BOOK OF THE MONTH – NOVEMBER
Elmer, by David Mckee, is the story of a happy, colorful, patchwork pachyderm who decides that he would rather be the same color as the other elephants, than his colorful stand-out self. After he rolls in berry juice, masking his beautiful colors, none of the animals in the forest recognize him, and neither do any… Read More
Meditative Moments
Listening to the singing bowl to begin our yoga time @ Mariposa Kids Yoga. 2nd grade Brownie troop working toward “My Best Self” badge, spend quiet moments painting affirmation rocks following yoga practice @ Mariposa Kids Yoga. Preschool Savasana. Relaxation with beanie baby breathing buddies on their bellies, after a… Read More
RESILIENCE
We want our children to feel safe, supported, and develop resilience in order to cope with life’s challenges. As a school nurse I see many children in physical or social/emotional “crisis” who become stuck in fight or flight mode. A knee abrasion may turn into a meltdown. A hip check in line may turn into… Read More
BOOK OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER
My life-changing discovery, yoga for children; a fun, creative, imaginative practice that strengthens and stretches young bodies, and teaches flexibility of young minds and bodies, was when I was given a copy of Thia Luby’s book Children’s Book of Yoga: Games & Exercises Mimic Plants, Animals & Objects. This book is filled with color and… Read More
Peaceful Piggy Meditates
“Sometimes life seems like it’s all about hurrying–too many places for a piggy to go! And sometimes it’s hard when things don’t go your way–it can make a piggy angry and sad. How can young piggies find a peaceful way to relax and regroup? They can meditate!” Quoted from the back cover of Kerry… Read More
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Mountain pose is the foundation pose for all standing postures. Mountain (tada in sanskrit), pose or posture (asana in sanskrit). It is a great starting position, resting pose, and tool to improve posture. Pose Benefits: calms and clears the mind and nervous system improves posture aligns the spine “Let us be grateful… Read More
Child’s Mind
“People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or on thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the… Read More
Meditation Jars
Mind Jars Also known as Calm Down Jars or Mind Jars, stand in various glittering colors on the counter in my nurses’ office. When children feel upset, or have minor physical complaints, they choose a mind jar. I tell them to imagine that their head is swirling with emotions or worries, then have them shake up… Read More
Book of the Month- September
Asked for in my children’s yoga classes, by all ages, again and again: I was drawn to the wacky, remarkable illustration on the cover of this children’s book when I was in a bookstore in Arizona, and pictured my students creating a “coyote” pose with grins of joy on their faces, chanting “Yippee-O-Ki-Yee”. This… Read More
Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Butterflies (Mariposa in Spanish, and Titali in Sanskrit) Butterflies go through a metamorphosis, transforming from an egg to a butterfly in a remarkable series of changes. This metamorphosis can correspond to a child developing into an adult, thus the inspiration for butterfly pose. In children’s yoga, the transformation occurs as a child gains strength, confidence… Read More
