Toolbox Tools CREATING A WORLD OF KIND AND

Toolbox Tools “CREATING A WORLD OF KIND AND CONNECTED HUMAN BEINGS”

Breathing Tool � Tagline: “I calm myself and Check in. ” � Gesture: Holding an imaginary tape measure and pulling the tape out when we breath in and pushing tape back in as we breath out. � Icon: Tape Measure � Concept: Awareness of breath brings immediate time to calm, think and self-reflect, which helps with self-control, understanding and connection to others.

Quiet/Safe Place Tool � Tagline: “I remember my quiet/safe place. ” � Gesture: Holding both hands crossed over heart with head bowed down and eyes closed. � Icon: Earmuffs � Concept: When we have a “place” of solace, safety and quiet, then creativity, imagination and selfexpression can emerge naturally.

Listening Tool � Tagline: “I listen with my ears, eyes and heart. ” � Gesture: Taking one hand cupping it around your ear as if you are listening. � Icon: Two fingers tapping on a heart � Concept: Listening with one’s heart is the key to strong relationships and conflict resolution, leading us to empathy.

Empathy Tool � Tagline: “I care for myself. I care for others. ” � Gesture: Place hands in front of you, palms up (as if holding an imaginary level). Slowly raise left hand as you lower right and then continue switch hands. � Icon: Level � Concept: Empathy is noticing how another person is feeling and trying to imagine what they are feeling.

Personal Space Tool � Tagline: “I have a right to my space and so do you. ” � Gesture: Stretch hands out in front of you, elbows relaxed, palms facing forward. Slowly move hands apart and together again showing a curved boundary around you. � Icon: Ball of yarn � Concept: Personal Space Tool helps us to recognize body language, sensations, gestures, positions, posture, voice tone, quality and volume. Noticing physical space around us helps us to see our own needs and how we may be impacting others.

Using Our Words Tool � Tagline: “I use the “right” words, in the “right” way, at the “right” time, for the “right” reason. ” � Gesture: Hold an imaginary pencil and "write" your initials in the air. � Icon: Pencil � Concept: Helpful words encourage understanding and connection and harmful words harm relationships. This tool helps give us a voice to ask for what we want and need and helps with clarifying misunderstanding and conflict resolution.

Garbage Can Tool � Tagline: “I let the little things go. ” � Gesture: Place one hand on your hip creating an open semicircle. With the other hand, make a "throwing-away" gesture into the open space under the arm. � Icon: Garbage Can � Concept: We can take responsibility for what we do with other people’s words and actions. Sometimes we need to listen more carefully to what is behind the words and find a resolution but sometimes the best choice is to throw harmful words away.

Taking Time Tool � Tagline: “I take time in and time away. ” � Gesture: Gently tap your wrist (an imaginary wrist-watch) with your index finger. � Icon: Watch � Concept: When we use our time we can be more effective. By taking time away you remove yourself from a situation briefly. By taking time in you can selfreflect which helps with selfunderstanding and more authentic connections with others.