I am in the midst of a NGY Teacher Training, which always proves to be an empowering, inspiring, high vibrational experience for all involved. Even though, every training I lead has the same curriculum, the energy and dynamics of the trainees is always unique which allows for true magic to unfold. Also, I am always at a different place in my life & teachings that my delivery of the material is never the same. This is all good news.

Where I am today is about honoring the innocence and divinity inside of children. They say what they mean and hardly ever hold back. To me, it feels like the younger they are the purer - meaning they sensor less. They are filled with positivity and see beauty in all.

Yesterday, during a demonstration class, a 3 yr. old yogini exclaimed exactly just this…. “Look the fairy dust is falling!” She was pointing at the window which was illuminated with what we as adults would call DUST! And there was lots of it. As adults, we may be grossed out or have the ill feeling of being in a dirty space, But not Maya, she sees the beauty! It was a great opportunity for us all to stop and appreciate and love the truth in children.

Today, after doing a picnic themed Family Yoga class with 2-4 yr. olds, I hosted the real thing at the house. It was SO fun and activities included…lunch at the picnic table, side-walk chalking the stepping stones, touring & tasting in the garden, parachute playing and lots of hammock swinging and pushing. We all had a blast and when the tired-ness started to show, it was clear it was time to go.

What was also obvious, was what a BIG kid I am and further how in my Dharma I am. Dharma is a Sanskrit word that means ‘life’s purpose.’ Everyone is born with a purpose in life, a unique talent = GIFT! Each of our gifts have needs in the world that when we match our talent with that need, we are in Dharma. My gift that I express in my own unique way is connecting with children. I do this with Yoga, authentic connections, humor and love.

I truly cant believe that NGY has been spreading the gift of kids yoga for 10 years now. It warms my heart to reminisce of the many kids, teachers and families whose lives we have touched. Because of all the teachers I have trained, that many more kids receive the gift to yoga. It is an ever-evolving phenomenon that continues to grow and expand through the world.

My personal mission…more kids do yoga so that we are unified and the world becomes a better place each and every day!

I received the following email yesterday, and couldn’t resist posting. I share this with you for 2 reasons: 1. because it lands the power of saying a simple prayer, giving thanks or blessings at mealtime. And 2 because it made me realize that teachers DO make a HUGE difference in the lives of kids. Even teachers who work with kids, just 1x a week for less than an hour. Here is the email from a mom of a yogini who comes to Family Yoga on Wednesdays…

Tonight at dinner, we always do a very simple blessing before we eat (simple so Kira can say it with us)…it is…

God, thank you for this food, thank you for our many blessings and thank you for our family and friends…Namaste

Before we say Namaste we ask Kira if there is anything or anyone else she wants to add. She usually always adds some of her little friends and specific family names and sometimes very specific food we are eating, stuff like that, very sweet and beautiful…

Well we had finished with our Namaste tonight and were eating our meal, when all of a sudden she said “ohhh stop - we forgot to bless Jodi!!!. So we joined hands and she said “thank you for Jodi - Namaste and then she said “we have to bless Chants too”…so we did the same thing…

It was so wonderful - I just wanted to share with you what a special place you hold in their little hearts for all the love and beautiful guidance you give them.

This is Kira doing yoga a few weekends ago while camping and her Dad was packing up the car.