Float: A Guide to Letting Go

By: Aimee L. Ruland

Narrated by: Barbara Rich

Length: 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

From Loving Heaing Press www.LHPress.com

©2019 Aimee L. Ruland (P)2019 Aimee L. Ruland

Critic Reviews

"Aimee Ruland's book, Float, is a masterpiece of creativity where the intangible becomes relatable, fun and beautifully depicted. Teaching children mindfulness, kindness and intention regarding their feelings might just be the most important lesson we can teach them. This book belongs on the shelf of every child - or anyone who has ever been a child." (Stephanie Wharton, M.Ed., INHC)

"Float does a great job blending imagery to relate to feelings of young children. The colors of the balloons are neatly tied into each feeling discussed in the book. The strategies are appropriate, simple and thought provoking. A great read!" (Matthew Menard, M.S., M.Ed., LPC)

"Aimee Ruland is the Dr. Seuss of children's therapy books. My seven-year-old loves the book, and so do I." (Jeffrey Barkstrom, LAC)

We listen to this nightly.

My 9 yr old was dealing with some anxieties and struggles about school. Lots of self deprecating talk and bedtime brought on anxiety about going back to school the next day. We started listening to this short book each night at bed time. It relaxes him and he concentrates on what the narrator is saying instead his thoughts that make his anxiety peak. He is almost always asleep before it is finished. He loves it and even ask for it now. Thank you for this help tool. The narrator also has the perfect calming voice for this book. I hope it helps others as it has helped him,

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Beautiful Story to Help Understand Your Messy Feelings

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Smooth relaxing listen that suits all

‘Float’ by Aimee L Ruland draws you in. It’s an audiobook about learning how to deal with overwhelming emotions, delivered in a perfectly soothing rhythmic narration that relaxes and calms.

The target audience is children, however I thought the Audiobook 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 listen 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 audiobook 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.

A visually real audio for children

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.