"Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo"

I believe that each one of us has an inner voice or teacher that can help guide us in our decisions, but we have to take the time to be quiet and listen. When we sing Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo, our opening song, we are saying, “I open my heart to the Guru (or teacher) within me and all around me”. We are setting an intention as a group. Even though the words have no meaning for most children, the very act of singing together, taking deep breaths with extended exhales and sounds that vibrate through the body, prepares them to be quiet and listen. It is the deep breath you take at the beginning of your adventure.

In yoga we practice finding that quiet place where we can hear our inner voices and connect to our truth. Pranayama, or working with the breath, is one way to find that inner stillness. In radiant child yoga we make it fun with games and music. We show children how they can energize or calm their bodies using the breath; empowering them. Music is another powerful tool. The songs we sing in class focus the attention of the mind, harness the power of the breath, and uplift the spirit. You can't forget to breathe while you're singing!  

In Thich Naht Hanh's Plum Village, there is a mindfulness practice of ringing a bell. No matter what you are doing when the bell rings, you stop, listen to the sound and connect to your breath. Children love to ring the bell! There are many ways to use the bells in class. The simplest is to sit in a circle and have each child ring the bell while the rest of us listen to the sound of the bell, closing our eyes and taking three deep breaths. “Come back to that quiet space where your Guru can speak to you.”

I often use the bell during meditation or Savasana to mark the beginning or end of the quiet time. The Bell Freeze Dance game works especially well when everyone has a lot of energy!

• Bell Freeze Dance- Each child dances to their own rhythm, freezing when they hear the bell for three deep breaths. When the sound fades the dance begins.

• Walk with the Bell- Sit in a circle. One child stands up holding the bell, moving slowly and trying NOT to ring the bell. She walks across the circle and places the bell on the floor in front of a friend. Repeat until everyone has had a chance to walk with the bell.

I love teaching yoga, but teaching children's yoga is something special. It is joyful and uplifting and inspiring and challenging. Children are authentic. When they are present and engaged their excitement literally shines out of their eyes. When they are not interested or they are upset... well, there is no mistaking that either! When my daughter gets upset the first thing she does is start to hyperventilate. Her emotions take over and she loses control of her breath, and then her body. I hope to empower her, not only to control and calm her body, but to recognize her truth and communicate it in a positive way.

Working with our children, honoring their emotions and teaching them to honor and communicate their emotions is no easy feat. Honest, respectful and loving communication is a challenge at any age. The first step is often taking a step back; finding your quiet inner space where you can hear your truth. 

Be a lamp to yourself. Be your own confidence. 

Hold on to the truth within yourself as to the only truth.”

 ~ Buddha