When I reach for the ribbons
and shakers in my kid’s yoga classes I can predict with certainty that 95% of
the kids will screech with excitement and the other 5% will either shuffle
their feet, look at me with daggers, or make a point of projecting their annoyance
at me. But ah, how they don’t know me! Nothing makes me wiggle uncomfortably
and cross my fingers that the class will work out; so the glares, the mumbles
and the attempts to distract others are like water off a duck’s back – give this
5% five minutes and their little feet will be shuffling despite a will of
steel.
Why do little feet shuffle? Why do hips move? And why is dance irresistible?
Because our bodies are made for movement – for oblique stretching, for shaking,
for head and shoulder rolling, for pulsating, repetitive movements – they feel
good. This movement comes from a place that the judging mind cannot reach – it is
a primal instinct and therefore it is authentic and being authentic feels just
right for adults and children alike.
Movement and dance bring kids and adults into their bodies, into their souls. It is a time of freedom.
Music in the yoga room or yoga class is important. It can launch creativity or touch soulful notes. I love to mix up the music; but only one style per class. Sometimes it will be Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off and other times Wah’s Bolo Ram. Whatever the mood of the music, one thing is certain, the playfulness allows for feelings and energy to release and reveal quietness and joy.
Instead of the constant, Calm Down or Be Quiet in the classroom – take five
minutes to change the entire emotional – energetic quality of the class by
putting on music and allowing space to dance, to breathe. It is an incredible
gift to help the children learn how to self-nurture, to liberate their emotions
and find calm. It is Yoga in a nutshell – authentic movement, breathing,
release and soul connection.
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