I started seriously practicing yoga in 2006 and instantly fell in love. Like many people, I came to my mat initially for the physical experience. But quite quickly, I found that it was not only an amazing physical workout, but a spiritual one as well. I had the good fortune to find an amazing teacher in Ally Hamilton, who has been pivotal in my growth as a yogi and as a person. In a time in my life that was totally chaotic, I started to find peace. I started tuning in to my inner knowledge and wisest self and started tuning out all the excess and negative self-talk and societal messages. I started to get rid of the things that were not working in my life and instead focus on the things that brought me true happiness and peace. I learned to quiet my mind while also getting the chance to play, explore, and learn about myself on a daily basis. And oh yeah…it was also fun!
Since yoga helped me grow so much and had such a profound effect, I wanted to bring yoga into my classroom. I started teaching yoga to my Kindergarteners later that year and decided to deepen my knowledge of yoga for kids by participating in 2 trainings through YogaEd. Yoga has been integral part of my classroom, teaching philosophy, and physical education curriculum ever since. I have had the pleasure to not only work with my students but also with a group of 5th grade girls for an afterschool yoga program I created and taught for a year at my school, as well as help the Kids Venice Basketball League (KVBL) this summer with their yoga program. Now I am expanding my yoga classes for kids by doing private classes, both one on one and in small groups.
I find my students love the chance to play and explore their bodies in new and creative ways. They move to the music, laugh, stretch their bodies and minds, and simply have fun! Equally important, they learn new ways deal with stress, anger, sadness, and fear, which are very real for children and they often don’t know a constructive way to express and release those feelings. In their yoga practice, they can take a break from having to compete; it is the one “sport” where being the best or the fastest is not the goal. They learn that their breath can calm them down and that their imaginations can float them into a place of pure happiness and peace. We play with poses then settle into quiet and relaxation. Both my students and I emerge from our practice happier, lighter, and more at ease.
My yoga journey is ever continuing. I am constantly growing as a yogi and as person. I am thankful for all the teachers who have come into my life to help me grow in my humanity and in my practice, especially Ally, Chani Nicholas, and Charlie Samos. I still have so much to learn as a teacher, practitioner, and human. But I know that the journey is where it’s at, the present moment is the only moment we have, and it is all beautiful, whether we balancing or falling. The sweetness lies in being in the now. I stand in gratitude of my practice and my chance to share it.
