THE GIFT OF TEACHING YOGA; FAMILY STYLE
I never wanted kids. I never wanted kids and I never wanted to teach Kid’s Yoga.
In my teens I was horrified by the over-population of the world, the irresponsibility of “breeders” and the selfishness of adults who wanted to see mini versions of themselves. In my early 20s I found myself ritually annoyed by the stroller take over of my previously hip South Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn. In my late 20s I was convinced that I ‘d explain my situation as “childless by choice”.
Fast-forward about a decade. I now have a 2.5 year old little boy and not only am I’m teaching yoga for kids, but also yoga for teens. I regularly volunteer to teach yoga in our local elementary school. Um…. how did that happen? Suffice to say I hit 32, and a whole bunch of everything changed.
Being a yoga teacher can be challenging, but it isn’t nearly as challenging as being a mother. Having the opportunity to put the two together has been an amazing experience. I can’t say that I yearn to teach yoga to kids while parenting my own child every day – but yesterday it was truly, truly special.
On Memorial Day I taught my first ever Family Yoga Class at The Yoga Room here on Nantucket – and 6 brave mothers came with their children. Some of the mommies were beginner students, some intermediate and some advanced. Their children ranged in age from infancy to pre-adolescent. Some moms came with one child, some came with two. One was in a car seat, and yet another could already practice full tripod headstand (she’s only 5).
At first I thought the “class” felt more like loosely organized chaos (there was even a baby throw-up incident on a TYR mat – a first I’m sure), but before I knew it, 55 minutes had passed and all 15 children and adults in the room were resting serenely in savasana.
When class was over grown-ups and children alike looked happy, grounded and open, and my own heart blossomed in gratitude for the chance we all had to practice together.
A couple of hours later a lovely student tagged me on Facebook in a bunch of photos she had taken of class, and my ex sent me a few photos he was able to capture with his iPhone. I couldn’t help but get teary eyed and rather choked up. Here is a little look inside our class:
Yoga and Parenting both help us mainline compassion straight to the heart. I feel very bless to be both a mother and a teacher.
Many thanks to all of you who encouraged me to launch the Dharma Kids, Strong Girls, and Family Yoga classes. I wouldn’t have done it if you hadn’t pushed me.
