COBRA POSE – Bhujangasana (boo-jahn-GAHS-uh-na) In Bhujangasana, the Cobra pose, we fully embody humility as we lay ourselves down on the earth, and reaffirm our kinship with all beings, including those that crawl directly on the ground. Yet as we lift ourselves up in a beautiful arc that opens the heart and raises our sight,… Read More
“BALL” GAMES for INDOOR WINTER FUN
Hip Waddle, Over-Under-Around, Toe-Ga, Plow Relays, and “Snowball” Fights?? During the winter months I always begin my yoga classes for kindergarten and early elementary yogis with active, engaging games to “shake their sillies out” before we settle down to focusing on our breathing and yoga activities. These “ball games” help improve gross motor skills, hand… Read More
BOOK OF THE MONTH – JANUARY 2017
Anna and Her Rainbow-Colored Yoga Mats, written by Giselle Shardlow, is a yoga story with multiple layers of learning; about friendship, happiness and acceptance. This winner of the Family Choice Award 2016, presents the theme for many of my children’s yoga classes, ages 5-9. The powerful and colorful illustrations by Paul Wrangles, and the charming characters,… Read More
REVISITING GRATITUDE
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. Thornton Wilder 2017, a new year, and I am realizing again how full my heart is and how much I am grateful for. The New Year is often… Read More
DOWNWARD-FACING DOG
Downward Facing Dog Pose Sanskrit: “Adho” means Downward, “Mukha” means Face, “Svana” means Dog, and “Asana” means Pose “Downward Doggy” is a call you may hear in one of my children’s yoga classes as they play a game similar to Marco Polo. One child walks around with eyes closed and arms out saying… Read More
BOOK OF THE MONTH – SEPTEMBER
“When I feel small in a world so big, I close my eyes and make room in my mind, in my heart, to create and imagine. I am Yoga.” I discovered I Am Yoga recently, and couldn’t wait to share this beautiful, simple yet profound book that encourages self-expression, imagination and creativity, as… Read More
CD CRAFTS FOR ALL AGES
4 perfect crafts for a rainy day project and a great way to reuse old CDs and empty CD jewel cases you may have around your home. Fun for all ages, creating CD Fish, beautiful wind spinners, CD weavings and botanical sun catchers. CD FISH An ideal craft for 5-7 year olds. I have done… Read More
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
The rhythmic, mesmerizing, dynamic, playful and soothing qualities of music, are a natural partner to the movement, games, stories and relaxation that describes children’s yoga classes at all developmental levels. Music and rhyme can elicit such joy and promote parent/child bonding. Research has shown that music is important in forming vital brain connections that are… Read More
CHILD’S POSE (BALASANA)
Child’s Pose (Balasana) is a resting pose resembling the fetal position, usually used to return to normal calm breathing after more challenging yoga poses. In my kids’ yoga classes child’s pose becomes so much more than a quick rest! The children may turn into rocks, sloths, bugs, mice, seeds, benches, or babies, for example, as… Read More
BOOK OF THE MONTH – MAY/JUNE
Light Bulb Brain Monkey Pose Stick Together Lizard on a Rock Spaghetti Test Cricket Pose Go Do Yoga Rap Curious? Look inside: Yoga for Children: 200+Yoga Poses, Breathing Exercises and Meditations for Healthier, Happier, More Resilient Children by Lisa Flynn is the most comprehensive, easy-to-understand, charmingly illustrated… Read More
