Looking for a new theme for kids yoga? Consider making it a pajama party! Check it out at: http://thealternativepress.com/article.asp?news=5844&Pajama-Yoga-at-Powerflow-Kids-Yoga-Studio!
Street Yoga
Street Yoga helps reach kids through music, hip hop and movement . . .
Happy Fall
After a brief hiatus this summer our “Frog Blog” is back! Look here for stories, tips and inspiration on incorporating yoga asana and theory into your family’s daily lives. Also, be sure to check out all the great programs we have scheduled for this fall at: www.happyfrogyoga.com.
Practice is for Teachers Too
I have not studied under anyone particularly famous. Although my yoga teacher training was delivered by Maya Breuer who serves on the board at the Kripalu Center (MA) and I have been fortunate enough to meet and learn from Shatka Khaur Kalsa.
Most of my yoga training and experience, however, has come from teachers in my own community. Owners of local yoga studios and men and women I am now able to call “colleagues” and “friends.” These individuals have taught me the importance of a personal yoga practice. That practice doesn’t come from teaching classes or taking classes (necessarily). Instead, it comes in the quiet moments of my life–often on my back patio, in my downstairs (makeshift) rec room or in my living room. Whether my personal practice includes asana, meditation or svadyaya, it is an important part of being a yoga teacher (whether you teach children, adults or both).
In May I attended Radiant Child Teacher training which was conducted and facilitated by Shatka Khaur Kalsa. One thing (well one of many things) Shatka shared stuck with me. She told all the attendees at the training to always set an intention and “tune in” before working with children. This “tuning in” could be done with a simple chant (Sat Nam for example), mediation or a personal yoga practice. Since returning from training, I have found myself doing this before each and every class I teach (regardless of whether the class is for adults or children, advanced yoga students or beginners).
This practice of “tuning in,” of centering the self (if you will), has allowed to be more aware of the needs of my students. Last week for example, I taught a restorative yoga class and the needs of my students were quite varied. I had one 72 year-old man who had went through two total hip replacements in the last several years, a woman in her third-trimester of pregnancy, a young woman in her mid-30s who had confided in me that she was battling depression and anxiety amidst the breakdown of her marriage, an astanga yogi who had never taken a restorative class before and a few of my “regulars” who know very well the many benefits of a restorative yoga class.
In the past, having such a diverse group of students would have panicked me. Were my instructions clear? Was I giving enough suggestions for modifying poses? Were they receiving the benefits of the practice? This time I found myself responding to their individual needs throughout the class without “calling them out” or feeling as if I was leaving other students side-tracked or ignored. I truly believe this was made possible only by my ability to “tune in” prior to the practice.
I have also noticed a difference in my children’s classes. I feel much calmer despite the chaos of a toddler class. And with my kids yoga classes, I am able to deal with my special needs children more appropriately. I am responding to the needs of my younger students better than ever before. For example, some of my children with autism spectrum disorders are much calmer simply by a gentle touch in child’s pose or through the opportunity to share their knowledge of a pose or a factoid in class. And, perhaps, I am more open to these children as well. I see the opportunity they present me as much as the opportunities I am presenting them.
My point is this: It is only by being in touch with ourselves that we can begin to understand others. This is the fascinating thing about yoga (any yoga). It allows people to enter where they are–with broken hearts, broken hips, fears, disorders, illness. In addition, yoga also allows us to leave a place (home, studio, work, etc.) more accepting of our limitations and perhaps a bit better (overall) than when we arrived (entered) initially.
Cool Breath for Kids & Adults
Check it out . . . this “cooling breath” is tons of fun for kids because they get to stick out their tongues!
http://yoga.about.com/b/2009/06/19/cooling-breath-shitali-pranayama-4.htm
Yamas are Not “Permission” to Judge Others
Note from Susan: This is not my typical “blog” for this site. The Frog Blog is typically reserved for children’s yoga tips. However, this dicussion of the yamas can certainly be helpful when dealing with little ones. Check it out and see what you think:
I am really bothered by people who claim to stand behind a particular set of standards (whether religious dogma or guiding principles from a particular tradition) but do not even attempt to understand the complexity of their own doctrine and how it relates to their personal (life) practice. In most circumstances, people apply these concepts to OTHERS; very rarely inwardly examining how their own behavior goes against the principles they espouse as TRUTH.
In this case, I am speaking of the yamas (a Sanskrit word literally meaning “death”). There are 10 traditional yamas, which are intended to teach us what to steer clear from in our daily lives. You might think of them as the “yogic 10 commandments” (which is clearly meant as a point of clarification and cognitive understanding rather than a comparison to Christianity).
Not every yama is as easy as it might appear at first glance. Let me explain.
- Ahmisa (or nonviolence). A friend of mine suggested the other night (while discussing my aversion to violence) that at times violence may indeed be the best recourse. Sometimes the last resort comes sooner than you expected. In other words, in cases of self-defense . . . as in “someone is about to intentionally hurt one of my children and I have an opportunity to respond” violence is the most appropriate response. This yama is about (in my opinion) knowing what the proper response is to particular situations. To live “right” we must know when it is right to respond and how to craft that response so that is appropriate to the situation.
- Satya (truthfulness). The problem with this yama is PERCEPTION. Everyone’s reality of what is indeed true is different. Many interpret this yama by metaphorically linking it to the old cliché: “walk the walk and talk the talk.” However, it’s more than that! It’s knowing that your version of the “truth” may not necessarily be someone else’s version. I like what Katrina Repka and Alan Finger suggest in their book “Breathing Space.” They suggest that when communicating we seek to be understood. Instead, we need to focus on UNDERSTANDING another’s perspective. Relationships aren’t about what makes you comfortable or what feeds your ego. Effective human interaction comes from place of understanding rather than from the desire to be understood.
- Asteya (non-stealing). Not stealing from others might seem obvious. Perhaps that’s why we so often equate this yama with debt. Given the current state of the economy, unemployment rates and home foreclosures in our own country, the chances of the average person not having some sort of debt is tiny. Often I find people using this yama in give-and-take situations. For example: “I lent you money and you never paid me back.” However, this yama is also about giving freely without expectation. Working hard without the desire to make a fortune. Sharing your talents without expecting payment. This approach takes us toward SERVING others rather than serving for the sake of obtaining something in return (something oil company executives probably wouldn’t understand).
There are others of course–brachmacharya (celibacy and faithfulness to others), kshama (patience), dhriti (overcoming fear), daya (compassion) and arjava (honesty)—and with each yama we can make these comparisons.
The yamas, like any other code of conduct are not there so that HUMANS can judge other HUMANS. And, perhaps, that is the real challenge.
Namaste,
Susan Bissett Spangler, PhD ABD, RYT-200, RCYP 1 & 2
yankylady73@yahoo.com
Starting a Kids Yoga Program at your Studio
There is much to consider when starting a kids yoga program at your studio. Chances are that adult students who attend classes regularly won’t necessarily be “thrilled” at the thought of little urchins running amuck in their “tranquil” refuge. However, there are a few things you can do to accommodate both adults and children in your studio.
Consider the following:
- Set children’s class times right after school or during weekend hours when adult classes may not be “as popular.” Chances are the busiest times at the studio are right after the work day ends. So adding a few morning classes for mommies and youngsters or a few afternoon sessions for older kids right after school could be a plus! Scheduling classes this way also helps maximize your space and increase your revenue!
- Supplies can be a bit overwhelming when preparing for the younger set. However, you don’t need to necessarily use yoga mats. Consider a rug that you simply roll out for kids yoga classes. Also, dollar stores have plenty of opportunities for purchasing flashlights (to use during savasana), balls (for back bends and balance), bubbles (for breathwork), feathers (breathwork) and more! I have also found that when adding crafts to complement the yoga experience, recycled materials (srcap ribbon, toilet paper rolls, stray pieces of tissue paper, etc.) are helpful . . . enlist help from your instructors to collect these materials.
- Consider providing a handout for parents explaining the difference between the yoga “experience” and other activities. For example . . . the yoga studio is different from a gymnasium because . . . Make it fun and upbeat so that parents feel affirmed and supported rather than chastised.
- Communicate! For example, if you are scheduling a yoga session with kids (a kids birthday party, for example) be sure to share that information with any instructors or “regulars” at the studio. Even if you schedule these things when other classes are not happening . . . you don’t want someone who was expecting some quiet one-on-one yoga or alone (meditation) time surprised by a gaggle of children.
- Have fun! There are so many resources available (via Amazon, for example) that include music, games, crafts and stories to help complement the children’s yoga experience. Take advantage of these things!
In addition to all these things, it’s important to remember that kids are KIDS. And to be honest, they don’t stay kids for long. Don’t expect children to remain quiet during the yoga experience. This will only serve to frustrate you and turn them away from the experience. Do however, focus on centering children with definite ending and starting points. Shatka Kaur Khalsa has some great suggestions on how to do this in her book, “Fly Like a Butterfly.”
Teaching children is rewarding and enjoyable . . . these little yogis and yoginis are the future !
Susan Bissett Spangler, PhD ABD, RYT-200, RCYP 1 & 2
A Different Kind of “Time Out”
When kids are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, taking a “time out” can be helpful. Bu this isn’t a “time out” in the traditional sense. Rather than a disciplinary tool–this “time out” focuses on a short meditation. Check it out at: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art12708.asp.
Yoga Helps Kids Socialize, Build Discipline
University of Michigan pediatrician Dolores Mendelow says yoga, if done properly, is a suitable alternative to tumbling and team sports for getting stressed-out, sedentary children socializing, exercising and building discipline. Read more at: http://www.pocatelloparents.com/2009/04/27/kids-get-health-benefit-from-yoga.
Who Does Yoga? Why?
Think yoga isn’t for you and your family? Think again!
In 2008, Yoga Journal released its “Yoga in America” study. Yoga Journal’s research indicated that Americans spend $5.7 billion a year on yoga classes and products, including equipment, clothing, vacations and media (DVDs, videos, books and magazines)–a figure that represented an 87% increase from the previous study in 2004.
In addition, the 2008 study indicated that 6.9% of U.S. adults, or 15.8 million people, practice yoga. (In the previous study, that number was 16.5 million). Of current non-practitioners, nearly 8% said they are very or extremely interested in yoga, triple the number from the 2004 study. And, 4.1% percent of non-practitioners, or about 9.4 million people, said they would definitely try yoga within the next year.
The study also collected data on age, gender and other demographic factors. Of the yoga practitioners surveyed:
- 72.2% were women; 27.8% were men.
- 40.6% were 18 to 34 years old; 41% were 35 to 54; and 18.4% were over 55.
- 28.4% practiced yoga for one year or less; 21.4% practiced for one to two years; 25.6% practiced two to five years; and 24.6% practiced more than five years.
- 71.4% were college educated; 27% had postgraduate degrees.
“While the yoga population has stabilized, spending among practitioners has nearly doubled,” says Patricia Fox, senior vice president and group manager of Active Interest Media’s Healthy Living Group. “Yoga practitioners are a devoted consumer group supporting a thriving and vibrant market.”
The 2008 study also indicated that almost half (49.4%) of current practitioners started practicing yoga to improve their overall health. In the 2003 study, that number was 5.6%. And, they are continuing to practice for the same reason. According to the 2008 study, 52% are motivated to practice yoga to improve their overall health. (In 2003, that number was 5.2%).
“Yoga is no longer simply a singular pursuit but a lifestyle choice and an established part of our health and cultural landscape,” says Bill Harper, publisher of Yoga Journal. “People come to yoga and stick with it because they want to live healthier lives.”
