Fostering Positive Behavior and Leadership in Youth
Donna Freeman hosts as Karma Carpenter Shea of K-12yoga.org leads a discussion about how mindfulness and yoga in schools foster positive behavior and youth leadership skills.
Discover how to develop leadership skills, improve self-regulation and build social emotional skills in children. Teaching mindfulness and yoga skills in schools reaches 100% of kids, as well as teachers, parents and the greater community helping all to live healthier lives, get along better, reduce anxiety and succeed at life’s many challenges.
Special guests include Amy Haysman of Grounded and Susan Solvang of Growing Minds.
For more information about Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) visit PBIS.org
For more information about Response to Intervention (RTI) visit National Center on Response to Intervention
Yoga In My School podcast on iTunes
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+100 more on the Yoga In My School podcast on iTunes.
Yoga Core Strength Exercises
The Benefits of Om
To Om or Not to Om
Chanting OM: Teaching Kids to Chant {Video}
This is Part 2 in a four part series on Om for Kids and Teens. Watch for Part 1: The Sound of the Universe. Part 3: To Om or Not to Om and Part 4: The Benefits of Om.
Hello, my name is Donna Freeman, founder of Yogainmyschool.com. Today we’re here to talk about the wonderful sound OM.
Invariably when I go into a school or to teach children, somebody in the class who has never done yoga before will come in, sit down on their mat and go like this, “OOOMMMMM!” They are all excited to begin chanting. So, I’ll show you how to do that properly and the aspects of OM you can teach to children.
Today Alea has joined me. She is going to learn a few mudras, hand positions that you can do while chanting OM. As well as the different aspects of the sound itself.
Now when you chant OM, it’s really helpful because the vocalization changes the energy in your body, it provides healing energy. It enhances your overall health. It calms your emotions and quiets the mind while providing relaxation. And increases the sense of togetherness.
When you chant om, a lot of people, because of how it is written in English, think it is just two sounds O-M. I actually prefer the written form A-U-M, for OM, because that represents much better the sounds which you are producing.
There are three and a half parts to om. The first is down here in your belly. It is a big aaaahhh sound. And then the uuuuu sound is up into your chest. From there the mmmmm comes to your head. It’s like a buzzing bee. Then there is blessed silence. When you OM you have those parts to it.
The other part is a mudra if you are comfortable with that. The two most popular are anjali mudra, or namaste hands. Anjali meaning heart. So you can bring your thumbs to your sternum. The other would be gyan mudra where you make a circle with your index finger and thumb and the rest of your fingers are extended, and then you place that on your knees. You can choose whichever one of those you like. Or if you are not comfortable with either one you don’t need to do it either.
Join with us in oming three times. Close your eyes. Inhale.
AAAUUUMMMMM
AAAUUUMMMMM
AAAUUUMMMMM
Take a deep breath. Bow your head. And allow your eyes to fall open.
Very nicely done.
So I hope that helps for when you are teaching OM to children and teens and bringing the lovely sound of yoga into your life. Have a wonderful day. Namaste.
Yoga and Mindfulness in Schools
Valentine’s Week TLC Challenge
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
- 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
OM The Sound of the Universe
Kids Restorative Yoga for Winter Solstice
Natural Elements: Connect, Move, Relax
Thanksgiving Playlist for Kids & Teens Yoga Class
Daily Act of Kindness: Breathe
From Monkey Mind to Peace of Mind
Mindfulness for Youth with Dr Dan Siegel
Author of Mindsight and The Whole Brain Child, Dr Dan Siegel is an expert in how the mind, brain and relationships interconnect and influence our lives. He joins us to address the importance of mindful awareness in youth to foster positive mental, physical and relational health and well-being. With the science to prove it works, Dr Siegel shows us how to focus our attention on the internal workings of the mind helping us to acknowldege thoughts & feelings, let go of that which does not serve, and transform our lives leading to greater health and happiness. Learn more about this essential component to emotional and social intelligence and the easy to implement Wheel of Awareness during this 30 minute interview. Dr. Siegel is the keynote speaker at the International Conference on Mindfulness with Youth held in Banff, Alberta July 15-17, 2011.
Yoga In My School podcast on iTunes
If you enjoyed this interview rate and review the show so others can find it.
+100 more on the Yoga In My School podcast on iTunes.