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.
An email I got today…
Jodi, has it ever occurred to you that the communication techniques you teach in kids’ teacher training are absolutely evolutionarily invaluable when it comes to dealing with adults? i’ve been using your tools in both teaching yoga and in everyday moments. it is magical. all people are children. when you can talk straight to that place in ANY being, EVERY time, magical breakthroughs occur. thank you for that!
Imagine if we did speak and treat all those adults we come into contact with as if they were kids. Speaking to them with loving kindness and with out judgment. Caring for them as we are their care-givers. Nurturing them always, not just when their needs need fulfillment. Hugging them because they are so darn cute!!
Just try it for one day, one hour, one minute…and do let me know how it goes!
I was gifted an adorable book last week from a trainee while in New York delivering the NGY Teacher Training for 2-7 yr. olds. I used it in a demo kids yoga class during the TT & again today when I taught NGY Family Yoga for 2-4 yr. olds. The kids loved the whole class, whats not to love about monkey-ing around!
Busy Monkeys by John Schindel has beautiful colorful pictures of real life monkeys in their habitat - in extreme action, doing things that kids too would love to do. The book has minimal words but they are so full of energy…Monkey hiding…Monkey riding…Monkey leaping…Monkey creeping…Monkey ooohing…Monkey cleaning…Monkey snuggling….” Can’t you imagine toddlers just loving being busy monkeys?
How about a 3 yr. old modulating her body, soothing her nervous system and relaxing in a restorative yoga pose? All busy monkeys (and people!) get tired and crave slowing down, a recharge of batteries. So at the end of this busy yoga class, thats what we did: Restorative Yoga!
