Mindfulness

     In kids yoga this week, we will be practicing mindfulness.  We will discuss being aware of all our actions, words, and thoughts.  We will see how they affect us, people around us, and the environment around us.  

     I practiced this with the kids at Roberts Paideia yesterday.  We sat in a circle and connected by saying our name and something we like to do.  Then I asked them, "why did we share something about ourselves?"  Their answers were interesting, such as, because we like to talk about ourselves, or, because you need to learn our names, etc...  I wanted them to see why it was important to share a piece of information about yourself, and to listen to information about others.  A give and take to sharing, learning about each other, and how that leads to peace.

     Then we did our mindful breathing.  I asked them to set an intention, and they picked love.  So, on the inhale, we breath in love (love for ourselves, from others, etc...) then breathed out love (sharing our love and showing our love to others, ourselves, family, community, etc...)

     These kids are usually a bit of a challenge for me to teach.  They can be a little wild.  However, yesterday, they were amazing.  They came up with beautiful and creative responses.  I could see them relax during class.  I could see the glimmer of self esteem, and caring for others increase.  It was inspirational.

     I am excited to extend this lesson and do it with all of my other classes.  I am also excited to try it at home with my own children.  It would be awesome if you tried it with people in your life, it can be done by anyone and you can use any intention, and then share it here with me.

Examples of intentions:

Breathe in hope

Breathe out and extend hope to the world

Breathe in confidence, extend confidence on the exhale

Peace, calmness, harmony, light, compassion, understanding, respect, gratitude, etc...

Let me know how it goes.

Spreading peace and love to the world, one child at a time :)

Hollie Jai