Unwrapping Joy and Mindfulness with YogaBeez this Christmas

Unwrapping Joy and Mindfulness with YogaBeez
Unwrapping Joy and Mindfulness with YogaBeez this Christmas.

Are you wondering how to handle the Festive Frenzy this season?  Discover the art of unwrapping joy and mindfulness with YogaBeez this Christmas.

The holidays are a whirlwind of excitement, sugar overload, and chaotic gatherings with friends and family. While it’s a time for joy and connection – it can also be overwhelming, especially for our little ones. Overstimulation, meltdowns, and sensory overload can lurk around every sparkly corner.

But fear not, fellow teachers, parents and babysitters! We can navigate the festive frenzy with grace and giggles by incorporating yoga and mindfulness practices. These tools help children (and ourselves!) stay grounded, manage emotions, and appreciate the simple magic of the season.

 

A great place to start is always with some breath work to bring everyone back to centre… Help them to “Breathe It In, Breathe It Out”:

  • Calming Snowman Breaths:

    Sit cross-legged or kneel with your children. Imagine a tiny snowman on their tummy. As they inhale, their snowman grows bigger, filling their belly with air. Exhale, and the snowman shrinks, melting away worries. Repeat, adding silly snowman noises for extra fun!

  • Glitter Breath:

    Have your child pretend to hold a jar of glitter. Breathe in deeply, imagining the glitter rising in their chest. Breathe out slowly, letting the glitter gently settle. This visualization helps lengthen and deepen breaths.

Next – help them to “Shake it Off”:

  • Reindeer Romp:

    Channel your inner Rudolph! Stand with feet hip-width apart. Pretend your antlers are heavy, shaking your head to release the tension. Then, jump with joy, prancing like reindeer around the room.

  • Snowflake Sways:

    Stand tall with arms outstretched. Imagine you’re a snowflake gently falling. Sway slowly from side to side, letting your body move with the rhythm of your breath. This gentle movement releases tension and calms the mind.

It is so important to provide some quiet spaces and peaceful activities for children during this sometimes manic holiday season… help them to stay present, as they wait for their presents!

  • Mindful Gift Wrapping:

    Instead of rushing, turn gift wrapping into a mindfulness ritual. Fold the paper slowly, feeling the texture. Notice the colors and patterns. Breathe deeply as you tie the ribbon. This mindful approach fosters appreciation and reduces stress.

  • Sensory Bottles:

    Fill a water bottle with glitter, beads, and small toys. As your kids start to shake it, encourage them to observe the swirling colors and calming movement. This visual and tactile exercise promotes focus and relaxation.

Unwrapping Joy and Mindfulness with YogaBeez

Remember, the holidays are about connection and joy, not perfection!

Embrace the wobbly reindeer poses, the glitter-covered faces, and the moments of quiet wonder. Let yoga and mindfulness be your playful guides, helping you and your little ones navigate the festive season with hearts full of peace and love.

Bonus Tip: Create a cozy “calming corner” with blankets, pillows, and calming sensory objects. This becomes a safe haven for children to practice their yoga poses, read a mindful story, or simply take a quiet breath.

So next time the holiday craziness threatens to sweep you off your feet, remember: you’ve got superhero strength in your breath, a wiggle in your tail for happy dances, and a whole toolbox of yoga poses to save the day! Now go forth, little yogis, and spread holiday cheer like glitter on a gingerbread house!

 

 

 

Follow us here to keep up to date with new training dates: https://yogabeez.com/childrens-yoga-teacher-training/

 

 

Family Yoga Connection

Family Yoga Connection

Find your Family Yoga Connection… A beautiful practice to deeply re-connect us with one another and re-member our sacred bonds with loved ones – whether that be your partners, friends, parents or children.

Below we share our thoughts on how you can easily connect with loved ones throught the implementation and practice of Family Yoga.  Eg: A reconnecting foot massage after a long day apart or simply setting aside the time to be fully engaged with that person – ensuring eye contact so that they feel heard and validated.  People across the world feel the need to be heard, seen, valued and feel a Family Yoga Connection. We need to take this need seriously in order for people in our lives to feel significant to you.  It may take a few seconds, but it will mean the world to the person in need…

Partner Poses

Partner Poses is a fantastic way to enter in the Family Yoga Connection… this allows for great mutual bonding.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find time to connect with family. Yoga can be a great way to bond with loved ones and enjoy some quality time together. Family yoga is a fun and healthy activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.

The word ‘family’ can potentially have some triggering associations.  Some of us have lost important family members, or are still experiencing a slightly fratured relationship due to past trauma’s.

The word ‘family’ is a wonderful, as it can conjure up a myriad of ideas and eventualities… Whoever YOU choose as your ‘soul-family’ is yours and the bond is just as strong, if not stronger.  Any bond built upon trust, love and mutual respect is all that we could ask for in this life.

Family yoga is a great way for children and parents to bond, learn yoga together, and have fun. It is also a great way to introduce children to the benefits of yoga, such as improved flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination.

Specific Family Yoga Benefits for Children:
  • Improved physical fitness
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Increased self-confidence and body awareness
  • Improved focus and concentration
  • Enhanced creativity and imagination
  • Stronger relationships with family members
Family Yoga Tips for Children’s Yoga Teachers:

Make it fun and engaging. Children learn best through play, so make sure your family yoga classes are fun and engaging for all ages. Use games, stories, and music to keep children interested and motivated.

Be inclusive. Family yoga classes should be inclusive for all ages, abilities, and body types. Offer modifications and variations of poses so that everyone can participate.

Encourage cooperation and teamwork. Family yoga is a great opportunity for children and parents to work together and support each other. Encourage families to help each other with poses and to cheer each other on.

Create a safe and supportive environment. Make sure your family yoga classes are held in a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected.

Family Yoga Activities for Children

Here are a few fun and engaging family yoga activities that you can try:

  • Animal yoga: Have children choose their favorite animal and then have them act out the poses of that animal. For example, children could do a cobra pose for a snake, a cat-cow pose for a cat, or a lion’s breath for a lion.
  • Yoga obstacle course: Create a yoga obstacle course for children to navigate. Children could crawl through a tunnel pose, balance on a beam pose, or jump over a mountain pose.
  • Yoga story: Tell a yoga story and have children act out the different parts of the story using yoga poses. For example, you could tell the story of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and have children act out the different foods that the caterpillar eats.
  • Yoga partner poses: There are many different yoga partner poses that children and parents can do together. For example, children and parents could do a boat pose together, a tree pose together, or a double down facing dog pose together.

Family yoga is a great way for children and parents to bond, learn yoga together, and have fun. By following the tips above, you can create family yoga classes that are engaging, inclusive, and safe for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Halloween Children’s Yoga Class Ideas

Halloween Children’s Yoga Class Ideas – Celebrate The Holiday with Some Fun!

Halloween children’s yoga class ideas are plentiful! It is a time for silly fun, spookiness, and sweet delights! Here are some fun ideas for Halloween Children’s Yoga Classes.

Halloween yoga poses:

Once the children are warmed up, you can start teaching them some Halloween-themed yoga poses. Here are a few ideas:

  • Witch On A Broom:

    Creep up to dark house, climb up the stairs quietly… Find your broom and fly around the room. Practice your witch’s cackles and cauldron stirring. Start in L sitting position – reach up and fold forward into wide legged forward bend, as you add and mix ingredients into your cauldron. As you stir the pot, bring rotation into your pelvis… ooh what spell do you want to make?  “Bubble bubble, toil and trouble”

  • Bat:

    Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and your arms at your sides. Bend your knees and bring your feet up to the floor, so that your knees are bent and your feet are flat on the ground. Place your hands on the floor behind you, fingers spread wide. Lean back slightly and lift your hips off the ground, forming a triangle shape with your body.  Gently breath in and out, then slowly lower yourself back to the floor.

  • Witches Cat:

    Start on your hands and knees, with your back flat and your core engaged. Tuck your chin to your chest and round your back, as if you are a cat hissing. Gently breath in and out, then slowly arch your back and look up. Repeat 3 times.  Practice your hisses and meows.

  • Monster Roars: 

    Scary-up your wide-legged squats with a few lion’s —ahem, we mean “monster”— roars. Start in a five-pointed-star pose (legs wide, feet turned out, arms extended out to a “V” with fingers spread wide). Inhale here, gazing up toward the sky. Then, as you exhale through your mouth, stick out your tongue and make as frightening a face as you can muster, while bending your knees into the squat and drawing your elbows in toward your sides. Inhale, return to five-pointed star, and repeat several times.

  • Ghost:

    Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Slowly raise your arms above your head and bring your palms together. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward, keeping your back straight. Reach your arms out in front of you, palms down. Gently breath in and out, then slowly return to the starting position.  Who can make the scariest ghostly noises?

Halloween yoga story:

You can also tell the children a Halloween-themed yoga story during their yoga class. This is a great way to keep them engaged and entertained, whilst also teaching them some new yoga poses. For example, you could tell them the story of a witch who is flying through the forest on her broomstick. The children can then pretend to be witches and fly through the forest, using the yoga poses you taught them.  A song also gets everyone involved:

Rolling pumpkins

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate,
The first one said, “Oh, my it’s getting late!”
The second one said, “There are witches in the air!”
The third one said, “Well, I don’t care!”
The fourth one said, “Let’s run and run and run!”
The fifth one said, “I’m ready for some fun!”
OOH went the wind, and out went the lights,
and the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight! 

Halloween yoga games:

There are many fun Halloween yoga games that you can play with the children. For example, you could play ‘Boo Breath’

  1. Everyone gets ¼ piece of tissue (little ghost)
  2. Place on their finger and blow it off with a boo!

Also a game of “Simon Says” with Halloween-themed yoga poses. Or, you could play a game of “Freeze Dance” with Halloween music. Depending on the size of your class, blindfolded “Trick or Treat” is always a hit!

Cool-down:

End the class with a cool-down to help the children relax and wind down. You could do some deep breathing exercises, or lead the children in a guided meditation. Savasana or Corpse pose is perfect – “Thunder and lightning, north winds blow, sleepy heads to bed you go!”

Here are some additional tips for teaching Halloween children’s yoga:
  • Keep it fun and engaging: Children have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep your yoga classes fun and engaging. Use lots of music, games, and stories to keep them interested.
  • Make it appropriate for all ages and abilities: Be sure to modify the yoga poses as needed, so that all of the children in your class can participate. You may also want to offer different options for each pose, so that the children can choose the one that is most challenging for them.
  • Be creative: There are endless possibilities when it comes to Halloween children’s yoga. Use your imagination and come up with your own fun and unique yoga poses, games, and stories.

With a little planning, you can easily create a fun and educational Halloween children’s yoga class that the children will love!

 

Enlightened YogaBeez Success Story

An Enlightened YogaBeez Success Story – Meet Leanne Lucas!

Leanne Lucas is a true YogaBeez Success Story

How did you first begin working with children?

I started off my career with a diploma in Early Years and a degree in Primary Education. I taught for 8 years at a local primary school teaching 8 wonderful classes and leading the PE curriculum. My heart always rested with the wellbeing of each and every pupil who walked through the school door. Teaching is tough – it can be stressful and you can feel like you are never doing enough.

This led me to accept a once in a life time opportunity to move to Shanghai, China to support the opening of a bilingual kindergarten school, where I worked as a Year 1 teacher. It was here that my eyes were opened to more holistic methods of looking after my mental health and wellbeing. After my China adventure, I returned home and decided to train in counselling, which I am still pursuing now.

What led you down the path towards becoming a Children’s Yoga Teacher?

During this journey of discovery, I invested in practicing yoga for myself more and more. This led me to think about how I could bring the benefits of yoga and mindfulness into the lives of children within my local area.

How did you discover the YogaBeez Children’s Yoga Teacher Training platform?

I searched for Children’s Yoga Teacher Training Courses and like magic – I saw that YogaBeez was bringing an in-person training to Leeds! As this was only an hour and a half away from me – I signed up immediately and I have never looked back!

Bryony really inspired me and supported me to feel like I could truly achieve this dream. My passion was ignited and I started teaching 2 children’s yoga classes at the weekends.

Describe your journey from Training to Teaching?

My business grew and grew from these initial classes and I now teach children’s yoga, family yoga, yoga with puppy cuddle therapy, themed yoga (Barbie is my next workshop), family bedtime yoga, SEN yoga, holiday camps and a weekly Home Ed yoga afternoon. I enjoy it because I am passionate about it and I am passionate about it because I enjoy it!

It is wonderful that I have recently been employed by a nursery, primary school and high school to provide yoga workshops within the school day. I absolutely adore seeing the children grow in self-belief and confidence and I am grateful for the moments of support I can provide families in my community. It really feels like I am making a positive impact and that is such a fulfilling feeling. I feel like I am my true, authentic self through teaching yoga and therefore I feel great happiness.

What was the biggest benefit of doing the YogaBeez Course?

Starting up your own business can be hard and lonely… It is for this reason that I am forever grateful to the amazing friends I made on the YogaBeez course. We keep in contact regularly – sharing lesson plans, top tips and moral support. There is a real sense of community and comraderie where we can lean on each other for ideas and encouragement.

You can find out more about Leanne’s yoga business ‘Enlighten’ via her website www.enlightenkidsyoga.com

You can also find our South African YogaBeez Success Story here https://yogabeez.com/south-african-yogabeez-success-story/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A South African YogaBeez Success Story

SOUTH AFRICAN YOGABEEZ SUCCESS STORY – A JOURNEY FROM TRAINING TO TEACHING
Meet Melissa Bland!

YogaBeez Children's Yoga Success

This is a true South African YogaBeez success story which we are very excited to share. Melissa Bland is a proud South African and was born and bred in Cape Town.  She has a finance background, but has always had a deep longing to work with children. One of the things which drew her to this calling is the simplicity and raw honesty which children possess and she connected with this authenticity.

What led you down the path towards becoming a Children’s Yoga Teacher?

Melissa now has a beautiful 6-year-old boy of her own called Liam. In 2018 her family moved to Malaysia due to her husband’s business. For the first time, she was faced with being a stay-at-home mom and not active in the workforce.  When the pandemic hit, she began taking some yoga classes online for fitness, but also because she has always been interested in the mind, body and soul connection.

After 3 years in Malaysia, and after going through the pandemic, Melissa’s family decided to return home and they settled in Noordhoek.  Here she joined an amazing studio and she started to truly immerse herself in the yoga practice. Out of this, she discovered that she possessed a great ‘toolbox’ filled with amazing and powerful techniques, which she wanted to share with others.  The epiphany struck that teaching yoga to children would be a truly powerful way to combine her two loves. From here she started to think how to integrate children’s yoga into their everyday life – on and off the mat…

How did you discover the YogaBeez Children’s Yoga Teacher Training platform?

And so the journey to find a suitable children’s yoga teacher training began!  Through a word of mouth recommendation, she was directed to the YogaBeez platform, and she was pleasantly surprised by the educational Montessori tone which underlies the YogaBeez philosophy.  Feeling that this was possibly the road she wanted to take, she called Bryony personally and after a lengthy conversation, she felt that this was most definitely the perfect course for her to take.  In her own words, “Bryony just got it. Her values and motivation for starting YogaBeez in the first place was so aligned with mine, that it just resonated with me. I just knew this was the right course for me.”

What appealled to you about the YogaBeez Online Platform?

The most appealling aspect about the YogaBeez online platform is that it was self-paced and part time. Even though she lives in Cape Town, the online option made the dream possible.  She was able to tailor-make the study sessions and course times to fit her lifestyle and commitments.  The freedom of this was liberating and lifted any barrier which she could have foreseen.

What makes YogaBeez Children’s Yoga different from other available courses?

Melissa is passionate about transferring what she has learnt to young minds.  As she says, “Having been empowered with all these amazing tools, I would like to share it with children.  It is easier to learn new, healthy habits from a young age than to unlearn unhealthy habits down the line.  YogaBeez was amazing compared to some of the other available courses, in that it was so well rounded, because of the Montessori philosophy that they have. It was also just really relatable. The course itself was amazing, and both Sophie and Bryony have continued to be so responsive and supportive. After finishing the course, I felt truly empowered to go out and teach.”

What was the biggest benefit of doing the YogaBeez Online Course?

It is wonderful that there was always someone to reach out to when there were questions or fears about real-life teaching. That interaction proved to be invaluable during the learning curve of feeling confident enough to go out and teach professionally.

Describe your journey from Training to Teaching?

After graduating from YogaBeez, Melissa has started her own business called Floga Kids Yoga. She is working on laying the foundations for her budding business, and she is looking forward to her vision blooming into the reality she is already building upon.  Now that she has opened her own children’s yoga business, she says that one of the benefits is that it is forcing her to practice what she preaches.  One cannot teach children all these amazing life skills if you are unable to practice them yourself. So important lessons like sitting with discomfort, perseverance and working hard without having a guaranteed outcome are becoming a lived lifestyle.

How is business now?

She is focusing on getting into schools in her area in order to integrate children’s yoga into the South African School system.  Children have become so overscheduled, stressed and overwhelmed, so this provides a balm for their minds and souls.  Logistically it is also difficult for working parents to take time off to transport their children to extra-mural activities.  Having the schools offer the programme in-house solves a lot of these issues.

Tell us more about your community service work?

As somebody who believes in the power of giving back to the community, Melissa has partnered with a charitable organization, called Bongulethu.  This primary school for underprivileged children, which is located next to an informal settlement, is now happily receiving the benefits of children’s yoga. They would definitely not have been exposed to was it not for Melissa’s generosity of spirit. She teaches yoga to these kids, which is extremely fulfilling, and also enables her to gain greater experience and confidence.  She also offers yoga playdates and parties – anything which can bring the philosophy and benefits of yoga to children.

What is your ultimate goal in achieving success?

Her goal to change one child’s perception of where they are in any given moment. This is a wonderful way of making a tangible contribution to the world – one child at a time…  This is just the beginning of a true South African YogaBeez Success Story.

 

The Benefits of Online Children’s Yoga Teacher Training

YogaBeez Online
Have you Considered the Benefits of Online Children’s Yoga Teacher Training?

How many of you have dreamt about a meaningful career, where you can combine your love of children with your love of yoga and mindfulness? Are you stuck in a rut and feel your dream vocation slipping away because of circumstances beyond your control?  It is amazing how many of us self-sabotage our visions, instead of looking for workable solutions…  It is sometimes difficult to devote a large chunk of time to learning something new when we have busy lives and personal commitments, or we live far away from the trainings which we want to partake in. This is where the benefits of Online Children’s Yoga Teacher Training comes in to play.

Due to the technological age that we are currently living in, we are blessed to have the option of online teacher training.  There are so many benefits of online platforms – providing you have done your research to ensure that the programmes have the required accreditations, qualifications and most importantly interaction with a responsive mentor.

Some of the Benefits of Online Children’s Yoga Teacher Training are:
  • FLEXIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE:

Students can study at their own pace, and the training platform can be accessed from anywhere in the world. All you require is a viable internet connection and computer, with no geographical constraints! This is a great option for people who travel a lot, have a full-time job, are students, parents or who live in remote areas.

In-person trainings can also be fast-paced and intense, and students are quite often left feeling saturated and overwhelmed – with not enough time to process the avalanche of information. Online options allow for students to go through the work at their own pace, personalise their speed and re-read/repeat some of the more difficult part of the course material if necessary. This allows for complete customisation of the learning experience.

YogaBeez Online

  • AFFORDABILITY:

    Online teacher trainings are generally more affordable than traditional in-person training programmes, as it cuts down on the costs of accommodation, travel and other related expenses.

  • SUPPORT OF ONLINE COMMUNITY:

People are often under the misguided impression that the online experience will be a solitary and lonely road… This could not be further from the truth. With this option, you can tap into a global community!  Guest teachers from around the world can be available to teach and support.  Students can ask questions, get feedback, share their experiences and connect with other students. The sessions can be very interactive and friendships from around the world can be fostered through these connections.  This provides diverse networking opportunities and collaborations with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

  • SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING:

Online courses require a certain level of self-discipline and motivation. This can help people to develop valuable and life-long skills in time management, self-motivation and independent learning.

  • QUALITY TRAINING:

Bryony DuckittOnline teacher training is just as high quality as traditional in-person training programmes.  By booking your course through an accredited school like YogaBeez means that the support you will receive will be constant and in-depth.

A great way to set your mind at ease is to read graduate testimonials. This ensures you are getting quality information from the source – from people who have experienced the courses. The wonderful feedback that we get for our interactive online course has been incredible. A great online training course should encourage you to practice your own hands-on teaching throughout your learning journey. Hopefully you will leave confident to step out of the box and onto your mat to deepen your own yoga practice , and to begin your process of becoming an accredited, qualified, well- equipped, knowledgeable and adaptable teacher yourself….

Some great YogaBeez testimonials from past graduates:

“If you can not make the in-person training truly consider the online version as you feel immediately involved and immersed, but not overwhelmed. If anything, the online training allows processes and procedures to slot into place at your own pace and provides you with tools of reference to go back to when you need to access those bits of information again for clarification. Well worth it!”

“The material was very well presented and organized. I was surprised at how engaging the online activity was, as it felt very interactive even though it was pre-recorded.”

“The course suited my needs perfectly. As mum of a toddler, running my own business and starting a new job the self-paced was necessary. It was one of the selling points when I first booked on.”

YogaBeez is a leading provider of children’s yoga and mindfulness, offering accredited teacher training courses, classes and workshops. Since 2005, our unique method has incorporated the core values and teachings of traditional Yoga and Mindfulness coupled with the Montessori philosophy to educate, empower and exercise children from all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Our inclusive classes are designed to stimulate and nourish physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual well-being.

 

The YogaBeez ONLINE Children’s Yoga Teacher Training is available in both the Foundation and Advanced Level Courses. It is suitable for yoga teachers, school teachers and parents. These online courses will provide you with all the tools you will need to share yoga and mindfulness with children

Considering Becoming a Children’s Yoga Teacher?

Are you considering becoming a children’s yoga teacher? Then the YogaBeez Children’s Yoga Teacher Training Course is the answer for you! 

 Deciding to become a children’s yoga teacher is such rewarding and deeply fulfilling career path for several different reasons:
REASONS TO CONSIDER BECOMING A CHILDREN’S YOGA TEACHER:
  • Becoming a yoga teacher is more than just a career choice – it becomes a way of life.
  • You have the ability to have an incredibly positive impact on children’s lives. As a children’s yoga teacher, you can make a significant impact on the lives of young learners. Through this training – you will have the unique opportunity to empower, exercise and educate children holistically. This is achieved by using using yoga, mindfulness and Montessori principles.
  • By nurturing a love for exercise and movement in a child at a young age through yoga, you can help them to develop positive attitudes about self-image and exercise. The benefits of these healthy habits are infinite.
  • Teaching children to be mindful and relaxed can be incredibly beneficial to their overall mental health. Yoga provides them with great tools for coping with stress and anxiety.
  • Being a children’s yoga teacher can create wonderful opportunities to interact with parents and caregivers. This fosters a positive relationship with your community.
  • There is a growing demand for children’s yoga programmes. The interest in yoga classes for children has been growing steadily over the years. As more schools, daycare centres, and community organizations recognize the benefits of yoga for children -there is an increasing demand for qualified children’s yoga teachers.
  • Teaching children can be incredibly rewarding. Witnessing their growth and development can bring a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose to your life.
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE LEAP AND BECOME A CHILDREN’S YOGA TEACHER?

Ultimately, becoming a children’s yoga teacher allows you to combine your passion for yoga, with your desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children. This can create your new path which can be both personally and professionally rewarding. The next time someone asks you if you are considering becoming a children’s yoga teacher, you can confidently answer, “Yes!”

This could be the perfect career for you, so begin your journey today, and consider becoming a Children’s Yoga Teacher!

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How to deal with emotions when on a Yoga Teacher Training Course

Supporting Emotions in a yoga group
How to deal with emerging emotions whilst on a Yoga Teacher Training Course
How to deal with emotions when on a Yoga Teacher Training Course:

Have you ever entered a yoga class feeling on top of the world until half way through? Whilst holding a pose, the flood gates suddenly open and you find tears streaming down your cheeks? Or found yourself lying in savasana, deep in a peaceful meditative state when a single tear trickles down the side of your face? A meditation releases an expected memory and your smooth, controlled breath soon turns to sobs… Well, if a yoga class can unleash all these emotions, can you imagine what could unfold whilst delving deeply inwards on a Yoga Teacher Training Course? Preparing to deal with these emerging emotions in a safe and supported space is very important.  These tips are specifically crafted to help you to figure out how to deal with emotions when on a Yoga Teacher Training Course

What are the possible solutions?

Having led and attended many teacher trainings over the years, I have come to accept that no matter how hard we may try to hold it back – our personal emotional baggage is bound to show up at some point over these days of self-discovery. And as a practitioner, a student and a teacher, I welcome these releases. I believe they are a vital part of becoming an empathic and compassionate teacher.

Advice for managing emotions on a yoga course:

Such a big part of being a teacher is being able to hold a space for your students to explore, enquire and ultimately let go. Not just in their physical asana, but also in observing the memory of their cells and past experiences. The only way to release these is to allow them to surface. Then observe them and lovingly (and often painfully) begin to heal and set them free.

What can we do to assist our students?

To allow our students to do this, we need to provide a safe and supportive environment. It is important that we remain grounded and present. For this to be possible, we need to have visited and reviewed our own emotional issues and baggage. I believe we are all made up of an assortment of these special ingredients … remnants of all the experiences we have had during our journey from birth.

I don’t love the word baggage, but yes, as this metaphor suggests, the experiences that have affected us are often lugged around.  They can be physically held like heavy weights or tight knots in our shoulders, jaws, lower backs, hips, calves etc. So, its not surprising that when we come into certain poses or sit in contemplative silence, we start a process of physical and emotional release.

These are ways that we sort out how to deal with emotions when on a Yoga Teacher Training Course

Supporting Emotions in a yoga groupExamine your early emotions:

During the yoga teacher trainings I lead, specializing in children and teen yoga, one of the first meditations we do is one of returning to our early years. Many of the trainee teachers haven’t visited these years for a long time and of course not all of these will be happy, bouncy, joyous years. If any of us think back to our teens we are bound to remember some incredibly challenging times.

Respect the students’ emotional journey:

I always provide a space for these teachers to share their experiences, but this is never an obligation. It is imperative to remember that whilst some students may find sharing very cathartic – for others these are deeply personal, intimate details that they may not feel comfortable talking about. As the trainer holding a space, it’s important to respect this privacy but also to let your student know that a one-on-one with you is available should they wish to chat to you personally.

The reason I lead this meditation is that I want trainee teachers to revisit their own childhood years and experiences before working with the bodies and minds of their own vulnerable students. A children’s yoga teacher does not only have to learn how to lead and observe a class, they must also truly examine their own qualities, through a process of self-awareness and continuous self-assessment.

We know children can push buttons, exploring their boundaries with each new adult that enters their lives and often our immediate reaction comes from a place of our own unresolved issues. If a teacher is feeling frustrated with a student, it is good for us to figure out where this irritation is stemming from and discover the true essence of the problem. When a teacher can examine their own qualities internally, we can see that it is often their own anxiety, pride or insecurity that stands between them and the student.

The important qualities of a Children’s Yoga Teacher:

Because the teacher’s disposition and manner determines the atmosphere of the classroom, there are a few essential qualities that a teacher must examine before holding a space. Of course, there is the learning and practising of poses, the yoga philosophy to read, study and practice but there is also the imperative process of personal spiritual preparation. This inner exploration is essential to building relationships with students.

If a teacher is lacking in self-awareness, she may misinterpret or misunderstand a student’s behaviour and this often creates barriers between them. Controlling her own reaction to a student’s actions and understanding where this reaction comes from is an important place for a teacher to begin her spiritual quest.

Practice the art of patience:

Above and beyond demonstrating a perfect pose I believe that equanimity, patience and humility are some of the most essential qualities of a good yoga teacher. And this is where “living our yoga” becomes all-important. We need to be sure that the yoga philosophy we weave into our classes is what we are practicing when we step off the mat and out of the studio.

As we explore and reflect upon the Yamas and Niyamas – the roots and trunk of the 8-fold path that are at the very core of our yoga practice – it is vital that we start unpacking and reflecting on our own make up, those ingredients that make us who we are, the baggage, the unresolved issues. It’s all the gritty stuff that we need to revisit, because in doing so we are not only freeing ourselves, learning to forgive, learning self-love and self-care but we are giving our students permission to do the same. And this is where the true yoga begins … the yoking, the merging, the connecting.

Embrace you emotions:

So, the next time you feel an emotional release sneaking its way into your practice, welcome it, observe it, learn from it and lovingly set it free. And when one of your students experiences one of these moments – hold the space for them to do this and be grateful that they have felt safe enough in your hands to do so.

We hope you enjoyed reading our article on dealing with emotions on a Yoga Teacher Training Course.

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Teaching a Children’s Yoga Class

Teaching a children’s yoga class? Are you grappling with effective classroom management within your children’s yoga classes?

Teaching a children’s yoga class? Done the training, learnt the poses, perfected your lesson planning, ready to go … and then the children arrive. They are chatty, unable to focus at the end of the school day, running around the space, not listening and getting their attention seems near impossible. Please know that you are not alone, and that some days are going to be more challenging than others. It is completely normal to have times where things go a little awry and the carefully-crafted lesson plan flies out the window! Effective classroom management can greatly assist you when things feel a little pressured.

When children are seeking attention, whether positive or negative, a mantra I always come back to is, “All behaviour is communication!”

Then breathe deeply, come back to centre, reassess the situation and find ways to engage the children in order to manage the challenging behaviour.

It can often be that by implementing some subtle changes into the space, a huge difference is made to the experience of your students, as well as your own confidence as a teacher.

Here are some valuable techniques, which could prove effective in the management your children’s yoga classes:

  • Firstly, to enter your classroom/space in a mindful way.  Try to be aware of any of your own personal challenges or anxieties BEFORE greeting the children. Leave these at the door and be fully present to hold space for your students. They are little empaths who will often feed off the energy you are carrying.
  • Remember that consistency is KEY! Remind the children of the Golden Guidelines gently at the beginning of the class, or have them illustrated in a visual manner. Co-creating these guidelines for acceptable behaviour will go a long way in gaining their ‘buy-in’.  Always follow through, and avoid empty promises. Truth creates trust. Consequences are important and sometimes we need to be firm to be kind.  Children feel safer and more secure when there are clear boundaries.
  • Create engaging and fun lesson plans but remember to be flexible in order to harness the energy of the children in the room. It is important to meet the children where they are, and work towards the goal in unison. Being too rigid will lead to frustrations across the board.
  • There are many different teaching techniques and we need to be aware which ones we operate from in order to be able to see what works and what doesn’t within each group.  When a class starts to become chatty or rowdy, level out your speaking voice to a low and soft place.  The louder they become – the quieter you become… Try not to be reactive, as this simply
    escalates any situation. Sound can be a wonderful way to engage with the children, so be prepared for opportunities to sing a song or hum a tune in order to subtly and positively adjust the energy at hand.
  • Bringing breathwork into the class at regular intervals is paramount. Either energise or calm the space, depending on what is needed.
  • Try to return to your yogic principles at all times, whilst acknowledging the positives in all situations, avoiding negative patterns of speech. Always try to model peace, love and a compassionate attitude, and hopefully they will follow.  And when all else fails … just breathe and smile … and know that the next class will be better! Here is a great quote to get you through the wobbly moments:

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, first you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton

Always be prepared to be unprepared! This is an organic and symbiotic relationship which will move in many different directions, depending on the ever-changing aspects at play on any particular day.

The children will ultimately determine the current and direction, and it is our role to facilitate and not dominate.

At the end of the day, remember to enjoy the dance of the class interaction. Flow in and out of their different energy levels, with a clear image of your own engagement style.

Have fun, be kind, be firm and be mindful. Managing a children’s yoga class can be a breeze!

Top tips for supporting children returning to school

Homeschooling
Top tips for supporting children returning to school

2020 will forever be remembered as the year our collective normality changed. With little warning, day-to-day activities that we took for granted were no longer possible. Schools and businesses closed, travel ground to a halt and families found themselves locked in their homes around the clock. While the world grappled with the growing pandemic and economic uncertainty, the challenges of an unprecedented lockdown created a breeding ground for fear and anxiety. Being at home became an endless cycle of balancing chores with working remotely, developing new routines, and having no social interaction. And possibly one of the greatest challenges? The abrupt need for home-schooling.  Here are some top tips for supporting children returning to school

Bryony and her 10 year old assistant

Breath…Mindfulness…Creativity…Activity…Positivity

Surviving the new normal required adaptation.

Suddenly all parents were in the same boat. Trying to teach year 5 maths, researching exactly what an acrostic poem might be and desperately trying to recall long-forgotten grammar dos and don’ts. Then came whipping out the baking soda to make volcanoes and being ready for 9am exercise classes. Most parents will agree that this new reality brought with it many wonderful moments of togetherness, but at the same time stress levels were elevated for parents and children alike. Sometimes it felt as if time was standing still, sometimes the days flew by – a curious rollercoaster of triumphs and failures.

In time, we did what every species must do to survive – we adapted. We discovered gratitude for the things we once took for granted, communities stood together, the skies cleared and moments outside were treasured. Zoom and Google Classroom became a lot less scary, and across the world people found creative ways of working and teaching online. Among those trying to find ways to ease the stress and chaos of the time were the many yoga teachers who took their classes online so that families could practice together – exploring their breath, moving their bodies, noticing their thoughts and feelings and having some much needed fun.

As we move into September, schools are set to reopen, but this will more than likely be a staggered return, with children dividing their time between regular schooling and home-schooling.

Here are my 6 top tips for supporting children returning to school…

Just breathe

Take moments in every day to stop and really breathe. Feel your feet on the floor and notice as the rib cage expands and contracts; notice the belly rising and falling. You might like to count your breath – inhale one, exhale one, inhale two, exhale two. Remember that a longer breath out will help to calm you down. Try breathing in and as you breathe out whisper ‘peace’ – until all your air has been released.

First top tip for supporting children:

Be mindful

Try grounding mindful practices such as body scans: sit or lie down and imagine you are shining a little spotlight over your body, from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. What do you notice? With no judgement or control or trying to change anything, just observe … any tingling, temperature, tickling, heaviness, tightness, colours, sensations … just notice.

Stay active

There are many wonderful children’s and teen yoga classes now available online via zoom, Facebook and YouTube. Have fun exploring the different styles available. Be sure to enquire about joining exercise classes at school. Embrace the freedom to be outdoors with regular walks and bike rides. When did you last roll down a hill or spin around in circles and then lie down on your backs and cloud gaze?

6 top tips for supporting children going back to school

Get creative in the kitchen

Cooking and baking are great stress relievers. Explore healthy options such as sourdough bread, creative salads, soups and smoothies. Try bringing the classroom into the kitchen. Weighing out and portioning ingredients teaches maths and sprouting seeds explores science (top tip: mung beans take only a few days to sprout!) Show children the joy of being sustainable by planting your own herbs and tomatoes.

Make art

Turn glass jars into relaxing mindfulness jars filled with water and glitter. Another way to be mindful and creative at the same time is to sit and colour with your child. Sitting under a tree is the perfect place to enjoy peaceful time as you discuss colours and shapes. Try focusing on your breath as your pen moves freely to the rhythm of your breathing. Make gratitude link chains with the whole family. Start by cutting out strips of paper and having each person write down the things they feel grateful for. Glue the links together and hang somewhere visible as a reminder during tough moments.

Stay positive

Give your children a stack of colourful post it notes. Every time they notice a negative thought in their head, they can grab a post it and see if they can turn that negative thought into a positive one instead. They can write the positive thought on the post it and stick it somewhere visible. They will remember how they turned a negative into a positive.

And whenever you can, embrace a whole mental wellbeing day! Ditch the worries and the schoolbooks, make a big bowl of popcorn and share a great family movie.

The Dalai Lama once said, “It is vital that when educating our children’s brains that we do not neglect to educate their hearts.” Yes, we need to help our children stay on track academically, but now more than ever we need to give them the tools to cope with an unsettling reality and ensure body and mind stay healthy.

During lockdown Bryony and her 10 year old assistant recorded a series of yoga classes for the whole family to enjoy.

Enjoy a Yoga Beez class online. We hope you enjoyed these top tips for supporting children returning to school