In today's fast-paced digital age, smartphones and social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering unprecedented connectivity and access to information. But what’s the impact on children’s mental health and emotional regulation? Ever since Jean Twenge's 2017 article "Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?" the debate has raged. Our devices help us learn, create and engage socially. They also come with unique challenges. Spending long hours glued to screens may lead to decreased physical activity, disrupted sleep patterns, and feelings of isolation. The const ..read more

As a kids yoga teacher, one of the most rewarding aspects of our practice is witnessing the growth and development of young minds and bodies. In addition to teaching poses and breathing techniques, it's essential for us to nurture emotional intelligence in our students, particularly those aged 4 to 7. One way to do this is helping children identify and name their emotions. By teaching children to name their emotions, we lay the groundwork for emotional awareness. When kids can recognize what they're feeling, whether it's joy, frustration, excitement, or sadness, they become more in tune with ..read more

Historically women have tended to the home and the children. Then, women started moving into the workforce more and more, but didn’t reduce any of the time they had committed to the home. This is an impossible equation because the time available did not increase with the doubling of commitments. This is why it can feel impossible to do it all…because it is. 98% of the students in our children’s yoga teacher training program are women. We’re still the primary caregivers of children in our homes and in the community. To support your teaching in the community, we must support the reality of you ..read more

Have you heard about Polyvagal Theory? It’s the new science of connection. The theory introduces the concept of co-regulation, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships in regulating the nervous system. The autonomic nervous system consists of two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The Polyvagal Theory extends this traditional view by introducing a more nuanced understanding, highlighting three distinct neural circuits: Ventral Vagal Complex (VVC): This is associated with a state of safety and social engagement. W ..read more

In 2004, Mira moved to Chicago. Her sister, Stephanie, and her husband sold everything – cars, furniture, silverware…..and the house. They bought land in Hawaii and settled in to start building their home on The Big Island. Our mom, Cheryl, was wrapping up her role as the office manager of a presidential campaign headquarters. It was at this time we found ourselves aligned with each other in a pause between professional endeavors. Mira had already been training yoga teachers for a couple of years and had it on her heart to create a program that aligned with the deeper philosophy and lifestyle ..read more

Mantra is the repetition of sacred sound. It’s sacred because the vibrations of these particular sounds are high and help cultivate connection. Separation and fear are low vibration. This isn’t hippie talk. This is science. The whole world, including the human body, is made up of sound vibration. Repeating a clear sound that has sacred energy is a practical and effective way to raise your vibes. Love, connection and appreciation are all high vibration. When describing mantra to children, I explain that it’s like those big Zamboni machines that clear the ice between skating sessions. Water is ..read more

I often ask children in my yoga classes, “Who’s your primary health care provider?” They look at me funny, of course, and probably don’t understand what a primary health care provider is. Then I answer my own question. “It’s you.” Of course, your parents are there to take care of the big stuff, I go on to tell them, but it’s up to you to listen to the needs of your body and respond with care. I like to plant the seeds of self-care when children are young. One of the best ways to do this is to teach body awareness. What’s really going on when you are digesting that pizza? Why do ALL animals s ..read more

Children are fascinated with their bodies and how they work.  Bring an anatomy book into a kid’s yoga class and you will be met with “oohs” and “ahhs” as well as a few exclamations of “gross!”  They are interested to learn not just from seeing the images, but also by doing new things with their bodies and exploring developing skills.  It’s around age 8 that disparate gross motor skills begin to blend into more elegant, coordinated movement. It states in child development texts that children ages 8 to 10 years old, “like to assume awkward positions”.  A favorite awkward yo ..read more

Many young brains get overwhelmed by the constant stimuli around them. With distractions at every turn, it's no wonder kids struggle to maintain focus and concentration, whether it's in school, while doing homework, or even during playtime. Fortunately, the simple practice of Yoga Nidra can help. Yoga Nidra is a powerful ancient practice that promotes deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and mental clarity. In recent years, it’s gained popularity for its ability to help children calm their minds, reduce anxiety, and improve their attention span. It can be a game-changer in developing concentration ..read more

Getting good sleep has become a challenge for people of all ages, including children. With the rise in stress, overstimulation, and digital distractions, the importance of restful sleep cannot be overstated. Enter yoga nidra, a guided relaxation practice that has gained enormous popularity in recent years. Referred to as the "Sleep of the Yogis," Yoga nidra offers a pathway to better sleep, particularly for children who may struggle with falling and staying asleep. Yoga nidra, derived from the Sanskrit words "yoga" meaning "to awaken" and "nidra" meaning "sleep," encapsulates the essence of g ..read more