Another session of yoga at a local child care provides me with so much inspiration. 

 

Every two weeks since Labour Day, I have had the privilege of doing yoga with the infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at a child care in my neighbourhood.  The development and openness of the children to exploring moving their bodies, and the openness to new sensations is awe-inspiring.  The toddlers love the sensation of the Nepalese singing bowl on their tummies or backs, while we play the mesmerizing voice of Snatam Kaur.  We are allowed to watch as they soak up the experience.  They are totally present.  They love moving their bodies and challenging them.  As soon as I walked in the room today, one little boy and one little girl immediately moved into Downward Dog. 

At the end of the 20 minute toddler session, the children sing my yoga teacher Amanda McFayden’s original yoga song (we need to have her put on You Tube). http://www.blisskids.ca/ As Amanda taught me, when finishing the song we take a big peace breath and then I say, “Give yourself some love”; they  hug themselves, “Give someone else some love”; they hug someone else, and “Namaste”.  The children are so free and real with their hugs for each other, and for their teachers, and for me.  It is truly a wonderful way to explore love and kindness in a simple way. 

The Toddlers’ teachers tell me that on “yoga days”, the children are much calmer.  They now use Snatam Kaur’s http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5146359B64AE219C music at rest time.  They all associate it with slower, deeper breathing and relaxation – adults, as well as children.  

And when I leave, I am happy and energized from this wonderful sharing.  Namaste everyone.

 

P.S.  Looking forward to doing a workshop for Upper Canada Child Care Centres on spirituality and children next month!