Shining BRIGHT at Yoga Camp

Belly Breathing

We use the Hoberman Sphere to simulate belly breathing! Thank you, Mrs. Hudson, for sharing your toy so we could practice a big, big breath!

Do the BEST you can!

Our Peace Builder today was Professor Wangari Maathai of The Greenbelt Movement.  Here's a video Mrs. Byrd Fort shared: http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/get-involved/be-a-hummingbird

I WANT TO BE A HUMMINGBIRD!  How about you?

Yoga Camp Makes Me HAPPY!

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof! Can you smile when practicing side plank? YES, if you are HAPPY! Yoga Campers are having fun.

Therapeutic Applications of Yoga for Children Training, July 20-26

I enjoyed a wonderful week in IL learning about the therapeutic applications of yoga for children with these beautiful people!

Rainbows and Treasures

I thought it was cool to catch a rainbow last night!  

We did explore so many treasures this week with your kiddos, and I just wanted to thank you so much, once again, for the opportunity to learn and grow together this week!

Yoga video is at https://vimeo.com/99788419.

Here is a link for the slide show of pictures :)

Smilebox Playback

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Thank you to those who shared feedback already!  If you have a chance a to let us know what you liked best and how we can make camp better, please let us know:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1B9F4jNe3uAO5Bw5sEj3WRzv1EKuQDN2kuP9Mb88sLj8/viewform?usp=send_form

FREE Apps and DVDs to explore more:  

Apple:  SuperStretch, Relax Melodies Seasons, Breathe 2 Relax, YogaKids Lite

Android:  Ocean Sounds to Relax and Sleep, Yoga for Kids Lite, Yoga 4 Kids Lite 

These VHS/DVDs are available through Lexington Public Library System:    

YogaKids an easy, fun-filled adventure for children ages 3-10

YogaKids. 2 more poses, more fun!

Let me know if you find other resources you enjoy!

Articles to explore about why we are passionate for "mindfulness for young people!"

"Why Children Need Mindfulness As Much As Adults Do" -- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/22/why-children-need-mindful_n_5354143.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

Get Grounded – Stable Yoga Poses for Kids -- http://globalfamilyyoga.com/blog/2014/04/stable_yoga_poses_for_kids/463/

"How Meditation Changes Brain Frequency" -- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12491/how-meditation-changes-your-brain-frequency.html

Thanks to Mrs. Val Byrd Fort for sharing her time and talents with Yoga Camp!  To know a good book to read everyday this summer, follow her on Twitter: @MrsByrdFort  Friend her New Providence Elementary Library Facebook Page to know other great ideas.  Val and I met years ago when she was learning to be a library lady!  I am so thankful for her friendship, and I am a better person for knowing her.  

Happy 4th!  Enjoy freedom today and EVERYDAY!  Make choices that make this world a better place,

D'Etta 

Yoga Camp Day Three

It was another colorful day!  Today we explored more about peace and how it truly begins within each of us.  ;-)

Here are some strategies to try when having trouble getting along with others:
apologize
compromise
chance (flip a coin, rock/paper/scissors, roll a dice)
humor
agree to "erase," "reset" or "do over"
take turns
share
negotiate
postpone
ignore
get help

We learned about Cesar Chavez as a Peace Builder.  We read several fun stories: Frog's Breathtaking Speech by Michael Chissick, Flight School by Lita Judge and Peanut Butter and Jellyfish by Jarrett J. Krosoczka  We practiced a couple meditations:  A Handful of Quiet by Thich Nhat Hanh and Sa Ta Na Ma.  I'll try to remember to send these home tomorrow.

We look forward to sharing with you about what we've been up to this week!  If you are available, we'll see you at 11:30-12:00 for our Grand Finale!

If you have time, we'd appreciate your feedback on the survey linked here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1B9F4jNe3uAO5Bw5sEj3WRzv1EKuQDN2kuP9Mb88sLj8/viewform?usp=send_form

Thank you for sharing your kiddos with us!  It's been a joy to learn and work together this week,
D'Etta and Val

Yoga Camp Day Two

Today we concentrated on healthy choices and positive attitude!  We reminded ourselves about what is in our Circle of Control (our thoughts, actions, decisions) and how to use the "whole brain" in our heads!

Our yoga practice explored trees, and we need to be more like 'em.  We discussed how trees grow roots for a strong foundation but are flexible and bend with the wind and endure all kinds of weather.  Trees are helpful and provide us fresh air to breathe and shelter/furniture and for some animals a home!

Our "party trick" posture was L handstands or "Banyan Trees."  During final relaxation we tried out relaxation clothes, wash clothes soaked in water with a few drops of lavender, peppermint and rosemary essential oils.  Some folks preferred the lavender eye pillows!

Our Peace Builder today was Professor Wangari Maathai of The Greenbelt Movement.  Here's a video Mrs. Byrd Fort shared: http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/get-involved/be-a-hummingbird

I WANT TO BE A HUMMINGBIRD!  How about you?

Mrs. Byrd Fort shared her famous smoothies with us!  The recipe is blueberries, pitted dates, spinach, banana--mix with water and BLEND.

We discussed mindfulness while eating and encouraged shopping the perimeter of the grocery store!

Looking forward to tomorrow.  We'll complete preparation of our technology presentation for our Grand Finale Program, Thursday, July 3, 11:30-12:00.  It's blue and/or purple day!  We'll concentrate on getting along with others and what to do when we have trouble with that .  .  .

Thank you, again, for sharing your children with us!  We are having a BLAST together,
D'Etta Broam and Val Byrd Fort