Guided Imagery for Kids: Inner Listening & Self-Trust

Children love vivid guided imagery meditations, not only for fun and relaxation, but also for building confidence in themselves. This self-trust meditation uses an enchanted path to invite kids to discover their own wisdom.

By slowing down and listening within, children can connect with their intuition and that they can rely on their inner voice to guide them.

As you read this script aloud, speak slowly and pause often so your child has time to breathe, notice, and reflect. It can be especially helpful to share this when your child feels uncertain about a choice, or anytime they could use a boost of confidence.

Guided Imagery for Self Trust and Inner Listening

Do you know you can find wise answers to many of your questions just by tuning in and listening to yourself?

It’s true. And today, we’re going to learn how.

Close your eyes and take a very slow, deep breath. Now, exhale slowly. Keep breathing deeply and feel the cool air come in through your nose and flow all the way down to your belly.

Feel your belly expand as you breathe in, and soften as you breathe out.

Every time we breathe, we should try to breathe like this – allowing the air to go all the way down to the belly – not just into the lungs. This relaxes your whole body and keeps you feeling peaceful no matter what.

Now, imagine you’re standing at the beginning of a quiet path in the woods. The air is fresh and calm. Sunlight shines gently through the trees. You can hear soft sounds all around you — maybe birds, leaves moving, or a light breeze.

Take a moment to notice what it feels like to be here where it is safe, calm, and peaceful.

(Pause)

As you slowly walk along the path, you continue breathing deeply while noticing your surroundings. Each step feels steady and comfortable. After a little while, you come to a place where the path splits into two directions.

Each side of the path appears safe and interesting. Does one feel more inviting to you? There’s no rush – you can take as long as you like to decide.

Take a slow, deep breath in… and gently let it out.

(Pause)

Pay attention to your breath and how your body feels standing here on the path. Your body is always giving you helpful information. Your whole body is alive and working for you. Your breath helps carry calm and energy through every part of you. Let that feeling move through you as you relax.

Now, listen even more closely. Notice any feelings coming up right now… feelings that may want your attention.

Our feelings tell us important things. When we slow down and listen, we understand ourselves better. You might realize what you need, what feels right, or what you want to do next.

Standing here on the path, you can trust yourself. You can choose the direction that feels calm, safe, or right to you. There is no wrong choice when you listen to yourself.

Life offers us choices and decisions. Some days we know the best answer right away. Other days we listen carefully until we hear our voice or feel our body give us direction. Both are part of learning to trust yourself.

It’s important to take time each day to listen to yourself. It helps you feel more confident, understand your feelings, and trust yourself more and more.

In this safe, quiet space, you can always pause, breathe, and listen inside. Your thoughts and feelings matter. You can learn to trust them. Each time you practice listening, your inner voice becomes easier to hear.

Take another gentle breath and let it out.

Now, if it’s bedtime, you might imagine yourself gently walking along the path that felt right to you… noticing where it leads… letting your body relax more and more as you drift into sleep.

Or, if it’s time to come back to this room, take a slow breath in. Wiggle your fingers and toes… and when you’re ready, open your eyes and give your body a big stretch.

After the Guided Imagery

If your child is still awake, talk about any feelings or ideas that came up while they were listening inside. Did they notice their body telling them something? Could they easily visualize the paths?

You might share a time when you trusted your own inner knowing, or invite your child to think of a moment when they followed their instincts and it worked out well. These conversations reinforce the message that they can trust themselves.

Try a calming guided meditation or check out one of our other scripts that can help introduce breathing exercises or the power of thankfulness and kindness to your child.

For more support, you can explore our other guided meditations for kids, or find ad-free PDF versions of all 70+ meditations when you subscribe for free below.