Riding the Wave of Emotion: A Guided Breathing Practice
Strong emotions can feel overwhelming, urgent, and difficult to control. In our trainings, we talk about how these surges are a natural part of being human but we don’t always learn how to move through them effectively.
This guided breathing video gives participants an opportunity to experience a skill in real time.
We use this video to introduce and practice the concept of Emotion Wave Surfing, a skill that helps people stay present during moments of intense feeling rather than reacting impulsively or trying to push emotions away.
Instead of fighting emotions or becoming consumed by them, this practice teaches a different approach:
notice the wave, ride the wave, and trust that the wave will pass.
During trainings, we often invite participants to follow along with the breathing in this video. Taking just a few minutes to slow down the nervous system can create the space needed to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically.
This skill is especially helpful during:
stressful conversations
conflict or misunderstandings
high-pressure decision making
moments of anxiety or overwhelm
Emotions rise, peak, and fall — much like waves in the ocean. When we learn to ride them instead of resist them, we can stay grounded and effective even in challenging situations.
As you watch, consider:
What do you notice in your body as you follow the breathing?
How might this practice help during a stressful moment at work?
What would change if you trusted that emotional waves pass on their own?
