Kids Summertime Yoga
This summer we will be offering kids yoga classes at the lounge and I am really excited to start teaching the art of yoga to more kids. I have had the privilege of teaching yoga at Sayre Montessori School for the past three years and wanted to share some of my insights from this great experience. It has been truly special since I have had some of the same kids in class for the entire three years and have blessed to see the growth and transformation that takes place. I am amazed and inspired by them each day and have learned more from the children than I ever expected.
Everyone asks the difference between teaching kids and adults. That one is easy! Kids literally dive into each new posture with enthusiasm and freedom, not concerning themselves with what others may think or whether or not they can “do it”. They just have a joy and freedom without concern for the outcome, following their own sense of what feels good. This behavior is in contrast to adults who tend to approach things cautiously, need more encouragement and are only able to “lose themselves” in the practice after quite a bit of experience. Of course these are generalizations and I did have the occasional child who would hang back a bit, but I would say kids allow themselves an openness that is unique. What a gift this is that the children give themselves! To breathe deeply and do what feels good without expectation. Can you do it? Can you let yourself be free like a child?
In yoga we talk about approaching each class and each posture with a beginner’s mind. This means we leave our expectations at the door and start each class anew. A fresh mind, a fresh opportunity, a new start. This does not mean that we are not learning from each session, it just means that we don’t let our expectations cloud our potential. Every day I see children practice difficult postures, such as forearm balance, king pigeon, peacock and handstand, on the first try! Why? I think a large part of it is that these postures are not presented to them as difficult and they have no apprehension or reason to believe that they cannot do them. With their minds relaxed, their bodies relax, and they are able to find the strength and balance.
What I have learned from teaching the kids is to not let my mind get in the way of my practice. Don’t think about what you were able (or not able) to do the last class, and what may be coming up. Live and be fully present in the moment, and celebrate each posture as if it were the only one for that day. Allow yourself the freedom to “just be.” Allow each posture to flow through you as though you are a vessel holding that posture, that 5000 year old tradition, that art, just for a moment, and know that it is yours to make beautiful. I guarantee, if you allow your mind to be free, like a child’s, your practice will take you places you never dreamed possible.
I believe everyone can benefit from yoga and we all learn from each other. Our kids’ class will include an adult/child session for the last class to give us an opportunity to practice together. If you would like to enroll a child, please see the attached brochure for details. We have our first session scheduled for Fridays from 11am to noon starting June 12. Other sessions may be added based on interest so please let us know your thoughts. Thank you for reading and keep practicing !
Mary Lasky
Comments (1)
Leave a Reply
-
Subscribe to the Blog
-
Announcements
-
Recent Blog Posts
-
Blog Topics
-
Archives
Hello,
I am not certain if you remember me but my name is Julie Veasley and my parents bid on the wellness package at the Iowa State Fairgrounds over a year ago. I met with you the one time to do an one-hour private consultation but have not used the pass for 12-hours of yoga classes. Anyway, my three girls have been talking about trying kids yoga and I would love to give this an opportunity. After scrolling through your web page again and realizing that you were offering kids yoga this summer I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the 12 classes. I wanted to make sure that this certificate was still valid and that it would be a possibility for me to attend the classes with them. Thanks so much.
Julie Veasley
202-1841