First Session of Yoga 4 Youth at Yoga Oasis

Our first session of Yoga 4 Youth is complete at Yoga Oasis. It was a monumental week for a number of reasons. The most exciting reason is that it has been a dream of mine and of Nancy's to teach kids yoga for a long time. But not only are we teaching it, we are teaching it at our home, Yoga Oasis. It makes it a little more special!

           

Every new group that we start with there is a conversation in the parking lot after class between Nancy and I. It goes something like this, "Whoa, that was intense. Do you think we will be able to teach them how to act in a yoga class?" Then a short seven weeks later, we are thoroughly amazed at what amazing yogi's they have become! During our last class, we created a circle and had a lot of discussions. First the kids told us what they had learned in yoga. It is amazing how insightful their responses are. These are 5-9 year olds, and their responses make more sense than an adult's response to the same question. It is very black and white, very clear to them.

           

Next, our students determined what their favorite pose was and drew a picture of it. The art teacher in me was very excited to see their drawings! We then played a round robin game of name your favorite pose and everyone does it together. How could I forget? In the middle somewhere, we played "Freeze Dance Yoga." We turn on some fun, happy music and the kids do yoga poses. Some are actual poses and some are very creative poses from the mind of a five year old! When we stop the music, whatever pose you are in, you hold! Great fun!

Nancy and I are so proud of our students and their ability to connect with themselves. But not only connect with themselves but also verbalize some of that connection. For those who could not verbalize, perhaps they could draw the connection. For those who could not verbalize or draw their connection, they could show us with their bodies. Whichever way the created the connection, hopefully the connection was made! As I say often, I only wish I had been given a skill like learning to connect to myself at such a young age!!

We have a new session beginning at Yoga Oasis on February 29th and one at Red Monkey on March 5th. Hope your kids can come join us!

Here are some of the responses we heard when asked what did you learn from yoga?

• When I am frustrated and angry I can breathe to calm down. I don't have to get embarrassed at school because I can breathe.           Emily
• Yoga can help you calm down.                      Trinity
• Yoga makes you stronger and more peaceful.            Ava
• I learned that I can do yoga. I can do crow pose even though I did not think I could. It was hard the first time then I did it!              Miles
• I learned to trust myself and to trust other people in partner poses.              Tillie
• I learned to have confidence because I can believe in myself. I know what is right because of yoga.          Diamond
• I learned to trust myself. When I am frustrated I can breathe.          Saige
• Yoga makes you relaxed and peaceful.          Caleb

Here are some of the pictures our students drew of their favorite yoga pose.

From our students...

Hi, my name is Asha; I am 14 years old. I first found out about the Yoga 4 Youth program through Red Monkey Studio and decided to give it a try. I began taking classes from the summer and continued through the rest of the year. I have currently been taking this class for about 7 months, and I have enjoyed every second of it! The instructors, Nancy and Lori, are so encouraging and sweet ;I am so grateful someone finally started a youth yoga class! Trust me, it isn't anything like "do superhero", and "now do the bunny pose". They tell you the sanskrit name, the derivative, and what it means to you. I have found myself to become more confident through my flexibility and also my confidence in other places. When you practice something you really love, you find that you and everyone around you is lifted and happier. So grab a friend and welcome yourself to serene new world! Namaste!