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Float: A Guide to Letting Go
Float: A Guide to Letting Go seeks to encourage children to process their emotions gently and in a way that allows them purposeful ownership of what they think and how they feel. It will aid them in identifying the root of their feelings, help them to examine their reactions to emotions and decide for themselves what they may be ready to release. The thoughtful use of color and symbols, and the guided practice of breathwork, encourages listeners to maintain a broad focus as they become more grounded and aware. The playful rhyme dances with listeners as they grow on their journey to the present, where they are beautifully set free.
Listeners will enjoy:
- Learning how to identify and examine emotions
- Understanding how to release unwanted thoughts and feelings
- Permission to acknowledge, accept, feel, and heal in a unique way
13 min.
Listeners will enjoy:
- Learning how to identify and examine emotions
- Understanding how to release unwanted thoughts and feelings
- Permission to acknowledge, accept, feel, and heal in a unique way
13 min.
1 pages, Audible Audio
Published July 11, 2019
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 11, 2019
FLOAT: A Guide to Letting Go is told in a rhyming poetic way making is nice an easy for children to read and follow. I loved how each coloured balloon reflects a different emotion, which gives a child a way to relate an emotion to a colour if they are not able to voice the emotion they are feeling.
The illustration are very vibrant and colourful amidst the silhouette of a young girl, as you can see from the cover, and this is evident throughout the book as each emotion is portrayed. I really loved the visual idea of the balloon and as you are releasing your breath and filling the balloon you are releasing that particular emotion, and letting it go. This book will not only help children let go of any negative thoughts they are feeling, but it will also help them identifying and understanding what they are feeling in a fun and engaging way.
I have started doing mindful mediation with kids at bedtime, and I am going to start incorporating this book along side it to help them become more away of their feelings and emotions.
The illustration are very vibrant and colourful amidst the silhouette of a young girl, as you can see from the cover, and this is evident throughout the book as each emotion is portrayed. I really loved the visual idea of the balloon and as you are releasing your breath and filling the balloon you are releasing that particular emotion, and letting it go. This book will not only help children let go of any negative thoughts they are feeling, but it will also help them identifying and understanding what they are feeling in a fun and engaging way.
I have started doing mindful mediation with kids at bedtime, and I am going to start incorporating this book along side it to help them become more away of their feelings and emotions.
November 25, 2019
Anxiety, depression, and panic attacks are something that plagues a lot of people. My daughter is one of those people. She has anxiety and panic attacks. It is hard sometimes to help them through it. We’ve tried a lot of different coping methods and some work and some don’t. That's why when I got the chance to review the book called Float I was excited.
Float is a book I believe is based on the grounding method and projection for helping people especially kids to deal with their emotions. I used the idea of putting those feelings into a balloon and blowing it up and letting it go. In my psychology degree, we learned a little bit about some of this and it can work with all ages. I love the colorful illustrations and calming words. It was easy enough for my daughter to read and understand. She loved looking at the pictures and she felt it made her calmer. She liked the idea of the analogy of the balloon.
I definitely recommend this book for all ages! It might not work for everyone but it’s definitely worth a try. So pick up your copy today!
Float is a book I believe is based on the grounding method and projection for helping people especially kids to deal with their emotions. I used the idea of putting those feelings into a balloon and blowing it up and letting it go. In my psychology degree, we learned a little bit about some of this and it can work with all ages. I love the colorful illustrations and calming words. It was easy enough for my daughter to read and understand. She loved looking at the pictures and she felt it made her calmer. She liked the idea of the analogy of the balloon.
I definitely recommend this book for all ages! It might not work for everyone but it’s definitely worth a try. So pick up your copy today!
November 19, 2019
The cover of ‘Float’ by Aimee L Ruland is colourfully appealing and draws you in. It’s a book about learning how to deal with overwhelming emotions, delivered in a perfectly soothing rhythmic tone that relaxes and calms.
The target audience is children, however I thought the book was equally as appealing to adults, educating them on how to handle stress and work on breathing techniques in order to overcome the sense of anxiety.
I loved the clever use of colours to help capture attention and to enable you to remember the tips and tricks being told to you. The idea of a balloon, was empowering and engaging and enabled me to focus more on the breathing exercises discussed.
A short, quick read that delivers a sense of calm and leaves you feeling more mindful and engaged. Very clever, and perfect for children who may be struggling to sleep, or adults with overactive minds such as myself.
I listened to the audio book of Float, which I found empowering and the rhythmic narration enabled me to completely zone out of reality and into the bubble of working on breathing and handling the strains that weigh me down. An ideal listen for bedtime that enables you to switch off and have that much needed downtime to regain perspective.
I’d highly recommend to those who are in need of that short switch off.
The target audience is children, however I thought the book was equally as appealing to adults, educating them on how to handle stress and work on breathing techniques in order to overcome the sense of anxiety.
I loved the clever use of colours to help capture attention and to enable you to remember the tips and tricks being told to you. The idea of a balloon, was empowering and engaging and enabled me to focus more on the breathing exercises discussed.
A short, quick read that delivers a sense of calm and leaves you feeling more mindful and engaged. Very clever, and perfect for children who may be struggling to sleep, or adults with overactive minds such as myself.
I listened to the audio book of Float, which I found empowering and the rhythmic narration enabled me to completely zone out of reality and into the bubble of working on breathing and handling the strains that weigh me down. An ideal listen for bedtime that enables you to switch off and have that much needed downtime to regain perspective.
I’d highly recommend to those who are in need of that short switch off.
November 25, 2019
Colorful balloons and what does it mean
This is a very short children's book to read but the lessons that you will learn are bigger. Emotions are hard for kids to let go. The color of balloons have so many impacts to the kids mind and even adult as well. The illustrations are exceptionally brilliant. I loved them all. I highly recommend this book for kids especially dealing with emotions and how to help themselves. This story is one of a kind.
This is a very short children's book to read but the lessons that you will learn are bigger. Emotions are hard for kids to let go. The color of balloons have so many impacts to the kids mind and even adult as well. The illustrations are exceptionally brilliant. I loved them all. I highly recommend this book for kids especially dealing with emotions and how to help themselves. This story is one of a kind.
November 20, 2019
What an incredible book to teach children about emotions and a brilliant way to teach children how to let go of stressful things that are bothering them. It can teach children that their emotions are theirs and are there for a purpose. As you breathe out you fill a balloon in your imagination with what emotion you need to let go of. It is up to them to decide what needs to go in the balloon. Balloons of different colors represent daily emotions are blown up with all the unwanted issues and sent up and away. It is like clearing one's conscious of what is weighing us down and holding us back. Great book!
Written by: Debbie
I was given this book in exchange for a review.
Written by: Debbie
I was given this book in exchange for a review.
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November 13, 2019Ever had one of those days, so full of mental food for thought that when you lie down to sleep, you still have quite a bit of processing to do?
I’m sure we’ve all dealt with that. And it’s something that kids no doubt deal with as well. How to get rid of all that mental “stuff” at the end of the day? That’s the aim of “Float: A Guide to Letting Go.” It’s written by Aimee Ruland and illustrated by her husband.
This is a picture book that would be nice to read to a child before going to bed. The idea is that at the end of the day, you reflect on all the things that went on that day, process them, and then go to sleep peacefully.
The book had a lot of phrases that seemed “therapy-like” — “I listen to my true Self,” “for now, anger, I release you,” “I remember that I’m worthy of great and many things,” that type of thing. And indeed, the author is a yoga instructor and meditation guide. This isn’t a Christian book per se and there’s no mention of God.
You could read through this book in about five minutes, and it does bring about a peaceful feel. I could see it being useful for children in therapy after trauma.
I’m sure we’ve all dealt with that. And it’s something that kids no doubt deal with as well. How to get rid of all that mental “stuff” at the end of the day? That’s the aim of “Float: A Guide to Letting Go.” It’s written by Aimee Ruland and illustrated by her husband.
This is a picture book that would be nice to read to a child before going to bed. The idea is that at the end of the day, you reflect on all the things that went on that day, process them, and then go to sleep peacefully.
The book had a lot of phrases that seemed “therapy-like” — “I listen to my true Self,” “for now, anger, I release you,” “I remember that I’m worthy of great and many things,” that type of thing. And indeed, the author is a yoga instructor and meditation guide. This isn’t a Christian book per se and there’s no mention of God.
You could read through this book in about five minutes, and it does bring about a peaceful feel. I could see it being useful for children in therapy after trauma.
November 14, 2019
What a beautiful amazing story of courage and morality in the face of conflict. Every child should have this read to them or they should read on their own. It is a poetic nuanced story that helps you to understand that your messy ugly feelings are not anything you should be ashamed of but rather you should honor these feelings and open up space for them. What a unique way of using colors and objects, balloons in this case, by helping you work through emotions and thoughts. I had the audiobook version and now I definitely want to get the book as well. This is a book that I know will grow with my family for years to come. Highly recommend it for adults and children alike.
November 12, 2019
Do you remember the words to those nursery rhymes --I remember quite a few. There is something about rhyming that sticks in our brains. This delightful rhyming poem which helps children (and possibly also the adults)to learn to let go of negative thoughts and feelings will stay with them long after they have outgrown the need for you to read it to them. They might even begin to read it themselves. The illustrations are lovely and sure to please!
I love that this author uses blowing up different colored balloons with all the negative then releasing them into the air and letting it all go! Children can relate to this kind of imagery, in my opinionm and it will do them a world of good all through their lives!
I love that this author uses blowing up different colored balloons with all the negative then releasing them into the air and letting it all go! Children can relate to this kind of imagery, in my opinionm and it will do them a world of good all through their lives!
October 2, 2019
I love the passion and position of this children’s book. FLOAT: A Guide to Letting Go deals with the emotions and actions of children under daily stresses and negative thoughts—such as frustration, anger, guilt, doubt, jealousy, fear, distrust, and confusion.
The poetic narration is gentle and engaging, though the cadence and meter is a bit bumpy at times, but the message of using mindfulness in letting go of negative thoughts and feelings is brilliant. Through visualization and breathing, the reader is guided to release stressors into various colored balloons (e.g. blowing jealous feelings into a green balloon, anger into a red one, etc.) and setting them free into the air. Letting go.
The illustrations are vibrant, incorporating rainbow colors and a young girl silhouette. I especially like the center of the book (physical and symbolical) with a drawing of an uncorked bottle and the statement: Take a moment to enjoy this release... It serves as a pause to physically exhale and mentally release.
This meaningful guide not only helps young readers let go of negative thoughts and energies, but also aids them in identifying and understanding what they’re internalizing, and how to process these emotions in a healthy way.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Beck Valley Book Tours.
The poetic narration is gentle and engaging, though the cadence and meter is a bit bumpy at times, but the message of using mindfulness in letting go of negative thoughts and feelings is brilliant. Through visualization and breathing, the reader is guided to release stressors into various colored balloons (e.g. blowing jealous feelings into a green balloon, anger into a red one, etc.) and setting them free into the air. Letting go.
The illustrations are vibrant, incorporating rainbow colors and a young girl silhouette. I especially like the center of the book (physical and symbolical) with a drawing of an uncorked bottle and the statement: Take a moment to enjoy this release... It serves as a pause to physically exhale and mentally release.
This meaningful guide not only helps young readers let go of negative thoughts and energies, but also aids them in identifying and understanding what they’re internalizing, and how to process these emotions in a healthy way.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Beck Valley Book Tours.
November 17, 2019
Letting go is a concept that many adults have yet to master. FLOAT is an informative, eye-catching book that will enable us to teach our children how to accept, process, and understand life on an entirely new level. Children are experiencing life's most difficult moments at a much earlier age. Because of electronics and access to news and social media, we can't always protect our kids; but we can help them learn to process in a more productive manner. Although we can't always physically see the emotions/feelings we carry, using the process of filling a balloon and releasing it can give kids an active way of releasing those heavy loads. It's an easy read and perfect for all ages -- definitely a book I'd recommend for parents to read along with their children!
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
November 12, 2019
A great book for kids and adults alike to deal with negative emotions that drag us down. I love how each emotion is tied to a different colored balloon, and the imagery is perfectly described so that you can almost feel the balloons drifting off. A rainbow that helps kids recognize and release negative emotions while embracing good emotions. Highly recommend for kids and adults who are new to visualization meditation.
November 25, 2019
This was a nice addiction to my families mindfulness collection and meditation practice. While the book isn’t listed this way or mentions anything about meditation, that is truly what this book is. A nice calm guide to learning more about your emotions and how to release the ones that are bothering you the most. Mindfulness, or Being Present, is simply being aware of what is happening in the Now, and being alright with it. Not getting angry ,not worrying and or ignoring how it is you feel. It’s being OK even if you feel sad, but knowing you don’t have to stay in that state of sadness, and it’s alright to let them go.
The visual use of the balloons, and colors throughout the book are very useful and a nice added tool for children to learn and use for daily practice. I really enjoyed reading this book with the family, it reconnected what I try and teach my kids about their own emotions. Whether good or bad, it’s human nature and the most important thing is how you move forwards with the feelings. The book gives some wonderful insights on breathing, being grounded and being able to calm oneself. It’s not always easy to understand where feelings are coming from, but this book certainly connects to encourage everyone to identify and even think about their emotions in each given moment .
The visual use of the balloons, and colors throughout the book are very useful and a nice added tool for children to learn and use for daily practice. I really enjoyed reading this book with the family, it reconnected what I try and teach my kids about their own emotions. Whether good or bad, it’s human nature and the most important thing is how you move forwards with the feelings. The book gives some wonderful insights on breathing, being grounded and being able to calm oneself. It’s not always easy to understand where feelings are coming from, but this book certainly connects to encourage everyone to identify and even think about their emotions in each given moment .
August 11, 2019
Sometimes when people go to bed at night, there may be things, like anger, guilt, doubt, envy, fear, confusion, and selfishness, which linger in their minds and keep them from relaxing. In Float: A Guide to Letting Go, author Aimee L. Ruland, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, with degree concentrations in Psychology and Philosophy, who is an Applied Metapsychology facilitator, Certified Yoga Instructor, Usui Reiki practitioner, meditation guide, and mother, seeks to encourage children to process their emotions gently and in a way that allows them purposeful ownership of what they think and how they feel through the thoughtful use of different colors and releasing balloons as symbols.
The playful rhyming text encourages readers to maintain a broad focus as they become more grounded and aware. It can aid them in identifying the root of their feelings, help them to examine their reactions to emotions, and enable them to decide for themselves what they may be ready to release. One reviewer wrote, "Aimee Ruland is the Dr. Seuss of children's therapy books.” I am not qualified by either training or any experience in my background to judge how this book might relate to children’s therapy. However, even I can see that Float could be useful for youngsters who are having various kinds of issues that interfere with their normal lives. The illustrations are by Carl R. Anderson. Aimee and Carl are husband and wife team.
The playful rhyming text encourages readers to maintain a broad focus as they become more grounded and aware. It can aid them in identifying the root of their feelings, help them to examine their reactions to emotions, and enable them to decide for themselves what they may be ready to release. One reviewer wrote, "Aimee Ruland is the Dr. Seuss of children's therapy books.” I am not qualified by either training or any experience in my background to judge how this book might relate to children’s therapy. However, even I can see that Float could be useful for youngsters who are having various kinds of issues that interfere with their normal lives. The illustrations are by Carl R. Anderson. Aimee and Carl are husband and wife team.
November 27, 2019
A lovely audiobook to listen to at any time of the day, although I think it would be most helpful to fall asleep to at night, putting your mind at rest and letting your subconscious mind do it's work. Geared towards children, I even think this 13 minute audio could easily benefit teens and adults alike.
The audio allows you to think about the many thoughts, feelings, and emotions you have, how they twist and turn your being, and that it's ok to have those, it's only natural, understanding them and being able to let them go. A really great tool to take time out and reflect, a reminder of the real you.
With rhyming and cleverly thought out imagery the author makes it visually real, as each emotion/feeling is reflected with a specific colored item, easy for children (and adults!) to imagine. This can be used numerous times, whenever you feel extra help is needed.
I was particularly pleased with the narrator, she was a perfect match to this thought provoking audio. Her voice was soft, calming, friendly and easy to listen to, giving you the confidence to let go.
For any parent worried about their child, I would definitely, without hesitation, recommend trying this or if audio isn't your thing the ebook or paperback/hardback to experience the unique drawings whilst reading together.
The audio allows you to think about the many thoughts, feelings, and emotions you have, how they twist and turn your being, and that it's ok to have those, it's only natural, understanding them and being able to let them go. A really great tool to take time out and reflect, a reminder of the real you.
With rhyming and cleverly thought out imagery the author makes it visually real, as each emotion/feeling is reflected with a specific colored item, easy for children (and adults!) to imagine. This can be used numerous times, whenever you feel extra help is needed.
I was particularly pleased with the narrator, she was a perfect match to this thought provoking audio. Her voice was soft, calming, friendly and easy to listen to, giving you the confidence to let go.
For any parent worried about their child, I would definitely, without hesitation, recommend trying this or if audio isn't your thing the ebook or paperback/hardback to experience the unique drawings whilst reading together.
November 11, 2019
This book was a great read for children. I really enjoyed how each color was associated with a different feeling. This gives children a tool to use when talking about their feeling. If they cannot voice the feeling, sometimes voicing the color helps them explain the feeling.
The pictures that go along with each color are also amazing.
The pictures that go along with each color are also amazing.
October 8, 2020
The stunning cover illustration caught my eye. Although I hope this rhyming meditation helps some readers calm down and get more restful sleep, it was just a little too wordy and over-earnest IMO, and I couldn't really get past that.
July 16, 2024
I know it’s meant for kids, but I thought it was a nice quick little read. I enjoyed it even as an adult!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews