Beginners: keep the visualization simple—just focus on the breath and imagine a cloud or balloon floating away with strong feelings. Younger children may benefit from placing a stuffed animal on their belly to observe their breath.
Advanced learners: introduce the concept of naming emotions silently as they notice them, encouraging a pause between noticing and reacting. They can also practice breathing techniques (4 counts in, 4 counts out) to anchor themselves.
Experts: encourage more self-reflection, asking them to notice where emotions show up in their body (tight chest, butterflies in the stomach) and guide them to breathe into those sensations.