"Peace Begins With Me" - Kids Yoga Tomorrow - Last Class until August

[jessie woletz | seaweed sway]

Hello!

1) If you have kids between the ages of 2-6, read on!
2) If you know of any parents with 2-6 year olds, please send this to them!
3) If you want to try a meditative technique that we teach in kids yoga, but that is also great for adults, read on (last paragraph)!

Happy PRIDE weekend!

Tomorrow is the last Sunday kids yoga class until August, as I'll be traveling for most of July.

Here are the vital details for tomorrow.

SUNDAY 6/26

KIDS YOGA at ROCK BAND LAND

3075 17TH Street @ Folsom Street

10:15-11:00 AM

For Ages 2-6

$20 drop-in / 10% sibling discount

Sign up here: http://rockbandland.org/yoga

or you can pay with cash, check, or credit card at class.

RSVP & invite friends on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/events/291210404561909

Stay up to date by liking our Kids Yoga at Rock Band Land fb page: https://www.facebook.com/KidsYogaROCKS

I'll have a couple Sunday classes in early August. In September, the Friday class will resume. Those will be online in the next week at http://rockbandland.org/yoga.

I wanted to acknowledge the heaviness of many world events recently, especially what happened in Orlando. I think about this in terms of what we are teaching children, and how to champion diversity and acceptance of all people.  I'm so happy that yoga promotes a non-competitive attitude, and we have partner poses where we learn to work together. One of the most important things I think we can support and model for kids, is a positive self-image, which I think leads to accepting oneself and thus others the way they are. I believe kids naturally have this, and my goal is to keep a safe space where everyone feels comfortable, welcome, respected, and accepted.

Additionally, I myself have had to think about how to cope with everything lately, and I keep coming back to the idea that I need to find my peace amidst all the external events. This is a beautiful concept that I intend to bring into class more, in a way that is accessible to kids. There is a meditative practice you can do at home with your kids, and we'll do it in class tomorrow. Have a seat in a quiet space. Say the words and have your child repeat: "Peace begins with me". If your kid is at an age where they can link a movement with the words, try touching the pinky to the thumb while saying "peace", the ring finger to the thumb while saying "begins", the middle finger to the thumb while saying "with", and the index finger to the thumb while saying "me".  For younger kids especially, it's not important that they do the movement correctly; and they may see you and imitate, which is great. Older kids may want some help at first, but feel free to step back if they seem content trying it on their own, even if they mess up. Try it slow, medium speed, and fast. With practice, it becomes second nature.  This is something your child can do at times of stress to help them calm down, and you can do it too!

Thank you all, and see you soon.

Jessie