in, filling your lungs completely, and slowly exhale, releasing any tension. Imagine yourself gently arriving in the vibrant heart of Accra, where warmth and care are woven into daily life.

Visualization:

We begin in Jamestown, one of Accra’s oldest and most soulful neighborhoods. Picture the street art and murals, the lighthouse watching over the coastline, and the quiet strength of the community. As you breathe in, feel the deep history and pride. As you exhale, imagine sending care and gratitude to the people who live, work, and share their stories here. Let your breath move in that soft circle—from your heart to your belly and back again—grounding you in compassion.

Next, we travel to Aburi Botanical Gardens, a short trip from the city, where nature offers its peaceful, nurturing energy. Imagine tall palm trees, orchids, and butterflies fluttering past. With each breath, you feel cared for by the earth itself. Inhale the scent of flowers, exhale stress. You walk slowly, surrounded by green, and feel more present and connected with each step.

Now, let’s visit Independence Square, or Black Star Square, a powerful symbol of Ghana’s courage and care for its people. You stand beneath the Black Star, feeling the spaciousness around you and the determination of those who came before. Breathe in strength. Breathe out love. This is a place of purpose and vision, and you feel it in your body as you complete each gentle circle breath.

Then we step into the colorful energy of Makola Market. The market buzzes with life—bright fabrics, the scent of spices, the rhythm of conversation. Amid the movement, you find a moment of stillness. You notice the care in every interaction—someone helping carry a bag, another sharing a smile. You breathe in this spirit of togetherness and breathe out your own care for the people around you.

Now let’s take a quiet break at Labadi Beach, where the ocean greets the city. Imagine the soft sand under your feet and the sound of drums in the distance. The sea breathes with you—heart to belly, belly to heart. You walk slowly, noticing the waves, the breeze, and the simple, powerful feeling of being cared for by the world around you.

Our final stop is the W.E.B. DuBois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture. Here, we honor the importance of knowledge, healing, and unity. The gardens are peaceful, and the air feels full of meaning. You breathe in care for the generations that came before, and breathe out hope for those still to come. Your heart feels full.

Take one more slow breath—circle breathing, heart to belly and back again—and feel how deeply you are cared for, and how much care you carry inside you.

 Closing:

As we finish our journey through Ghana, take one last deep breath, and place your hands over your heart, moving them in a gentle circle to hold onto the caring we’ve found today. When you’re ready, slowly open your eyes, bringing with you the peace, joy, and appreciation you’ve gathered on this journey.

Remember, you can return to this visualization and Circle breathing whenever you need a moment of calm and gratitude. Thank you for joining me on this voyage. How does your body, brain, and heart feel now? When you practice mindfulness and focus on your breathing, you’re nourishing your whole self.

Feel free to reach out to me if you'd like to share your experience or ask any questions. 

Take BIG Care, see you soon, and remember the BBB motto:

Breathe Move Eat Rest

Respirer Bouger Manger Se Reposer

Thank you! Bye! Ciao!