This is Part 3 of a four part series on Om for Kids and Teens. Enjoy Part 1: Om the Sound of the Universe,  Part 2: Chanting OM: Teaching Kids to Chant (Video) and coming soon Part 4: The Benefits of Om.

When and Where Is Om Appropriate?

In the Studio

In private yoga studios and classes I often chant “om” at the beginning and end of each session. This helps to open and connect the chakras, bringing us into harmony with ourselves and one another, and creates a space between the busyness of life and yoga class. Most children really like to chant “om” and look forward to this ritual. I’ve even had some kids specifically remind me to “om” before class ends if they think I’m going to rush them out the door with only a “namaste”.

“Om is like a tuning fork, it brings everyone to the same point.” ~Manorama

Sometimes though the students aren’t really into it. Often a group of tweens/teens may be reluctant, embarrassed to chant in a group, or may think chanting is a little too “out there.” You can either persevere and hopefully convert them to the power of “om,” or not. At times it may be best to back off and allow children and teens to discover yoga in stages and steps, accepting what they are prepared to accept, as they are prepared to do so. If this means leaving “om” out of class, or including it occasionally, then do so.

In the School

Most often I follow the children’s lead when introducing chanting in schools. If they are really excited about learning to “om” properly then I’ll teach it (always without Hindu references). If they don’t bring it up, I leave it alone.

Many schools are keen on bringing the physical and mental benefits of yoga to their classrooms, but understandably want to stay well away from the spiritual. Respect is necessary.  Many of the benefits of chanting have nothing to do with the spiritual connection, so feel free to explain why it is valuable citing it’s physiological and mental effects. More on this in the upcoming Part 4: The Benefits of Om.

What’s your experience with teaching “om” and other chants to children and teens in various situations?

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5 Days To Increase Love in Your Life

Make your Valentine’s week more loving by connecting with yourself and others in a positive, respectful way. From Monday to Friday of Valentine’s Week put into practice these simple daily tasks and watch your heart embrace goodness and joy with appreciation and compassion. Get your family and friends involved too.

It’s easy to cultivate love in your life with the YIMS Valentine’s Week Tender Loving Care Challenge.

Monday: Give the Gift of Love

Tell each member of your family you love them. Look them in the eye and let them know the depth of your feelings. Write a note and slip it into their lunch bag. If they live far away, send them a quick e-mail, e-card or Facebook message. If you can, pick up the phone, Facetime or Skype them so they can see you and hear you as you express your love. Simple or profound, doesn’t matter. Just let your family know how much they mean to you.

Tuesday: Increase Confidence w/ Compliments

Tell the people in your life what you admire about them. It could be your kids, spouse, co-workers, boss, teacher, neighbor, friend, or a stranger on the street. Express how much you like their natural style, how they take on challenges, their new haircut, a piece of jewelry, their smile, the kindness they show to others, etc. The best compliments are those which are specific and sincere. Compliments are a wonderful boost to anyone’s day so be generous.

Wednesday: Share the Love of Positive Affirmations

Affirmations are a powerful way to access your sub-conscious. Share positive, encouraging, heart-felt messages with those important to you, including yourself. Write them on post-it notes, cards, homemade Valentine’s, paper plates, poster-board, Facebook messages, Twitter updates, lipstick on the mirror…everywhere and anywhere. Have fun, be creative. Some ideas to get the ball rolling: Believe in Yourself, Love with an open heart, You are Fabulous, Sweeter than Candy, Smile from deep inside, Share the joy, Abundance abounds. Photo from ChildLight Yoga Facebook Page.

Thursday: Indulge in a Hand or Foot Massage

Healing touch is a wonderful gift. Take a few moments and connect physically and emotionally with someone. You don’t need to be an expert, simply use confident strokes, gently giving attention to all areas, especially on hands: the fingers & fleshy part at the base of the thumb, and on feet: the toes & the tender areas of the arch. For specifics watch this video on how to give a fab foot massage.

Friday: Relax w/ Loving Visualization

Spend 5-10 minutes lying in savasana while focusing on opening your heart. Let go of old hurts. Clear your heart and mind of those things which are holding you back. Soften and let go. Allow space within your chest for the heart to rest comfortably and perform it’s proper function. Focus on your heart center, anahata chakra, and tap into your true heart’s desire. Fill your body with compassionate awareness and peace. Take this feeling of contentment and hope with you throughout your day and share it with others.

Leave a comment letting us know how the YIMS Valentine’s Week TLC Challenge went in your life. Have fun cultivating love!

More Yoga Valentine’s Day Ideas

For more yoga inspired ideas on celebrating Valentine’s Day visit

• Kids Valentine’s Day Yoga Class: a heart centered practice
• play Sending Joy: fill the the entire world with good intentions and watch it make our own life more loving
• In Search of a Softened Heart healing & opening for teens and adults
• Give Love: A Valentine’s Day Yoga Lesson Plan from OMazing Kids Yoga
• enjoy this Loving Kindness Meditation
• play Hearts Hide ‘n Seek: increase intuition & sensitivity

photo courtesy of lifelikeapps

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Yin Yoga Helps Kids Relax & Connect

Most children’s yoga classes are of the yang variety: energetic, strong, mobile. This reflects kids natural tendencies toward movement, activity and spontaneity. However, kids sometimes become overwhelmed, anxious, fearful, overtired and sad. At our home this is often the case in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays. There is so much going on with concerts, parties, shopping, exams, get-togethers with friends and family, etc. that my kids (and I) simply need some down time.

The Winter Solstice provides a lovely opportunity to delve into a child friendly yin practice. This is a wonderful way to provide space and time for purposeful relaxation. Yin yoga also assists in turning inward and helps children connect with their intuition and personal wisdom, finding peace in a quieter, slower yoga practice.

Yin Yoga Poses for Kids

• Child’s Pose – balasana
• Rag Doll Pose
• Wide Angle Forward Fold - upavishta konasana
• Happy Baby Pose – ananda balasana
• Sphinx Pose
• Legs up the Wall Pose - viparita karani
• Sleeping Swan (aka Reclined Pigeon)
• Reclined Twists
• Reclined Cobbler’s Pose – supta baddha konasana
• Savasana with Eye Pillow & a blanket
• Supported Savasana – legs on a chair or a bolster under the knees

Kids Yin Yoga Best Practices

• Allow the children to set the pace holding poses for as long as children allow, once they start to fidget, move along
• Encourage longer holds with a timer or counting breaths
• Approach with curiosity and wonder
• Speak slowly, calmly – children will take their energy cues from you
• Pretend you are practicing in deep water, every movement is slow and purposeful
• Allow space for feelings of sadness, fear, anger
• Most important – Breathe

Meditation for the Winter Solstice

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Dr Amy Saltzman knows the benefits of accessing the “Still Quiet Place” deep inside each individual and works tirelessly to bring those benefits to children, teens and parents.

Founder of the  program Still Quiet Place, Amy strives to teach mindfulness skills to youth (Pre-K to college) so that they can reap the rewards and live a engaged, full, calm and rewarding life. Join us for easy to implement techniques which are proven to develop focus, increase attention, decrease anxiety and allow you and your children to interact with compassion with yourself and others. Tap into your “Still Quiet Place” within.

Original Air Date: November 14, 2011

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Connect with Amy on Facebook or on StillQuietPlace.com.

Stay tuned for Reflections 2011 with guests Amy Ippoliti, Christina Sell, Kristin McGee, Roseanne Harvey of It’s all yoga, baby and more.

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Psychiatrist & clinical lecturer on pyschiatry at the Univeristy of Alberta, Dr Catherine Phillips is dedicated to bringing the benefits of mindfulness to others. She joins us to discuss how MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) techniques can work equally well with teens as with adults to reduce stress, improve connections with self and others, and lead to greater happiness and contentment. Founder of the Mindfulness Institute.ca and one of the key organziers of the upcoming International Conference on Mindfulness with Youth (July 15-17, 2011), Catherine works tirelessly to promote mindfulness meditation in the areas of education, health care and society at large.

Original Air Date: June 30, 2011

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Connect with Catherine on the Mindfulness Institute.ca Facebook page.

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Karen Maezen Miller, author of Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhoodand Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life, blogger and Zen Buddhist priest and teacher, shares insight on ways to let go, accept, and simply be during the hectic holiday season. She will help us to see the spirituality in everyday chaos, encourage us to trust our innate wisdom and assist us to slow down and enjoy each moment. Learn how to survive and thrive during the holidays with her Zen tips.

Original Air Date: December 2, 2010

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Enjoy more of Karen’s insights on Facebook and her website.

Other interviews in this series include:

• Dec 1 – Sadie Nardini
• Dec 6 – Elena Brower
• Dec 7 – Bob Weisenberg
• Dec 8 – Esther Ekhart
• Dec 14 – Cora Wen
• Dec 16 – Kathryn Budig
• Dec 20 – Faith Hunter
• Dec 21 – Brock & Krista Cahill
• Dec 24 – Ally Hamilton
• Dec 28 – John Friend
• Dec 30 – Waylon Lewis

All interviews are available for download from Yogainmyschool.com on iTunes.

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