Photos

Me, Nisha, teaching a Yoga Class for Emily (3rd grade), Tom (1st grade), and Tim (1st grade; not pictured in photo). This was a 1 1/2 hour class. I started the class with deep breathing exercises and basic stretches. Then, I taught them Sun Salutation which includes many different poses (mountain pose, forward fold, cobra pose, crescent moon pose, warrior 1, warrior 2, warrior 3, triangle pose, etc.). Then, I incoporated some sitting down and laying down poses, as well as more deep breathing and stetches. Finally, I ended with final relaxation pose, or shivasana in Sanskirt, in which I led them through a mini mindfullness/meditation session and allowed them to relax and decompress. And to end the class, I spoke about the importance of mental health and how yoga can be used as a tool for improving mental and physical health.

I asked the children how they felt before the yoga class. Emily said "tired." Tom said "bored." Timmy said "sad." Then I asked them how they felt after the class. Emily said "full of energy." Tom said "relaxed." Timmy said "sleepy but happy." They all felt like they had more energy, and began to run around and play outside. They said the yoga made them feel relaxed and calm.

I informed them of my website and made sure they knew about the different yoga/meditation resources and tools I created that they could use on their own, at home, at their own time.