Sometimes, when my classroom/gymnasium starts to feel chaotic, I find myself trying to rush forward in some misguided belief that if I just keep going, it will get better. The group will naturally reset itself. We all know how this goes.

Today, after one of my students literally bounced off the wall and knocked the breath out of himself, I had my wits about me just enough to direct everyone to sit. We practiced our roller coaster breathing, tracing one hand as we inhaled and exhaled. I had them lie down and imagine floating on a pond, invited them to slow rise to a stand, and we tried some balancing postures. The room stilled.

So often, the only way forward is to stop.