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As the world transitions from the serene slumber of winter to the vibrant awakening of spring, the Spring Equinox marks a time of balance, renewal, and growth. It's an opportunity to engage children in yoga to connect them with nature and to encourage mindfulness.
Before diving into yoga practices, introduce children to the significance of the Spring Equinox. Explain how it marks the moment when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing balance and harmony in nature. Discuss the changing seasons, the awakening of plants and animals, and the themes of renewal and growth.
Sun Salutations: Begin the children’s yoga practice with a Sun Salutation sequence to honor the sun, which plays a vital role in the changing of seasons. Guide them through each pose, emphasizing the connection between movement and breath. Encourage them to visualize the warmth and energy of the sun filling their bodies with positivity and vitality.
Flower Poses: Invite the children to embody different types of flowers through yoga poses such as Tree Pose (Vrksasana) for tall, swaying trees, and Lotus Pose (Padmasana) for delicate blossoms. Encourage creativity and imagination as they explore the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Animal Asanas: Incorporate animal-themed yoga poses to celebrate the awakening of wildlife in spring. Invite children to mimic the movements and characteristics of animals such as butterflies, frogs, and bees. These poses not only promote physical activity but also foster empathy and appreciation for the creatures that share our planet.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Conclude the yoga session with a guided meditation focused on themes of renewal and growth. Encourage children to close their eyes, take deep breaths, and visualize themselves surrounded by the beauty of springtime. Invite them to reflect on their own growth and the positive changes they wish to cultivate in their lives.
Creative Expression: After the yoga practice, provide materials for children to engage in creative expression inspired by the Spring Equinox. They can draw pictures of spring scenes, write poetry about new beginnings, or even plant seeds to nurture and watch grow throughout the season.
Celebrating the Spring Equinox through kids yoga is a wonderful way to instill a sense of connection with nature, promote physical activity, and encourage mindfulness. By engaging in yoga practices that honor the changing seasons, children can develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them and cultivate a sense of balance and harmony in their lives.
So, roll out those mats, embrace the spirit of spring, and let the joy of yoga blossom in the hearts of your little yogis! We’ll show you how.
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While luck often seems like an elusive concept, teaching children the art of mindfulness through yoga can provide them with invaluable tools for navigating life's ups and downs. Luck, often perceived as random chance, can also be understood as the intersection of preparedness and opportunity.
Luck, by definition, is the occurrence of events that happen by chance and bring about favorable outcomes. While luck can seem capricious and out of our control, there are ways to cultivate a mindset that attracts positive experiences. Psychologists suggest that lucky people tend to be more open to new experiences, resilient in the face of adversity, and actively seek opportunities. This proactive approach to life aligns closely with the principles of yoga.
Here's how yoga can benefit kids in cultivating a lucky mindset:
1. Mindfulness: Yoga teaches children to be present in the moment, paying attention to their breath, sensations in their bodies, and the environment around them. This mindfulness practice enhances their ability to recognize and appreciate each moment with acceptance.
2. Emotional Regulation: By practicing breathing exercises and gentle movements, children develop coping strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and frustration. This emotional resilience equips them to navigate life's challenges with more grace and optimism.
3. Physical Health: The physical postures of yoga promote strength, flexibility, and balance in children's bodies. A healthy body sets the foundation for a lucky life, enabling kids to seize opportunities with vitality and vigor.
4. Self-Reflection: Through guided meditation and relaxation techniques, children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. This self-awareness empowers them to make conscious choices that align with their values and aspirations.
5. Connection: Through partner poses and group activities, children learn to communicate, collaborate, and empathize with their peers. This sense of belonging strengthens their social bonds and expands their support network, increasing the likelihood of encountering lucky opportunities through meaningful relationships.
In the journey of life, luck is not merely a matter of chance; it is a mindset cultivated through mindfulness, resilience, and gratitude. By introducing children, especially sensitive children, to the practice of yoga, we equip them with essential tools for navigating life's twists and turns more easily. As they learn to embrace the present moment, regulate their emotions, and connect with themselves and others, they unlock the true essence of luck – the ability to recognize and seize opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
Let’s roll out the yoga mats, take a deep breath, and embark on a journey of luck and mindfulness with our children. After all, the greatest luck of all is the opportunity to live fully and authentically in the present moment. Practice with us. We’ll show you how.
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Marching into Women's History Month, this is a time to honor the indomitable spirit, achievements, and contributions of women throughout history and in modern society. It's also a time to empower the next generation, including young girls, to recognize their potential and celebrate their uniqueness. One powerful way to do this is through the practice of yoga, which fosters physical health and nurtures emotional well-being.
Educators, parents, and caregivers have a unique opportunity to introduce young minds to influential women who have made a significant impact in various fields. Incorporating stories of women trailblazers, scientists, artists, activists, and leaders into yoga sessions can inspire children to recognize their own potential.
Yoga Poses Inspired by Women Icons:
1. Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana II) - Inspired by Malala Yousafzai, this pose embodies strength, courage, and determination.
2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana) - Inspired by Wangari Maathai, this pose symbolizes balance, growth, and environmental consciousness.
3. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana) - Inspired by Maya Angelou, this pose represents grace, creativity, and inner strength.
4. Mountain Pose (Tadasana) - Inspired by Michelle Obama, this pose embodies poise, resilience, and empowerment.
It's essential to create inclusive yoga spaces that empower all children to foster a sense of belonging. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's remember the importance of empowering young minds and nurturing their potential.
Through the practice of yoga, children can cultivate physical and mental health, emotional well-being, and self-confidence while learning about influential women who have shaped history. Let's continue to create inclusive spaces where all children feel valued, inspired, and empowered to embrace their individuality and contribute positively to the world. Happy
Women's History Month and happy yoga practicing to all!
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Celebrating Black History month in February encompasses the birthdays of two great Americans who played prominent roles in shaping black history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively.
Leaders come in all colors and sizes. Representation matters because what we see is what we can become. It’s important for children to be exposed to toys and leaders that look like them. It inspires them to become who they want to be from a fire-fighter to a broadcaster, an artist to an entrepreneur, and anything else they can dream of. Mindset practices in yoga can help make dreams come true. But yoga has a diversity problem, and black-owned studios like Black Kids Do Yoga and Black to Yoga are changing that.
The practice of yoga originated over 2,500 years ago in India and was originally designed by men — for men. Yoga has been heavily whitewashed since coming to the United States in the 1920s. It has become a synonymous with thin white women in expensive leggings posing on a beach.
This is NOT yoga. Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not something we even do and certainly not something we wear. Yoga is something to practice and it belongs to everyone because everyone has a body, a mind and a heart. That’s all you need for yoga.
We teach children from all backgrounds from the highest privileged neighborhoods to the most under-resourced areas. It’s fundamental to expose all children to the skills they need to succeed because stress does not discriminate.
Our children are in a mental health epidemic and it’s affecting our families, our friends and our futures. Access to yoga for every child is our mission. We train leaders from all backgrounds all over the world. You can join our team and increase your impact (and your income).
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It’s President’s week. Who are the leaders of today? What qualities to they embody? Leaders of today and tomorrow may be similar to the past, but with some key adaptations that can make growing up easier for youth.
Parents Are Leaders Children do what we do, not what we say. Co-regulation has become the parenting skill of the day. According to experts, maintaining an infectious state of calm is the single goal from which all other family aspirations can flow. Co-regulation refers to a caregiver managing their own emotional response when a child is upset, and modeling the composure they hope the child will eventually acquire.
Educators Are Leaders Connection determines successful outcomes at school. Connecting with students to achieve learning goals is the number one predictor of student-teacher success. This temporary, yet critical relationship, to achieve learning goals is essential for both parties to feel successful. If a student does not trust a teacher to help them meet their goals, they will actively sabotage the teacher making their life difficult every day!
Coaches are Leaders Soft Jocks are choosing to forgo alpha-maledom and instead embrace sensibilities their teammates might once have decried as “beta.” Safe coaching is essential for youth physical fitness and mental health. Coaches must understand the growing body, it’s risks and limitations and the developing mind in order to develop mental strength. Sports coaches have the power to build resilience and confidence like no other leader can.
Pediatric Professionals Are Leaders Holistic medicine combines modern medicine with ancient wellness practices. The best doctors understand that preventative medicine is the best medicine. Ensuring the basics of children’s health with better sleep, exercise, nutrition and emotional support are what grows healthier and happier kids into young capable and contributing adults.
Teenagers Are Leaders Teenagers are uniquely qualified leaders of young children. Their experience is so close compared to that of an adult. It’s relatable for teens to connect with younger children so both parties benefit. The kids look up to teens because they want to grow up (often too fast). Teens get to re-connect with their playful younger selves and feel a little more care-free. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Artists Are Leaders Music is a huge influence on youth. It’s great to see rapper Lil Jon is turning down his party vibe with a new guided meditation album. HIFI Labs is creating community-based modules to promote better mental health and greater resiliency among artists. And here’s a list of the mindful side of hip-hop.
Yogis Are Leaders If you practice yoga you know what it does for your body, mind and heart. You know how it affects your life. You know how you want everyone else (especially teenagers) to experience the same benefits. If you want to transform children’s lives, check out our 8-day leadership and professional development course to learn and teach the High5 Habits that lead to healthier and happier lives.
Leadership is a predictor of success. How we lead our lives every day means we are responsible for our choices, decisions and outcomes. Wise leaders know the future is comprised of strength and compassion, understanding multiple perspectives and creating systematic change from that place. We can learn these skills in yoga. It transfers the success skills of adaptability, resilience and confidence from the mat into everyday life.