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As Father's Day approaches, we're reminded of the invaluable role that dads play in our lives — especially those who are raising boys to be good men. Beyond traditional gifts and cards, there's an opportunity to celebrate this special day in a unique and meaningful way: through yoga.

For fathers, participating in yoga with their kids offers a host of benefits:

1. Bonding Time: Finding quality time to spend with our children can be challenging. Kids yoga provides a unique opportunity for dads to connect with their little ones in a fun and meaningful way.
2. Better Health: Yoga isn't just about stretching and posing; it's also about cultivating mindfulness and confidence. By practicing yoga together, fathers and children can reap the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of the practice.
3. Lead by Example: Fathers are powerful role models for their children. By demonstrating a commitment to health and wellness through yoga, dads instill lifelong habits of resilience and self-motivation in their kids.

How to create a magical Father's Day kids yoga experience:

1. Choose a Setting: Whether it's a sunny backyard, a local park, or a cozy living room, choose a setting that's conducive to relaxation and play. Try the Palace of Fine Arts!
2. Craft a Kid-Friendly Sequence: Keep the yoga poses simple and engaging, incorporating playful elements like animal poses, partner stretches, and imagination-based activities. We’ll show you how.
3. Encourage Participation: Foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork by encouraging dads and kids to support each other and celebrate their accomplishments.

After the yoga session, take time to honor fathers with small gestures of appreciation, whether it's a homemade card, a heartfelt thank-you, or a special treat. By incorporating kids yoga into the festivities, we can create lasting memories of connection, joy, and well-being.

Father's Day is a time to honor and celebrate the wonderful dads in our lives. Thanks to all the dads who sharing the mental load of parenting. Take one dad’s much-needed advice to other men on supporting their partners. It’s really not that complicated. 

So this Father's Day, step onto the yoga mat with your children and embark on a journey of discovery and togetherness. The rewards are abundant, enriching body, mind and heart for years to come.

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School is coming to an end. That means a much needed time out from the daily rinse and repeat routines and finding a new rhythm for summer. Each year, for our family, three things need to happen.

1. Take a break. Do nothing. Every year, when school is out, we need 2 weeks of nothing. No schedule. No demands. It is a great time to clean out the school work and the out grown closets. This creates closure for us for the school year in review. What to keep and what to let go is the best beginning of summer exercise for us. It’s important to be bored too!

2. Take a trip. I know families who get on a plane the day school is out, that’s not us. We are ready to travel toward the end of June and all of July. Sometimes, I dread the task of packing and unpacking. Why do we have so much stuff?! Go back to #1. Want to get it all into one bag, I really loved this!

3. Take the kids to camp. Do your kids have an "outdoor play deficit"? Sleep away camps are great! My kids also loved local camps where they spent the day outdoors with yoga, hiking, snacking and connecting with other kids. Why ”risky play” helps kids develop important life skills. Plus what to say instead of “be careful” — even if you’re freaking out a little. Deep breaths. Our camps are for ages 4-12 so it’s great for siblings and friends. Older kids gain leadership skills even if they are new to the practice of yoga which benefits all ages physically, mentally and emotionally.

School is coming to an end. What does it mean for your family? Where will your birds fly to? I can’t wait to hear all about it.

P.S. Kick off your summer with us at Metta Yoga on June 15. 

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There is so much buzz around the topic of mental health. Sometimes, it’s refreshing to KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). I’m not a big fan of the word stupid, but sometimes we overthink everything and that is exhausting, and well, kinda dumb.

What if it were easier to be physically healthy and mentally fit? It is! Yoga is a holistic practice that offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, making it an excellent choice for Mental Health Month in May.

Physical Health Benefits:

• Flexibility: Yoga poses, or asanas, help improve flexibility by stretching muscles and increasing range of motion in joints.
• Strength: Many yoga poses require engaging various muscle groups, leading to increased strength over time. Balance: Practicing yoga improves balance and coordination through standing poses and poses that challenge stability.
• Cardiovascular Health: Certain types of yoga, such as Vinyasa or Power Yoga, incorporate dynamic movements that elevate heart rate and improve cardiovascular health.
• Pain Relief: Regular yoga practice can alleviate chronic pain, such as lower back pain or joint pain, by improving posture, alignment, and muscle strength.

Mental Health Benefits:

• Stress Reduction: Yoga encourages relaxation through controlled breathing and mindfulness techniques, reducing levels of stress hormones like cortisol.
• Anxiety Management: The focus on breath awareness and present moment awareness in yoga can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
• Improved Mood: Yoga practice stimulates the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and well-being, leading to an improved mood.
• Better Sleep: Regular yoga practice has been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing insomnia and promoting relaxation.
• Enhanced Self-Awareness: Yoga cultivates self-awareness by encouraging practitioners to connect with their bodies, thoughts, and emotions, fostering a greater understanding of oneself.

During Mental Health Month, incorporating yoga into your routine can be a powerful way to enhance both physical and mental well-being. Whether it's through attending classes, following online tutorials, or practicing at home, dedicating time to yoga can have profound effects on your overall health and happiness.

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Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It also marks the beginning of summer and the official season to wear white bottoms according to my grandmother.

Combining yoga with Memorial Day can be a thoughtful and educational way to teach children about the significance of the holiday while also promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Here's a simple yoga sequence tailored for kids that incorporates themes of remembrance and gratitude:

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana):

• Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides.
• Encourage kids to imagine themselves as strong and grounded like mountains, representing the strength of those who serve.

2. Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana):

• Step one foot back into a lunge, bending the front knee at a 90-degree angle, arms extended out to the sides.
• Explain to kids that this pose symbolizes bravery and courage, qualities exhibited by military personnel.

3. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana):

• Shift weight onto one leg, placing the sole of the other foot on the inner thigh or calf (avoiding the knee), hands together at heart center or extended overhead.
• Discuss the idea of growth and resilience, akin to the strength of the families who support those serving in the military.

4. Child's Pose (Balasana):

• Kneel on the mat, sitting back on heels, arms extended in front or relaxed by the sides.
• Encourage kids to reflect quietly in this pose, honoring and remembering those who have sacrificed for their country.

5. Gratitude Meditation:

• Have kids lie down on their backs in Corpse Pose (Savasana), closing their eyes and relaxing their bodies.
• Guide them through a brief meditation, prompting them to think of things they are grateful for, including the freedoms they enjoy due to the sacrifices of others.

Throughout the practice, you can share age-appropriate stories or facts about Memorial Day, explaining its significance and the importance of honoring those who have served and sacrificed for their country. Encourage kids to express gratitude in their own way, whether through drawings, writing, or simply through their practice on the mat.

P.S. We will host classes during the holiday weekend so drop-in. See you soon!