Yoga In My School

OM The Sound of the Universe

DonnaKFreeman — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:26:14 +0000

This is Part 1 in a four part series on Om for Kids and Teens. Watch for Part 2: Chanting OM: How to Teach Kids to Chant (Video), Part 3: To Om or Not to Om and Part 4: The Benefits of Om coming soon.

Yoga Chanting for Kids & Teens

Often when I visit a class for the first time a number of kids come in right away, sit cross legged, hands in the air, thumb and index finger joined, and spontaneously chant “om.” Their natural curiosity and receptivity always makes me smile. They are so adorable in their sweet innocence as they connect with this universal sound and mudra (hand position).

Teaching Om

Now for a little guidance.

One of the easiest, and most approachable, ways to teach “om” is to break it down into A-U-M.

Sit cross-legged, place your hands on your knees in gyan mudra (thumb and index finger forming a circle, other fingers elongated). Aum is generally considered to have 3 1/2 measures: A, U, M and silence. Close your eyes, inhale then exhale as you perform Aum, repeating three times. The sounds ahhhh starts in our chest at the heart center, moves upward with the ooooo sound in the throat center, and ends with the sounds mmmmm, which vibrates the higher centers in the head. (~Once Upon a Pose, p. 4)

It’s fun to play around with variations in volume, pitch and timing. As with any yoga practice, approach “om” with curiosity and openness to see what feels right to you.

Three Symbols of Om

If you’d like to go all Hindu with your students you can explore the symbolism behind the sound. According to the Mandukya Upanishad,

Om is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but the development. The past, the present, and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it.

Each tone of “om” relates to a time of life, a power and a Hindu deity/philosophy.

A = birth, creative power (Brahma)

U = life, sustaining power (Vishnu)

M = death, destructive power (Shiva)

silence = bliss, pure consciousness (Turiya)

How do you teach “om” to kids and teens?

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An Early Morning Yoga Practice for a Better You

DonnaKFreeman — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:23:36 +0000

Guest post by Bethany Winston

It seems difficult to leave the comfort of bed, maybe just for few minutes, before actually beginning to execute the ‘to-do’ list. But if you can wake up in the quietness and soothing calm of a refreshing morning, you will be delighted to find its charm. A warm cup of water with lime can get your digestive system going. Try giving a similar dose to your mind as well.

Everyone seems overwhelmed with daily chores; whether it is managing the ever-demanding boss, creating portfolios to channel your hard earned money or catering to the big requests of children. Reasons are endless. But within the busy and tight chores, finding some time for your self is imperative. An open secret that it is, the body and mind needs replenishment. And this goes beyond taking a healthy diet! Spending exclusive moments with self is not a tall order. Determination is the key.

What to Include

Yoga is an inexpensive tool when working for a better mind and body.

Working when the rest of the world sleeps can give an immense satisfaction and contentment. When beginning try moves and stretches to prepare your body for more elaborate postures which follow. Balasana can start your session, followed by other stretches like Cat-cow. Thereafter, you can move on to the more extended postures. For resting, Sukhasana is appropriate. And when performing each of the postures, watch the breath going in and out of the nose.

Finding a morning yoga schedule is recommended. It will encourage an active and complete yoga session, concluding with Savasana (Corpse Pose). While some postures are energizing, others, like forward bends, are calming. Sun Salutations produce heat and flowing movement linked to breathing. Standing poses can help in building strength and stamina. For improving concentration, balancing poses are appropriate. You can also practice twists, which detoxify the body relieving stress in the head, neck, and back. If you want to examine the world with a different dimension, inversions (upside down) are apt postures.

The Benefits

The short, yet meticulous, session is meant to work not only for the muscles but also the nerves. Early morning practice helps in setting the tone for your entire day. Sessions can be one reason to leave the bed few minutes before your usual timing, a natural compulsion. For many yogis early morning hours are lively and energetic. Your yoga session can potentially connect you to the energy, contributing to a healthy living.

A dedicated morning practice certainly produces encouraging results, boosting up your energy to meet the demands of the day. Irrespective of the day, try to maintain a similar structure in your practice sessions. When you can stick to the format, penetrating further becomes easier. Some find it helpful to incorporate a ritual blend in their practice sessions, giving a more meaningful and tempting edge to the early morning practices. Sun Salutation is a popular choice.

Before grabbing that aromatic cup of tea or coffee and the newspaper, spend a few moments with yourself. A good beginning is kick-start your day.

About the author: Bethany is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on environment and technology. Beside this she is fond of books. She recently read an article on nail care and liked it a lot. Few days ago she bought some Bathroom Lighting for her home.

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Steve Gold Heart Melting Music

DonnaKFreeman — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:39:00 +0000

“As you affirm, God confirms.” ~ Steve Gold

Steve Gold is known for his soul touching, positive music which he shares extensively at yoga workshops, retreats and festivals. His latest album Let Your Heart Be Known is an exploration in heart melting goodness as he combines America acoustic-guitar, blues, African rhythms and kirtan. Steve’s life mission is to build community through music and anyone who has enjoyed a workshop with him will agree that he does this and so much more. Employing the power of music to heal, connect and inspire, Steve’s melodies, rhythms and lyrics lift and soothe. Join Steve as we discuss inspirations, community, yoga and more.

Original Air Date: January 23, 2012

Find Steve on Facebook at Steve Gold Music and on Twitter @stevegoldmusic.

To purchase songs from Let Your Heart Be Known visit CD Baby.

Upcoming Interview: Feb 22nd – Yoga for Arthritis and POM2012 (Power of Movement) with Kim McNeil

iTunes Downloads

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YogaKids Bridge of Diamonds Haiti Mission

DonnaKFreeman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:38:21 +0000

Volunteering to teach kids yoga is a wonderful experience. Volunteering to teach kids yoga in Haiti, a country racked with poverty and struggling to provide even basic necessities for its citizens, is a life altering mission. Bridge of Diamonds, the YogaKids charitable yoga foundation, is sending three groups of volunteers to Haiti in January, February and March of 2012. Supporting self-empowerment and relieving stress for children and teachers while providing a source of fun and calm is a special gift to those who fight for daily survival. Join us to learn about these missions and be inspired by experiences in sharing the benefits of yoga with the children of Haiti.

Original Air Date: January 9, 2012

Donate to Bridge of Diamonds HERE. To get involved with the Bridge of Diamonds Haiti Mission contact:

LaurenRubenstein@aol.com

or call 301-656-9606.

Watch for our next interview:

Jan 23 - Steve Gold: Let Your Heart Be Known

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The Pet Store: Interactive Kids Yoga FlipBook

DonnaKFreeman — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:28:52 +0000

Kids Yoga Paradise of Pets

Yogainmyschool.com is thrilled to announce the release of The Pet Store, an interactive Kids Yoga Flipbook.

This flipbook is a wonderful way to share the joys and benefits of yoga with kids. Enjoy imitating animals found at a Pet Store – kittens, puppies, parrots and more – using yoga poses. With engaging full color photos and detailed pose instructions little yogis will be captivated and eager to participate in this child friendly yoga practice. Visiting the Pet Store will never be the same.

Enjoy this audio version of My Favourite Colour Guided Visualization - text accompanies corpse pose.

If you’re looking for a hardcopy, a PDF version is also available HERE for only US$1.97.

Discover how to teach yoga using children’s picture books during our upcoming teacher training webinar: Yoga for Literacy Pt 3: Ohmazing Children’s Literature, Tuesday, Jan 17, 2012, 9:00pm EST/6:00 pm PST.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the Instructor’s Guide for The Pet Store filled with additional information on the what, why and how of using thematic yoga adventure stories when teaching yoga to kids. You’ll also get monthly tips and updates on all the fabulous Yogainmyschool.com resources.

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Making the Most of Your Time in The New Year: 365 Days of …

DonnaKFreeman — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:51:24 +0000

At the beginning of each year I am struck with a sense of possibility. 365 days ahead in which to do, to create, to heal, to rejoice, to connect, to become. I know some people love to set resolutions, or intentions, or goals, or sankalpa for the New Year, others hate it. My one wish for you, no matter how you approach the New Year, is that you will value your time and use it wisely to come to know yourself, your potential, your uniqueness, and all the amazing things you are capable of. Be and share your best with yourself, your loved ones, your community, the world. Happy New Year!

To realize the value of One Year,

Ask a student who failed his or her AP exams.

To realize the value of One Month,

Ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of One Week,

Ask an editor of a weekly magazine.

To realize the value of One Day,

Ask a daily wage laborer who has six kids to feed.

To realize the value of One Hour,

Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of One Minute,

Ask a person who missed their train.

To realize the value of One Second,

Ask the person who survived an accident.

To realise the value of One Millisecond,

Ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.

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Reflections 2011: Duncan Wong

DonnaKFreeman — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:22:47 +0000

Duncan Wong joins Reflections 2011.

Innovative, powerful and trans-formative Duncan Wong’s signature YogicArts style combines traditional martial arts, vinyasa yoga and Thai massage into a yoga practice that activates energy and releases blockages. Duncan reflects on 2011 live from Japan during this 30 minute in-depth interview. We’ll chat about finding inspiration, yoga in Asia, how to perform safe assists through smart contact, and the similarities and connection between the ancient practices which influence his work, yoga practice and life.

Original Air Date: December 22, 2011

Connect with Duncan on his website, Facebook and @yogicarts.

Thank you for joining us for #reflections11. It’s always a thrill to connect with and learn from such amazing individuals. May you spend some time reflecting on your own personal journey this past year, letting go of things which no longer serve you and holding close that which gives you joy and love. All the best in 2012.

Enjoy all of our archived interviews for FREE download on iTunes.

Dec 1 - Jeff Krasno, Wanderlust Festival co-founder

Dec 5 - Roseanne Harvey of it’s all yoga, baby

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Dec 12 - Jessica Durivage and Diane Ferraro of Where Is My Guru

Dec 14 - Amy Ippoliti

Dec 19 – Kristin McGee

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Kids Restorative Yoga for Winter Solstice

DonnaKFreeman — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:55:21 +0000

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

Enjoy celebrating the solstice by using light as a symbol for change. I like using flashlights as they are safe with kids. With teens you may want to use candles. Sit everyone in a circle. Provide a light source for each participant. Turn the lights on/light the candles. Going around the circle, each participant says farewell to something they need to or are ready to let go and extinguishes their light. When all the lights are off, sit silently in the dark (how long you sit in darkness will depend on your group). Allow your past hurts, heartaches, regrets to gently drift away. Turn your attention inward, enjoying the quiet stillness. Smile gently from deep within yourself. Begin to look toward the future. Once again go around the circle, this time each participant shares how they will welcome change and embrace love as they turn on their light.

Wishing you a lovely Winter Solstice.

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Reflections 2011: Kristin McGee

DonnaKFreeman — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:11:11 +0000

Kristin McGee joins us for Reflections 2011.

Kristin McGee encourages and promotes healthy living, growth and mind/body connection by tirelessly sharing her love of yoga and pilates. As a fitness celebrity she has been featured in countless TV and print media and is a Fila Yoga Amabassador. In this #reflections11 interview we’ll chat about physical and emotional transformation, yoga vs. pilates and finding the BendiGirl within each one of us. Get to know the girl behind the mat and why she choose a life in fitness over one on the stage.

Original Air Date: December 19, 2011

Connect with Kristin on her website, Facebook and @thebendigirl.

More of your fave #reflections11 interviews. These and more are available for FREE download on iTunes.

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Dec 5 - Roseanne Harvey of it’s all yoga, baby

Dec 7 - Seane Corn

Dec 12 - Jessica Durivage and Diane Ferraro of Where Is My Guru

Dec 14 - Amy Ippoliti

Dec 21 – Duncan Wong

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Reflections 2011: Amy Ippoliti

DonnaKFreeman — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:16:19 +0000

#Reflections11 welcomes Amy Ippoliti.

Amy Ippoliti teaches yoga around the world inspiring and assisting people in connecting with themselves, their community and the environment. Amy is known for her infectious smile, her empowering classes and her guidance toward personal breakthroughs on and off the mat. We’ll be talking about the art of the local yoga class, goal setting, the direction she is taking her personal practice and so much more. Be sure to catch this in-depth interview with one of Anusara Yoga’s favorite teachers.

Original Air Date: December 14, 2011

Connect with Amy on her website, Facebook and @Amy_Ippoliti.

More of your fave #reflections11 interviews

Dec 1 - Jeff Krasno, Wanderlust Festival co-founder

Dec 5 - Roseanne Harvey of it’s all yoga, baby

Dec 7 - Seane Corn

Dec 12 - Jessica Durivage and Diane Ferraro of Where Is My Guru

Dec 19 – Kristin McGee

Dec 21 – Duncan Wong

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