What is KICHIDO
KICHIDOTM Practice: is a Compassion Based, Trauma-Sensitive and Mindfulness-Focused slow, rhythmic and integrated breathing, movement and relaxation technique that teaches the Foundation Skills of;
Being Grounded: The ability to feel your feet on the floor/ground/earth is an essential skill for developing what is termed proprioception. How we have a bodily sense of ourselves in relationship with time and space. Being grounded also provides us with the ability to know where our feet are in any given moment. Thus, each of us can feel the support of the floor/ground/earth no matter what circumstances may be unfolding. Being grounded assists in the creation of a true sense of internal safety and security. Which is an essential life-skill for creating and maintaining healthy and respectful relationships.
Being Centred: Approximately 2-3 finger-widths below your navel is your Centre. Also called your Hara or One-Point. Literally, the centre of gravity and balance in your body. It is also your centre of relaxation and calmness. By placing your hand/s on your centre you begin the process of learning the art and craft of self-regulation. Being centred allows us to tune into what is now being called our second brain, our Gut-Brain. The Gut-Brain plays a key role in emotional balance and what is termed, Visceral Homeostasis.
Being Present: When I am Grounded and Centred I am more likely to be Present. Being Grounded and Centred is an essential aspect of KICHIDO and Mindfulness Practice as it brings all of our awareness into this Present Moment. American paediatric psychiatrist and neuroscientist, Dr Dan Siegel, calls presence, the ability to be and remain present, the relational glue needed for creating and maintaining safe and respectful relationships.
KICHIDOTM Breathing: Breathing is one of the few human physiological processes that is under both conscious and unconscious control. When we bring our breath under our conscious control a whole array of physiological and psychological benefits begin to emerge. This style of breathing can also be referred to as abdominal, diaphragmatic or belly breathing. The belly is the focus of this style of breathing and not the chest region. KICHIDO Breathing is a conscious, deep, low, slow and rhythmic breathing technique.
KICHIDO Breathing counterbalances our shallow, high, tight and rapid breathing that often occurs when we are anxious, stressed or preoccupied. When our breathing is shallow, high, and tight it does not adequately oxygenate our brain and body for optimal cognition, decision making and general health and wellbeing. The human brain weighs less than 2% of our body weight and yet requires 20-30% of our oxygen supplies to function well. Therefore, KICHIDO Breathing is a basic part of brain health and hygiene.
KICHIDOTM Practice: Is suitable for all school age children and young people, from prep to year 12. It is also suitable for all school staff and becomes an essential preventative practice to Compassion Fatigue and Burnout.
KICHIDOTM St Augustine’s Mossman FNQ: St Augustine’s Primary School Mossman have been conducting our KICHIDO Program since 2019. Students from prep to year 6 and all staff are engaged in KICHIDO practice prior to the commencement of school. Morning KICHIDO Practice is led by year 6 student KICHIDO Mentors who are selected and trained in year 5. To view a Cairns WIN News video please use this link, St Augustine’s KICHIDO Program