Planting Seeds of Kindness - Day 2

Today we had a lot of fun and continued to explore kindness to self and others.  We also worked on building our balance by playing a fun game with pom poms.  We explored Yoga poses today with a kindness game, and went through the metamorphosis of a plant through Yoga poses.  This time we used kindness to help the seed grow, which reinforces the idea that kindness in all of us starts from deep within as a seed and then we slowly grow into a beautiful tree that is ready to share kindness with everyone.

With the older kids we finished the book "I like Myself" while reminding ourselves to always Breathe in the Big me (good thoughts) and let go of any negativity as we exhale. We reflected with our leaf of kindness and wrote about an act of kindness shown to someone we know.  Towards the end of class, I introduced the kids to the word Namaste.  Namaste is a greeting that is used in the Yoga practice that symbolises respect for each unique trait of all individuals.

Suggested Activity:  Have your child/children show you their balloon breathing and make some time every evening before bedtime to practice balloon breathing as a family.  This will not only help calm their mind but also allow them to share their learnings.

Planting Seeds of Kindness

Knowing that every thought is a wish we planted the seed of kindness in ourselves.  We explored this through our Yoga poses individually and as a group while building our balance, co-ordination and flexibility.  

We did our warm-up with the balloon game, and our little Yogis had a blast following the motion of the balloon.  The older kids practiced breathing in the "Big Me" and exhaling the "Little Me." We breathed in thoughts that would help us feel good and exhaled thoughts that raise doubt and negative feelings about ourself.   We read a few pages of the book called "I Like Myself," and then spent the last few minutes reflecting on how we can be kind to ourself through some art.  We then spent some time relaxing our minds and bodies and sending friendly wishes to children around the world.

Family activity:  Ask your child what actions they will take to foster kindness towards themselves.  As a family,  share ways that each of you showed kindness to your own self and to others.  And to make this a visual experience, create your Family Kindness Tree.  Keep some leaf cut outs in a folder and everyday reflect on the times you have shown kindness and record it on a leaf and post it on the tree.  

Every Thought is a Wish

Today we learned that our mind is like the Wish Fulfilling Tree and that every thought is a wish.   So just like the farmer in the story, if we wish for good things we will attract good things and if we are negative then that's what we end up attracting.

We then explored how a tree grows through various Yoga poses.  We swayed to the wind, drooped down low when it rained and then finally grew into big strong trees and worked on our balance.

Throughout the class, we observed our breath and practiced balloon breathing.   

We also got to do some reflection with the older kids on how every thought can be a wish and drew our own Wish Fulfilling Tree and shared some of our own wishes. 

Last, we ended our class by sending friendly wishes to children everywhere around the world and relaxing our minds and bodies. 

Home Activity:  Ask your child to share the Story of the Wish Fulfilling Tree with you and as a family create your own tree, where you can post your wishes.  

FIRST CLASS STARTS TODAY

You CAN'T Stop the WAVES FROM COMING, BUT YOU CAN LEARN how to SURF.

                                                                                  - Jon Kabat-Zinn

Yoga and mindfulness practices will serve as our surfboard for the upcoming weeks as we learn to navigate through life's experiences with Attention, Balance and Compassion.

Please see my post tonight to see how our young surfers did in our class today.

ABOUT BLOSSOM YOGA PROGRAM

WHY YOGA IN SCHOOL? 

Today’s children face tremendous pressure to perform and are exposed to many more issues then children have had to deal with in the past.   Yoga and mindfulness are proven ways to help children manage physical, mental and emotional stress.  Bringing these practices to your school will help your child grow with attention, balance and compassion, and thereby, help them increase their ability to learn, manage their emotions and self regulate their behaviour, while achieving personal and academic success.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A KIDS YOGA CLASS?

To feel peace and remain focused admist all the chaos that surrounds our kids takes a lot of work and attention.  Through Yoga and Mindfulness activities the children will increase awareness of their bodies and minds by focusing on the present moment one breath at a time.  A children’s Yoga class will include Yoga poses, breath work, reflection and relaxation in a less serious and playful way.  We play games, we laugh, we have fun.  Is that Yoga you ask? Yes we are practicing enjoying the present moment and being true to ourselves and really letting our inner self shine.  You will hear laughter, kids cheering on each other during our games and kids zealously sharing their experiences and feelings with each other.  All of this is okay.  Because in Yoga we let kids be kids and tune in to their needs while providing a safe, engaging and supporting environment.

WHAT IS THE CLASS FORMAT?

Our class will usually follow the following format:

• Check-in
• Breath-work
• Movement through Yoga poses
• Sensory activity
• Reflection
• Relaxation

Through all my classes my goal is to be the child’s champion, to help them see and celebrate their strengths, while connecting with them, so we can create an environment where they feel safe and happy and experience personal growth.

END OF DAY THOUGHT FOR MOTHER'S DAY

WHAT IS A MOM BUT THE SUNSHINE OF OUR DAYS AND THE NORTH STAR OF OUR NIGHTS

                                                                                                                                     - Robert Brault

I am filled with gratitude on this day as I celebrate with my kids and cannot be thankful enough for my mom who's love and support have lighted my days and guided me on dark nights.  

Definition of a teacher

“Every child deserves a champion — an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” 
 Rita F. Pierson, Educator

The above quote beautifully captures my sentiments on the gift that a teacher can share with his/her students.  I hope this quote will keep me grounded, as I work with kids teaching them to connect with themselves and others, and will guide me on my journey as a kids Yoga and Mindfulness facilitator.

Thought for the day!

Take the time today to relish a moment in the midst of all chaos that you may be feeling......just savour that moment entirely.  Close your eyes and simply breathe and connect with the peace that rests in your heart.

Blossom Yoga Overview

Hi Everyone....to learn more about Blossom Yoga please click on the link below. Happy Viewing:)

http://www.haikudeck.com/p/jO78qO9P4C