YoYo Yoga School turns ten this year and to celebrate I’ve unveiled a new look and brand spanking new blog!
Stay tuned for weekly Movement, Meditation and Mindfulness tips and tools for children and teens. As with the previous blog, there will be a little bit of everything and something for everybody -- age-appropriate and developmentally supportive lesson plans, activities, video demonstrations, and educational articles; as well as upcoming training opportunities, new video, book, and training tool release announcements and special offers.
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Need a daily dose of kid-friendly mindfulness? Check out Mindful Minis on Youtube, Snapchat, and Instagram. I post a different Mindful Mini video on each platform daily – that’s three unique mindfulness activities for kids in 60 seconds or less per day!
I'm thrilled to introduce the very first post on the new blog below, Bear Breath. Following a year where hibernation took on a whole new meaning for many, learning to be as wise and resourceful as a hibernating bear is a skill we could all use. Hang in there, spring is just around the corner.
Be safe, be well.
Lisa Roberts xoxo
What is Bear Breath?
Bear Breath is a breathing technique that teaches us to be smart like a hibernating animal and use precious resources wisely.
How does it help me?
Taking fewer but slower and fuller breaths calms the mind, body and nervous system and will help your bear to survive the toughest and longest of winters.
How do I do it?
· Begin in a comfortable seated position, spine naturally erect and chin level. Be sure that your shoulders, arms and face relaxed. Hands should rest comfortably in your lap, or on the knees.
· Observe your natural breath cycle for a few rounds before beginning to deepen the breath.
· Breathe all the way in, until your belly expands, and then all the way out as your belly relaxes and you feel all of the air move out of your body.
· When you feel ready to begin, inhale to a count of THREE; Once inhale is complete, hold the breath in for a count of TWO.
· Slowly exhale, with control, for a count of THREE.
· Hold the breath OUT for a count of TWO.
· Continue practicing for several full rounds before returning to normal breath, observe how you feel.
· IF this is easy and comfortable for you, increase the number of counts you inhale, exhale, and retain the breath for – but remember, it is important to proceed incrementally and only when the body is ready (not the mind!). Bear Breath can be practiced with up to five counts for the inhale/exhale and four counts retaining the breath (in or out).
Fun Fact: When we think about animals that hibernate during winter we often think of the bear, but many animals hibernate – skunks, groundhogs, bats, and even snakes!
Ready to learn more? Check out the following webinars: