Given its complex nature, it might seem unlikely that yoga philosophy could be presented to kids in any manner.  But, within the text, Patanjali outlines ten ethical guidelines, or ways to live: Yama (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacara, aparigraha) and Niyama (saucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya, isvara pranidhana).  These precepts amazingly simple and direct and can be used to teach kids some of the important philosophy behind the practice of yoga.  In fact, many of them are taught and encouraged in other areas of kids’ lives including school, family, and religious institutions.

YoKid has translated the Yama and Niyama into kid-friendly language so that these important yogic teachings can be made easily accessible to youth.

Yama: “Things not to do”

• Ahimsa: Don’t be violent to myself or others; Be caring to myself and others.
• Satya: Don’t lie; Be truthful with myself and others.
• Asteya: Don’t steal; Be generous.
• Brahmacara: Don’t waste my energy; Use my energy wisely.
• Aparagraha: Don’t be greedy; Be grateful for what I have.

Niyama: “Things to do”

• Saucha: Be clean
• Santosha: Be happy with myself and others
• Tapas: Always work hard.
• Svadhyaya: Studying is important. Take time to learn about myself and the world around me.
• Ishvara pranidhana: Always trust the power inside of me.

“Breathing exercises used in yoga have been found to help some asthmatics control breathing and reduce stress, a common asthma trigger. Breathing techniques and improved control of breathing by yoga may contribute to the control of asthma symptoms in some people.”  Breathing exercises emphasized in yoga have the potential to improve lung function and quality of life for  persons with asthma.

A study “Yoga For Bronchial Asthma” by H.R. Nagendra Vivekananda at the Kendra Yoga Research Foundation in Bangalore, India claims “by regular exercise of Yogasana and Pranayama the constriction of the bronchial tubes gets very much reduced. With this one can control the attack of asthma to a great extent and subsequently gradually asthma can be cured from the roots.” They provide sound advice for asthma patients and anyone in general seeking to preserve their health.

1. Regular practice of selected yoga asanas, pranayama,

2. Proper diet,

3. Avoid the things which strain the nerves.

They also provide a list of poses recommended for asthma patients: Ekpada Uttansana (one-leg raised pose), Tadasana (mountain pose), Yoga Mudra, Ushtrasana (camel pose),  Simhasana (lion pose), Sarvangsana (shoulder stand), Matsyasana (fish pose), Shavasana (corpse pose), Pranayaman (breath control), Ujjayee pranayama (deep throat breathing). For more info about these postures click here.

 We realize that asthma is not curable and Yoga cannot substitute for asthma medications. But  it can certainly be used to compliment medical regiments if approved by a doctor.  There is a great need for more inquiry in to the benefits of yoga techniques for child and adult asthma sufferers. There is a critical need to protect our children and future generations from asthma.  I say let’s do what we can!

Every time we do a training, I am amazed and inspired by what I gain from the experience.  Here are five things I learned or had reinforced from our Richmond training:

1. Each of us has unique and rich backgrounds

No matter where we’ve come from, each of us brings something beautifully different to our teaching and interaction with kids.  No matter how many times we’ve done the training, or how many people attend, I am always inspired by all of the creative ideas and new perspectives each individual shares with the group.  And, since the best teaching we can offer to students is that what is authentic and true to who we are as individuals, we always encourage trainees to tap into their background, their interests, and their strengths when planning and teaching kids.

2. People who want to teach yoga to kids have big hearts

One of the reasons facilitating the YoKid Teacher Training is so enjoyable is because of nature of those who attend.  People who want to teach kids yoga have a strong desire to offer the benefits of the practice to kids so that their lives can be better.  One theme that was echoed by many of the trainees was that they wished that they were introduced to yoga at a younger age.  They reflected upon how different and better their lives might be having had the tools of yoga to use starting at a young age.  But all of them take it one step beyond their personal reflection and choose to actively bring yoga to kids in their communities.  They have compassion and empathy and a desire to make our world a better place through yoga.

3. Community is important

While we all have wonderful ideas and talents as individuals, true impact is made through community.  In a community, individuals support and encourage one another, they learn from one another, and they get inspired by one another.  The trainees always prove that the sum is greater than its parts.  Although, I have to say, all of the parts are pretty fabulous too

4. Conversation and questions are where the real learning happens

Every single time we do a training, Michelle and I return to our training manual and add, change, and delete.  We are constantly evolving our training and materials.  This stems directly from the amazing learning that happens when people ask questions and spark conversations in our training.  Through work in groups and pairs, as well as through opportunities for reflection throughout the training, the trainees — as well as the facilitators — have an opportunity to learn.  So, while this adds some extra work to our plates, we are grateful to constantly be making our training better!

5. Adults love to be treated like kids sometimes

Some of my favorite moments in our training are when we get to see just how much adults love to be treated like kids! Throughout the training we model kids classes, read kid’s stories, offer kid-friendly translations to the Yoga Sutras, guide the trainees through a children’s yoga nidra, and teach kid-inspired games, breath awareness techniques, and partner poses.  The laughter, joy, and peace of heart and mind that arises during these times is truly magical.  It’s also a good reminder for all of us to be a kid every now and again!

A heartfelt thanks to Dana Walters and the whole team at Project Yoga Richmond for hosting us!

The Event Coordinator will work directly with the Executive Director to coordinate YoKid’s annual outreach and signature events.

Coordinator responsibilities include:

Scheduling events, maintaining and developing community partnerships/sponsorships, staffing events, promoting & advertising events.  Annual events vary and may include Combined Federal Campaign fairs, YoKid Challenge, Marine Corp Marathon, Kid’s in the Kitchen, Healthy Kid’s Day, Green Festival, NBC 4 Health & Fitness Expo, etc.

Work Environment: 

The coordinator will primarily telecommute with regular (weekly) communication with the Executive Director via email, phone, skype, and in person-meetings as necessary.  Attendance at each event may also be required.

Qualifications:

~Previous event/fundraising/development experience

~Excellent time management skills

~Proficient in MS Word, Excel, use of online social media, and web-based communication

~Flexible schedule

~Personal laptop (mac preferred)

~Professional, friendly, proactive, and responsible

~Interest in youth development and yoga

Compensation & Commitment:

$12/hour for up to 25 hours per month (approx. 4-6 hours/week)

Application & Questions: 

Email resume, references, and letter of interest along with any questions to Michelle K. Mitchell, Executive Director, YoKid… Stretch Your Limits, michelle@yokid.org or call 703.475.004

The primary source for this article was yoga guru Glen Black, a classic yogi who studied in Pune, India and spent years in solitude and meditation. Black attributes the yoga related injuries all to ego. It is common for teachers to push students and for students to push themselves to reach new heights of flexibility. But as Black explains, “the whole point of yoga is to get rid of ego.” When I first read the article I was surprised and frustrated that there was mainstream evidence against the benefits of yoga. But after thinking more about Black’s statements, it is both obvious and true that ego has no place in a yoga practice, nor do injuries. And perhaps the two are linked.

After reading Ana Forrest’s article “Exercising your Caring Heart” I quickly tied her message to that of Black’s, to find a more positive conclusion in Broad’s piece. Forrest encourages yogis to volunteer, she is a  believer in the healing powers of yoga, and a supporter of yoga to help rehabilitate from trauma. She concludes with stating: “When we exercise our desire to help, touching another person’s heart and soul, that grows and delights our spirit. Discover in your own life how delicious it is to share your gifts with the world.” Although Black and Forrest may seemingly disagree on the risks of teaching and practicing yoga, they would both agree that ego has no place in the theory or practice of yoga or volunteering. And maybe removing ego and replacing it with selflessness and giving will reduce the potential risks involved. Something to consider Mr. Broad.

At YoKid we are constantly acknowledging and weighing both the risks and rewards of yoga for children and teens.  We’ve found that the benefits almost always outweigh. YoKid teachers and volunteers will continue to be equipped with the tools necessary to provide yoga that leaves the ego out of it in order to ensure the safety of our kids!

Below are 5 tips to help us embrace life’s journey through 2012:

1.  The universe will NOT give you more than you can handle.  DO beware that the universe does have a sense of humor, that you may not always find immediately funny.

2.  Every action is a choice.  Take a moment to breathe deeply, then ask yourself, what is motivating this decision?  “Fear?” or “Love?”  After you answer that question, then confidently make your choice.  And by the way, there is no correct answer.

3.  When you are unmotivated, stuck, procrastinating, etc.  BREATHE and then ACT.  Just start doing something that needs to be done. You’ll be amazed at what you will accomplish.

4.  Believe in abundance.  Know, without  a doubt that there is more than enough for everyone on this earth.  In your own way, do your part by giving when you can.  Giving doesn’t always have to be material gifts.  Think about giving patience when you are frustrated with the driver who just cut you off, consider giving of your understanding to the person who needs someone to just listen to them, and maybe even just give more smiles and a “hello” when walking down the street, waiting for the bus, or sharing an elevator.

5.  Take only what you need being mindful not to hold on to things that are not necessary.  Think about what you really need, let go of what no longer serves you, and then begin to experience the unbelievable ways that everything that you need will come to you exactly when you need it.

These are just a few of the lessons that YoKid and yoga have allowed us to experience.  It is with a gracious and humble heart that we are reminded of these lessons on a daily basis through the children and community that we serve every day.

Peace, Love, and Light as we welcome 2012!

After a busy year, the holidays are a time to relax and let yourself go. Indulging in chocolate cake, egg nog and couch potatoeing are great ways to unwind before making a commitment in the new year to not do those things. But with this holiday season comes more than cake and family merriment. There’ s endless cooking and cleaning to do, always more gifts to buy, parties to organize, visits to make and, most of all, families to please. I don’t know about you all, but in my family, Christmas is one crazy time of year. So I decided that this year I’m going to do everything in my power to not let the holiday crazies get the better of me, although I can’t speak for the rest of my family. I thought it would be nice to think of some  techniques that we can all utilize this holiday season in hopes of maintaining our sanity!

1. Breathe! When I’ve had it up to my eyeballs with any of the things listed above, i.e. shopping, cooking, cleaning, family. I breathe. Deeeeeeep breaths.

2. Positive affirmations work, too: I am at peace. I am calm. I am not a chaotic Christmas mess. These may help get your nerve levels back down to normal in times of heightened stress.

3. Find your happy calm place. Literally, find a place that makes you happy a calm. For me, this place is not in the kitchen. All you need is a room with no one else in it with enough space to lay down on the floor and stretch out. This is the place where I do my beloved yoga stretches and lay in savasana until facing holiday chores seems bearable. Believe me, it does help.

4. Connect with your inner child. As we get older the holidays seem to be less magical and exciting. This is pretty sad. Try to feel, see, touch, smell and hear what the holidays were like for you as a child. This will require your imagination and tuning in to your mind and body, but it will surely warm your heart and humble the long list of adult things you have to do.

5. Most importantly, spread love and positive energy! These things can be created internally through yoga, for example. But love and positive energy can be created and spread differently and in many many ways. Maybe it is through volunteering, helping a friend, visiting an old folks home, or giving lots of love to your family that you create these within yourself and spread them outward. One or all of these will guarantee happiness, serenity, and a smiling soul.

So, try not to let the holiday crazies get the better of you. Although holiday stress is often unavoidable, experimenting with one or all of these tips can help. Remember, there are as many ways to handle stress as there are ways to become stressed, so shoot for the former! We at YoKid would like to wish you a joyful and blessed holiday season and are sending all of our positive energy out to you in the new year! Stay safe, CALM and full of yummy food and cheer!

We encourage you to consider giving the gift of yoga to kids; a donation of any amount will help us expand our reach to the kids who need it most!  Here are some suggestion donation amounts:

• $10 provides one YoKid class for one child
• $40 provides a YoKid class and a take-home YoKid yoga mat for one child
• $90 provides an entire 6-week class session for one child
• $108 sponsors a child in the YoKid Challenge
• $890 provides a 6-week class session for an entire group of students

When you give the gift of yoga to children, you give them so much more than just stretching and breathing…

• Kids yoga improves self-esteem and self-awareness
• People with high self-esteem are more likely to create healthy, secure and honest relationships, and are less likely to develop eating disorders, depression or other mental health conditions
• Yoga has been proven to reduce stress, improve concentration & relaxation, and promote healthy lifestyles
• Youth development programs, such as YoKid, offer kids the opportunity to experience fun, challenge, and enjoyment, while increasing their self-esteem and decreasing their stress
• Kids involved in regular physical activity, such as yoga, are less likely to smoke than those who are not
• The increasing competitiveness in youth sports settings has linked sports to numerous negative social outcomes including acts of violence and aggression. Yoga, on the other hand, is a noncompetitive activity.
• Yoga improves skill development, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility

In addition to giving to YoKid, we hope you consider giving to one of the many great organizations that do wonderful things for kids.  Here are a few that we personally love!

Girls on the Run

Higher Achievement

Life Pieces to Masterpieces

SCAN

Bikram yoga is an amazing way to detox, relax, challenge, and strengthen your body in ways you never have before. It is a twenty-six posture series performed in a hot room (about 100-105 degrees) and is designed to work every aspect of your body both internally and externally. Millions of people all over the world practice this yoga (including me!), and Bikram Choudhury, the founder, has earned his millions by copyrighting and charging thousands of dollars to train teachers in the precise dialogue of this series.  The New York Times article is about Bikram’s lawsuit against a former student for providing a more accessible form of this series.

 The founder of the Yoga to the People studios, Greg Gumucio, began as Bikram’s student. Through his own practice and experiences, Mr. Gumucio was led to the realization that “high-profile (and expensive) instructors were not necessary for a successful yoga study.” The suit calls Mr. Gumucio’s instructors “impostors,” and charges that he broke his agreement to follow Mr. Choudhury’s rules.

How does financial gain play a part in yoga philosophy and practice?

Can you put a price on the art of teaching and providing yoga?

The founders at YoKid are dedicated to making accessible yoga a reality in the lives of thousands of children.  In fact, it’s the number one priority at YoKid.  As a young yoga focused nonprofit our organizations finances are a regular topic of discussion in the YoKid office.  This current Bikram suit has stirred a lot of emotion for the staff of YoKid.

Let us at YoKid know what you think about this law suit or the principles behind it.   We would love to hear your insights and opinions!

(Click here if you’d like to sign the petition created by Yoga to the People.)

The Volunteer Coordinator will work directly with the Executive Director to assist with the screening and supervising of the volunteers who work with YoKid.

Coordinator Responsibilities include:

Interviewing potential volunteers, processing background checks, checking references of potential volunteers, orienting volunteers, and recruiting new volunteers.

Work Environment: 

The coordinator will primarily telecommute with regular (weekly) communication with the Executive Director via email, phone, skype, and in person-meetings as necessary.

Qualifications:

~Proficient in MS Word, Excel, use of online social media, and web-based communication

~Personal laptop (mac preferred)

~Professional, friendly, proactive, and responsible

~Interest in youth development and yoga

Compensation & Commitment:

$12/hour for up to 20 hours per month (approx., 3-5 hours/week)

Application & Questions: 

Email resume, references, and letter of interest along with any questions to Michelle K. Mitchell, Executive Director, YoKid… Stretch Your Limits, michelle@yokid.org or call 703.475.004