tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83814116328912670112024-03-13T10:48:50.149-07:00Pollywog Yogakids yoga at your padAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-50235767755523367022011-09-24T17:38:00.000-07:002011-09-24T17:38:38.236-07:00Family Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8sRL9Aau0Qs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Join me the first Saturday of each month at 10:30 at the <a href="http://yoga4all.com/">Yoga 4 All</a> studio for Family Yoga!</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-77491358468046422932011-08-24T08:04:00.000-07:002011-08-24T08:04:40.903-07:00Back to School Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jVMHDOjL38/TlUS16TgW_I/AAAAAAAAAfM/VyrDbBxBIuM/s1600/classroom+yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jVMHDOjL38/TlUS16TgW_I/AAAAAAAAAfM/VyrDbBxBIuM/s320/classroom+yoga.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As I pack my own kids off to school (middle school already??), I'm reminding them to be yogic in their thoughts and actions: breathe, stay calm, be open to new experiences, kindness, etc. <a href="http://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/08/back-to-school-yoga-abcs-essential-skills-for-your-backpack/">This article</a> goes right along with it!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Have a wonderful school year! And to all you teachers out there - thank you for all you do!</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-26700643033115387312011-08-20T12:35:00.000-07:002011-08-20T12:35:32.961-07:00MOSI yoga<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mZ-b7zp2nc/TlAMQ1r9OkI/AAAAAAAAAfE/-peNVoslqQg/s1600/mosi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mZ-b7zp2nc/TlAMQ1r9OkI/AAAAAAAAAfE/-peNVoslqQg/s1600/mosi.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MOSI in Tamp is fun field trip for young yogis!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I spent Thursday at MOSI with my kids and discovered a couple of cool yoga-ish activities there.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>First, in "The Amazaing You" area there is an actual yoga room, complete with a video to follow. Next to that is a little Meditation Room, too!<br />
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My favorite yoga-based activity was called <a href="http://www.mindball.se/">MindBall</a>. You strap sensors to your forehead and try to get a ball to roll into your opponents goal. The catch is that the person with the calmer mind controls the ball's movements. So my kids discovered that either chanting "om" with their eyes closed or going to their Secret Garden brings their brainwaves low enough to win the game - every time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vg6Z6RQLK0Y/TlAL_RF9V-I/AAAAAAAAAfA/gaFoe0QSFeM/s1600/mindball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vg6Z6RQLK0Y/TlAL_RF9V-I/AAAAAAAAAfA/gaFoe0QSFeM/s320/mindball.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MindBall is a great meditation exercise!</td></tr>
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In the children's section of the museum (Kids In Charge!), there is a shadow room. You stand in front of a white wall, press a button, and strike a pose when a light flashes. Then, you step away and take a look at your shadow. Of course, we busted out tree poses, warriors, triangle, and half moon.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-13011593075701837652011-08-06T10:45:00.000-07:002011-08-06T10:45:19.379-07:00Family YogaThe monthly FAMILY YOGA class this morning was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. We made pizza and sandwiches, popped like popcorn, danced on spaghetti legs, and spent time in our Secret Garden. Thank you to the seven families that came to play with me!<br />
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The next FAMILY YOGA class is Saturday, September 3rd at 10:30 at the Yoga 4 All studios.<br />
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In case you were wondering about the fun songs I used in class, here is the playlist:<br />
Jim Gill: Spaghetti Legs<br />
Barenaked Ladies: Popcorn<br />
Kidding Around Yoga: Om Shanti<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvddq_elFGw/Tj19ZT1BwVI/AAAAAAAAAe8/PRav0dhv5DU/s1600/yoga+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvddq_elFGw/Tj19ZT1BwVI/AAAAAAAAAe8/PRav0dhv5DU/s400/yoga+mom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-65189059694230235672011-06-22T12:52:00.000-07:002011-06-22T12:52:43.707-07:00Photo EvidenceEver wonder if your kids are enjoying their yoga classes? Here's the proof:<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Iw_fQmi9os/TgJGUNA0cTI/AAAAAAAAAes/RFV7ZFjqYvY/s1600/kids+yoga+-+butterfly+Ben.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Iw_fQmi9os/TgJGUNA0cTI/AAAAAAAAAes/RFV7ZFjqYvY/s400/kids+yoga+-+butterfly+Ben.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What color is your butterfly?</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TjVfieEkNM/TgJGhSJg_tI/AAAAAAAAAew/VbZjjYItjtk/s1600/kids+yoga+-+laughing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TjVfieEkNM/TgJGhSJg_tI/AAAAAAAAAew/VbZjjYItjtk/s640/kids+yoga+-+laughing.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion pose always brings out the giggles!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzeAiZg64jw/TgJGwPZy08I/AAAAAAAAAe0/z9-FeXZS59s/s1600/kids+yoga+-+smiling+Ben.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzeAiZg64jw/TgJGwPZy08I/AAAAAAAAAe0/z9-FeXZS59s/s640/kids+yoga+-+smiling+Ben.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaring like an eagle has never been so fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ49vCbIN0k/TgJG6-JyCrI/AAAAAAAAAe4/u9NSIVNXmAY/s1600/kids+yoga-+whitney+lion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ49vCbIN0k/TgJG6-JyCrI/AAAAAAAAAe4/u9NSIVNXmAY/s640/kids+yoga-+whitney+lion.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion's pose is requested in every class!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-30670643711789135352011-06-03T05:45:00.000-07:002011-06-03T05:49:42.755-07:0054 Fun Family Activities for SummerOnly a few more days until the kids are home for the summer! Here are some ideas to keep your young yogis busy with thoughtful, peaceful (and with a touch of silly) activities:<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3oBbQfVmbI/TejYK0uv3LI/AAAAAAAAAeY/y6aTNzoqnaI/s1600/dandelion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3oBbQfVmbI/TejYK0uv3LI/AAAAAAAAAeY/y6aTNzoqnaI/s200/dandelion.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://yogainmyschool.com/2010/06/26/54-fun-family-activities-for-summer-yoga-style/?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4de8d753ef529670%2C0">54 Fun Family Activities for Summer Yoga Style</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-91647023880311878422011-05-31T09:04:00.000-07:002011-05-31T09:04:47.620-07:00What I Am<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cyVzjoj96vs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>How can you go wrong with the Sesame Street gang, a song about how great you are, and wil.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-59235209756606754742011-05-20T18:45:00.000-07:002011-05-20T18:45:04.112-07:00Puppy Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xU7rz4oVZC8/TdcXC5qDgtI/AAAAAAAAAeE/6DwBXxfznRk/s1600/up+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xU7rz4oVZC8/TdcXC5qDgtI/AAAAAAAAAeE/6DwBXxfznRk/s200/up+dog.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7t8oAwyP88/TdcW-TFcVyI/AAAAAAAAAd8/tYPbVCpYS_I/s1600/shoulderstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7t8oAwyP88/TdcW-TFcVyI/AAAAAAAAAd8/tYPbVCpYS_I/s200/shoulderstand.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seriously, how much fun was our Puppy Party class? We went on a <i>night walk</i> through a farm, <i>danced </i>to "Who Let the Dogs Out", played a couple rounds of <i>Dog Show</i> (sometimes called <i>Musical Mats</i>), used our bellies to <i>Catch the Cat</i>, and even learned that <i>Dog Breath</i> can be a good thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you think we'll do in our next kids' class??</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-53911546684357478722011-05-18T07:47:00.000-07:002011-05-18T07:47:41.385-07:00Yoga Goes to SchoolAccording to research, "children who practice yoga and mindfulness are better able to regulate their emotions, manage stress and calm themselves...choose better foods...have better social skills...and, ingeneral, are much happier kids."<br />
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Sounds good to this mom!<br />
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Read more on <a href="http://www.thekidsyogaresource.com/2010/03/yoga-goes-to-school.html">The Kids Yoga Resource</a> website!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m--idupn1L4/TdPb1iYKmTI/AAAAAAAAAd4/Mq0PoccPk1w/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m--idupn1L4/TdPb1iYKmTI/AAAAAAAAAd4/Mq0PoccPk1w/s640/untitled.bmp" width="424" /></a></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-8403919061037928182011-05-12T06:01:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:50:23.185-07:00Does Yoga Really Make a Difference for Kids?I love when statistics, science, and yoga come together to prove my point - <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/advice/miriam/2011/05/10/why-it-isn-t-surprising-that-yoga-classes-in-school-are-succeeding-115875-23119530/">Yoga works for kids, too!</a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2m4e7XL4gdE/TcvbGgsJvLI/AAAAAAAAAdk/f_fW4wwFQw0/s1600/Good+Test+Score.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2m4e7XL4gdE/TcvbGgsJvLI/AAAAAAAAAdk/f_fW4wwFQw0/s320/Good+Test+Score.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-85743026627327228392011-05-01T18:19:00.000-07:002011-05-01T18:21:55.339-07:00The Benefits of Family YogaThe benefits of yoga for adults and for children are well documented. But what about the benefits of practicing yoga as a family? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-z2dnzLXYQ/Tb4GnB33U-I/AAAAAAAAAdY/zO6zs1xTjeY/s1600/family+yoga.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-z2dnzLXYQ/Tb4GnB33U-I/AAAAAAAAAdY/zO6zs1xTjeY/s1600/family+yoga.bmp" /></a></div><a name='more'></a>Connection: Families that play games and explore poses together are able to connect in a very special way. There is no competition, there is no comparisons between siblings and/parents. Everyone in the family can see each others' strengths and weaknesses, and appreciate the beauty in these differences. Each family member feels strong in their own body and supports everyone else.<br />
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Joy: Sometimes yoga is a very serious endeavor, with explicit instructions and deep philosophical thinking. Not so much in a family class.The silly games and energetic songs create a lightness and a unique opportunity to laugh with each other and at yourself.<br />
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Peace: Families run at a break-neck speed all day, every day. Between jobs, school, chores, and daily crises we sometimes don't have time to even look in the mirror and brush our hair, let alone sit together and breathe. The amazing peaceful feeling that settles upon families after savasana ("Secret Garden") brings a sense of calm that extends beyond the walls of the yoga classroom.<br />
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Regardless of the reason, give family yoga a try! It WILL make a difference.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-63706114615322678542011-04-17T15:12:00.000-07:002011-04-17T15:12:14.470-07:00Rasa-Lila Festival <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HoEoLwPUEDg/TatkbWhsJ4I/AAAAAAAAAcw/f1pSxXEPWZk/s1600/savasana+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HoEoLwPUEDg/TatkbWhsJ4I/AAAAAAAAAcw/f1pSxXEPWZk/s320/savasana+feet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting in our Secret Garden under the oaks was a special treat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmGCkFWcMIw/TatkfvCyBgI/AAAAAAAAAc0/JmymTh-m-hA/s1600/Secret+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmGCkFWcMIw/TatkfvCyBgI/AAAAAAAAAc0/JmymTh-m-hA/s320/Secret+garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We filled our lungs with fresh air and watched the trees sway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKsxSKPphcQ/TatkjGZ0yvI/AAAAAAAAAc4/RwOlucoomTw/s1600/secret+garden+-+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="87" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKsxSKPphcQ/TatkjGZ0yvI/AAAAAAAAAc4/RwOlucoomTw/s320/secret+garden+-+close-up.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Secret Garden meditation was a perfect way to end our outdoor practice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SN1f-D5L1e4/Tatkla_7FWI/AAAAAAAAAc8/ghWhnLkuZHU/s1600/Toe-ga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SN1f-D5L1e4/Tatkla_7FWI/AAAAAAAAAc8/ghWhnLkuZHU/s320/Toe-ga.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toe-Ga! Toe-Ga! Use those toes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had a wonderful Saturday under the oaks spending time with young yogis - playing games, singing songs, chanting, and giggling.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-76259047212986590752011-04-15T10:30:00.000-07:002011-04-15T10:30:11.603-07:00We Should All Be This HappyHere's to a world of happy children!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qR3rK0kZFkg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-27847168436413431032011-04-15T10:23:00.000-07:002011-04-15T10:24:28.889-07:00A "Tween's" Point of ViewI'd like to introduce my daughter (10 year old Whitney) and her thoughts on yoga:<br />
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"Why should you do yoga?" you may ask. The real question is, "Why shouldn't you?" Yoga isn't just hard balance poses, and crazy meditation. It's actually fun!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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You start a yoga class by breathing. You're probably thinking, "boring!!" But it's not boring, and it's actually really good for you. There are many different kinds of breathing, from Bunny Breath to Ujayi breath. Breathing improves concentration and calms you down. Breathing also gives you more energy because when you breathe, Prana (energy) rides the air into you.<br />
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The next thing we do is the poses. Don't scream and run away when you get to this part. Just calm down and relax. Some poses improve your posture, like camel and mountain. Others stretch you like down dog, forward fold, cobbler, and triangle. Some give you energy, while other poses decrease it. Your eyes and tongue can even do poses! Twists squeeze out toxins that may be inside of you. Twists also realign your spine. Some twists are pretzel, half-lord-of-the-fish, and revolved triangle.<br />
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One of the last things we do is meditation. Meditation helps focus your brain. Some different meditations that I do are Secret Garden, a practice that calms you whole body. Pom-pom poppers, where you throw a pop-pom in the air and catch it to improve mindfulness. Mantras, where you think of a four word phrase that describes you, and Mala beads, where you say your mantra for each bead. Some meditations help you totally relax, others focus your mind on one thing.<br />
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At the very end of class we always do two special practice. We say "Om". Om is the vibration of the universe and of you! Then we say "namaste". Namaste means, "all the good things i me see all the good things in you."<br />
So that's why yoga is good for you in many ways. Now you realize that yoga isn't just hard balance poses and crazy meditation. It's actually a fun way to be healthy in body and mind! "Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-80432677495098513302011-04-13T09:30:00.000-07:002011-04-13T09:31:42.909-07:00Summer Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSVWfajnFgo/TZ26DXeII-I/AAAAAAAAAbw/nVVPG9BU9hc/s1600/kids+summer+yoga+flier+-+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSVWfajnFgo/TZ26DXeII-I/AAAAAAAAAbw/nVVPG9BU9hc/s640/kids+summer+yoga+flier+-+final.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-66312471395965191972011-04-13T09:25:00.000-07:002011-04-13T09:27:11.031-07:0025 (More) Reasons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsHhJua4Y8A/TaXOZh6dbGI/AAAAAAAAAb0/ju6m8Vfwcpk/s1600/kids%2527+crow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsHhJua4Y8A/TaXOZh6dbGI/AAAAAAAAAb0/ju6m8Vfwcpk/s200/kids%2527+crow.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Need more reasons? Here is an <a href="http://www.sportsmanagementdegrees.net/25-reasons-your-kids-should-do-yoga/"> article</a> about the benefits of a kids yoga practice!</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381411632891267011.post-37976837854684401962011-03-24T08:40:00.000-07:002011-04-13T09:21:00.999-07:00What Is Pollywog Yoga?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_TqOKrHtdo/TYthGOk_hgI/AAAAAAAAAY0/VxSLK51ddRQ/s1600/frog-lilypad.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_TqOKrHtdo/TYthGOk_hgI/AAAAAAAAAY0/VxSLK51ddRQ/s200/frog-lilypad.gif" width="176" /></a></div>Just like us, our children live in a very busy world. From the moment they are born, kids are bombarded with ever-increasing pressures: innumerable lessons, academic expectation, competitive sports, socializing, and the business of just growing up! And we think adults are stressed? The white-knuckle pace of our children's lives often leaves them with little chance to relax. This constant stress directly impacts a child's health, both mentally and physically. Children need to learn to find peace on the inside, regardless of what is happening on the outside. How do they do that? Yoga!<br />
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An effective children's yoga practice includes breathing instruction, relaxation techniques, strengthening and stretching, and of course, play. When children learn to breathe correctly, they are able to immediately tap into the relaxation response. The deep-relaxation portion of the class teaches kids to go to the quiet, safe place in their mind to allow calming and healing to begin. And the poses in a yoga class are not only fun (who doesn't want to pretend to be a snake, tree, or warrior?), but also give children confidence, a strong and flexible body, and a way to self-soothe. A good children's yoga teacher doesn't just teach an adult style class to smaller people. An effective teacher provides instruction and technique through games, songs, stories, and fun props.<br />
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Once children see they have direct control over their stress response, they are able to access these tools throughout their lives. We all remember the phrase "Stop, drop, and roll" from our many fire-safety lessons as children. Wouldn't it be wonderful if today's kids were able to go out in the world with the lesson: "Stop, stretch, and breathe"? A world of peaceful children grows into a world of peaceful adults. It is a gift this generation deserves.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095909185110563650noreply@blogger.com1