Gloria O’Shea is the amazing, contributing mother of Sean who was tragically killed on the 5 Freeway in San Diego, less than 2 years ago. Sean, founder of Four Seasons Yoga studio, is a leader amongst youth whom he “empowered by helping them develop life skills that enabled them to take responsibility for their life, develop respect for themselves and others, and have confidence in their own potential.” This is now the Sean O’Shea Foundation mission statement. I would never question duality, but his life was definitly taken way too young! He had big plans, and now Gloria is making them happen!

The organization will offer a yoga and wellness program specifically designed for children 6th-12th grades. The programs will allow for children from ages 10-17 to develop their full potential through exciting and motivating classes led by outstanding and qualified Yoga leaders from local communities. I am on board and will be teaching a special Family Yoga class where all proceeds will go to the Sean O’Shea Foundation.

I never met Sean but feel like I know him well. When I entered Four Seasons Yoga I felt his Soul present, it was impossible not too. Sean was clearly an example of excellence, patience, discipline and a joy for life and personal growth. His teachings were particularly effective with youth, and gratefully his legend lives on.

I recently had the amazing opportunity of sharing the gift of Yoga with a 13 yr. old girl who was recently told she has Scoliosis. Her mom, a certified Yoga instructor, has in the past highly encouraged Sienna to do yoga but as she explained, it was different coming from Mom: a tad bit pushy, with pure love. Because she knows the power of yoga, she wants these benefits for her daughter. In my 10 years of teaching kids yoga, this is a common scenario for children of Yoga teachers to resist what it is their parents are offering.

I got to be the difference for Sienna and lead her in a private, loving Yoga class. Super simple sequence, we began lying down, knees bent and counting the length of our inhalation and exhalation. I don’t think Sienna ever paid attention to her breath before this exercise.

Working with a teenager, I opted to connect with her by meeting her where she was at. I didn’t stare at her or put too much weight on how she did the poses. We did mantra meditations which immediately opened her up. I acknowledged her efforts and reminded her that her body was so grateful for her taking time to stretch, breathe & relax.

What I loved most about this experience is that I witness a transformation in Sienna from teh beginning of the class to the end. If you do Yoga, you know the kind. If you dont, what are you waiting for!?

Sienna is now committed to doing Yoga poses and breathing exercises on her own at home daily. She is being responsible and self-loving and with discipline she will not be wear a brace during her Freshman year of HS.

The October 2007 fires in San Diego were the first time I ever experienced this kind of natural devastation. I recall those days of hibernating inside my coastal house staying clear of toxic air, while others inland lost their homes, belongings, pets and stuff, simply depending which way the wind blew. It was awful, and I am glad I was able to be of support today.

Yesterday I had the amazing opportunity of volunteering yoga teachings at Camp Noah - a camp for kids who lost everything from the wildfires in Fallbrook, California. It was so amazing to offer the gift of yoga to these kids especially because none of them have ever heard of Yoga before. Like most kids, they took to it like ducks in water. They especially loved the affirmations we stated during poses, ie. I am courageous, I am strong, I am safe. I could feel the strength these kids endured by undergoing incredible hardships.

Here is a link to an article about the camp they also did in March ‘08 - Camp Noah.