Grow Like a Flower

As the world around us blossoms, it’s the perfect time to invite little ones into a story that mirrors nature’s magic. In this month’s kids yoga story we'll go on a peaceful journey—from a quiet seed nestled in the earth to a radiant flower reaching for the sun. Through mindful movement and imaginative play, kids can breathe, grow, and bloom right along with the story.🌼💛

Are you ready to Grow Like a Flower?

Let’s take a journey with our breath and imagination. A journey to where all flowers begin. Close your eyes for a moment.

Feel the earth beneath you. It’s time to grow.

Imagine you are a small seed, tucked into the warm earth.
The soil hugs you close. You are resting and waiting for just the right time to awaken.

Child’s Pose

Kneel on the floor. Bring your big toes together, knees apart. Lower your belly between your legs. Stretch your arms forward or let them rest by your sides. Rest your forehead on the ground. Take slow breaths. Pretend you are a tiny seed resting deep in the soil.

You notice the ground gently move. The earth awakens and invites you to begin your journey upward.

Cat-Cow Pose

Come onto your hands and knees. For Cow Pose: Drop your belly, lift your head and tailbone up. For Cat Pose: Round your back like a cat, tuck your chin to your chest. Move slowly between the two. Breathe in as you lift into cow. Breathe out as you round into cat.

Soft, spring rain begins to fall. It drip-drops on the ground above you, trickling into the soil, soaking your roots, and you feel yourself ready to rise.

Downward Facing Dog Pose

From hands and knees, tuck your toes under. Lift your hips high into the air. Make your body look like an upside-down V. Press your hands and feet into the floor. Imagine rain falling gently, pause and breathe.

Slowly, you stretch toward the surface. You lift your head and open your heart. You are a tiny sprout reaching for the light,

Cobra Pose

Lie on your belly with legs straight back. Place hands under your shoulders. Press into your hands and lift your chest gently. Keep elbows soft, shoulders relaxed. Look forward like a sprout reaching up toward the sun.

One small leaf stretches out. Then another, each reaching in a different direction. You balance, you explore, you grow stronger with each stretch.

Balance the Cat Pose

Start on hands and knees. Stretch one arm forward and the opposite leg back. Balance and stay in the pose for a breath or two, then switch sides.

You grow taller, stronger. Your roots reach deep into the earth.
Your stem rises high toward the sky, stretching towards the light.

Tree Pose

Stand tall. Bring one foot to rest on your ankle, calf, or thigh (not the knee). Press hands together at your chest or reach them overhead like branches. Balance and breathe. Switch legs.

Your petals open. Your arms stretch out wide into the world. You begin to glow and bloom.

Star Pose

Stand with your feet wide apart. Stretch your arms out to the sides. Spread your fingers and toes wide. Smile!

You are a flower fully grown, you are whole, you are peaceful. The sun shines warmly on your face. The breeze carries your sweet scent across the fields. Now it is time for you to rest in the garden.

Easy Pose

Sit cross-legged on the ground. Rest your hands on your knees or your heart. Close your eyes or look gently downward. Sit quietly. Imagine the sun on your face and breathe.

You started as a tiny seed, waiting quietly in the earth. With each breath and gentle movement, you stretched, reached, and bloomed into a beautiful flower. Just like in the garden, we grow little by little—each and every day.

The End

As you continue to grow, may stories guide your journey and yoga help you stay grounded and strong. 

Speaking of stories, there’s a new yoga storytelling adventure waiting beneath the waves—one that’s full of heart, movement, and a touch of magic. 

Have you had a chance to dive into The Wish Fish yet? Our newest title invites kids to be grateful for the simple things in life.

We’d love for you to share it with someone special, and, if it makes a splash in your home or classroom, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Your feedback helps others discover the magic of story and the wisdom of yoga!

Until next time, keep breathing, moving, and imagining!

XOXO,

Kathe and Mel

 

Spring Fling!

 

Spring Fling: A Heartfelt Thank You!

Spring is in the air, and we couldn't think of a better time to celebrate the success of our book launch! Thanks to each and every one of you who supported us—whether by purchasing, sharing, or simply cheering us on. Your kindness and encouragement made this journey truly special, and we are beyond grateful.

We made it to #3 in Children's Mindfulness and Meditation ebooks! Woohoo! 

If you've read it and enjoyed it but haven't reviewed it yet, we would love to hear your thoughts—your reviews make all the difference! They help new readers discover the book and allow us to continue to share our passions of promoting literacy, health, and well-being.

Click here to > Leave a Review

We've got FREE companions!! Teacher friends and homeschool parents, did you know we've got Toolkits and Printables to enhance the experience? Kids don't know they're learning when they're having fun! 

Grab them here > www.ayogastorytellingadventure.com/freebies

Thanks again for making this Spring Fling one to remember! 

XOXO, 

Kathe and Mel

Growing Gratitude: Seven powerful reasons why gratitude matters for kids

Gratitude, it makes our days shine brighter – it is so important for kids’ mental and emotional well-being!

What is gratitude?

Consider introducing the concept of gratitude to your kids by letting them know gratitude simply means being thankful for the good things in life. It’s like having a warm, happy feeling inside when you think about things, people, or moments that make you smile. It's about noticing and appreciating the little things.

Seven powerful reasons gratitude matters

    1. Boosts Happiness and Emotional Well-Being Gratitude helps children focus on positive experiences, which increases feelings of joy and reduces negative emotions like sadness or frustration. Studies show that practicing gratitude can improve overall life satisfaction, even in kids.

    2. Improves Mental Health Practicing gratitude can lower stress and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When children learn to appreciate the good in their lives, it helps them develop a positive outlook and better emotional resilience.

    3. Enhances Relationships Grateful children tend to be more empathetic, kind, and cooperative. Expressing gratitude strengthens friendships and helps kids build strong connections with family, friends, and teachers.

    4. Builds Resilience Gratitude helps children cope with adversity by teaching them to find silver linings even in tough times. This skill builds emotional strength and resilience for the future.

    5. Promotes Better Sleep Gratitude can improve sleep quality by helping children relax and think positive thoughts before bedtime. When kids focus on what they’re thankful for, they are less likely to dwell on worries or stress.

    6. Improves Physical Health Research suggests that gratitude is linked to better physical health. Grateful children may experience fewer health complaints, like headaches or stomachaches, and feel more energetic.

    7. Encourages Self-Awareness and Mindfulness Gratitude helps kids pay attention to the present moment and appreciate what they have instead of focusing on what they don’t. This fosters mindfulness and self-awareness.

Incorporating gratitude practices, like gratitude journaling or sharing what they're thankful for can help children experience these benefits and lead healthier, happier lives!

We offer a simple guided gratitude meditation practice in our soon to be released book, The Wish Fish. Want a FREE copy?

We’ve been busy preparing for the launch of The Wish Fish, this is our 6th book in the A Yoga Storytelling Adventure series and would love for you to play a part!

As a launch team member, you get an opportunity to help shape our success. Here’s how it works;

🐟 Read an exclusive early copy of The Wish Fish. 🐟 Prepare an honest review 🐟 Buy the book for FREE on launch day (guarantees your review will show as a verified purchase) 🐟 Leave the review at Amazon on launch day

Easy peasy, right? We hope you’ll join; launch team members get a chance to win a signed paperback copy when the book goes LIVE!

Ready to dive in and help us makes some waves? Sign up today and be a part of something extraordinary! Click the link > https://bit.ly/3CXQCE8

XOXO,

Kathe and Mel

 

February Fun!

Happy Valentine’s Day!! From our hearts to yours, please enjoy this short story…

A Valentine’s Day Yoga Adventure 

Once upon a time, in an enchanted garden filled with love and laughter, two little friends, Bree and Ben, went on a Valentine’s yoga journey to deliver a special love letter to a magical heart tree.

“Perhaps we need to fly to there!” said Bree. Bree and Ben sat down and began flapping their knees like wings. 

Butterfly Pose 

Sit with a straight spine, knees bent and the soles of the feet together. Hold the feet or toes with the hands, relax the knees then gently flap them up and down for a for breaths. 

“I think we need to crawl under the rainbow bridge,” said Ben, “Let’s stretch first.” They folded forward, then walked their hands out in front, stretching their spines and legs. Flowers covered the ground, and they sniffed the sweet scent. “Look at all the heart-shaped roses!” he said.

Downward-Facing Dog 

Begin on all fours. Hands under shoulders, fingers spread wide, and knees under hips. Tuck your toes under lift your hips up until your body forms an upside down "V". Straighten your legs while pushing your heels toward the floor. Relax your head and look at your toes. 

On the other side of the rainbow bridge, they found a still pond covered with lovely water lilies. Jumping like frogs, they hopped from one heart-shaped lily pad to another. “Ribbit! Ribbit! Almost there!” they laughed. 

Frog Pose 

Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart and your toes turned out. Bend your knees and lower your hips toward the floor. Press your elbows into your thighs. Bring your palms together in front of your heart. Lengthen your spine and lift the crown of your head. 

Once they reached the garden, they stood tall and pretended to be big, beautiful trees with heart-shaped leaves swaying in the wind. 

Tree Pose 

Stand tall in Mountain pose. Bend one knee and turn it out to the side. Place the foot on calf. Bring your hands together at your heart then lift them above your head. Balance. Breathe. Repeat on the opposite side. 

“Oh no, we must not let our love letter blow away! We must protect it from the wind,” they cried. 

Warrior I 

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Step back with one leg, turn the toes out at an angle. Square your hips toward the front leg. Bend your front knee until it's at a 90-degree angle, or as far as you can comfortably go. Inhale and raise your arms overhead, keeping them straight with your palms facing each other. Hold the pose for a few breaths. Repeat on the opposite side. 

Now, how were they going to find the magical heart tree? They reached their arms and feet out wide, becoming shining stars to light the way. “It’s over there!” they cheered.

Star Pose

Stand in mountain pose with your feet hip-width apart. Step your feet out wide, turning the toes out. Extend your arms out to your sides. Press down through your feet. Shine like a star!

Arriving at the magical tree, they lay on their bellies and slipped the love letter into the heart-shaped opening. 

Cobra Pose 

Lie on your belly. Feet hip-width apart and toes pointed back. Place your hands on the ground, just outside of your shoulders. Bend your elbows and keep them close to your sides. Inhale and lift your head and chest. Look forward, breathe, release. 

The magical heart tree began to sparkle and glow. Bree and Ben heard a whisper, “Thank you for your love.”  They rolled over onto their backs and imagined all the love spreading across the world like little sparkles.

“Namaste,” they said, smiling at each other. Their yoga adventure had filled their hearts with love and laughter. 

Rest Pose 

Lie on your back on a flat surface with your arms and legs spread out comfortably. Close your eyes. Rest. 

We hope you enjoyed this Valentine Yoga Storytelling Adventure as much as we did!

And...we’ve got NEWS!

We’re gearing up for the launch of our 6th book, The Wish Fish, and we want you to be part of it! As a launch team member, you get an opportunity to help shape our success. Here’s how it works;

🐟 Read an exclusive early copy of The Wish Fish.

🐟 Prepare an honest review

🐟 Buy the book for FREE on launch day (guarantees your review will show as a verified purchase)

🐟 Leave the review at Amazon on launch day

Easy peasy, right? We hope you’ll join; launch team members get a chance to win a signed paperback copy when the book goes LIVE!

Ready to join this exciting journey? Sign up today and be a part of something extraordinary! Click the link > https://bit.ly/3CXQCE8

XOXO,

Kathe and Mel

 

Strengthen Your Immune System with Dao Yin

Wishing you health and happiness in 2025 and offering support on your wellness journey! 

As yogis, we know the power of mindful movement and breath to nurture body, mind, and spirit. This month, we want to share the ancient Chinese practice of Dao Yin—a powerful complement to your yoga practice that can help boost your immune system and build nervous system resilience.

Dao Yin combines gentle tapping with a soft fist as well as slow mindful inhales and exhales to enhance the flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body. This practice has been celebrated for centuries for its ability to strengthen the body's defenses and promote overall wellness.

Here’s how Dao Yin supports your immunity and builds resilience 

✨ Enhances Circulation: gentle tapping encourages lymphatic flow, vital for flushing out toxins.

✨ Reduces Stress: slow mindful breathing lowers stress hormones that can weaken immunity.

✨ Promotes Relaxation: fostering deep rest, allowing your body to repair and recharge.

Want to try this 10 minute practice? Click here > Dao Yin 

Good health isn’t something we simply wish for—it’s a commitment to action, consistency, and self-care. 

Speaking of wishes, as we dive into 2025, we want to share news of our upcoming book! 

The Wish Fish, is scheduled to be released in early April, whoo-hoo!

     This yoga storytelling adventure takes us on a thrilling journey to Japan, where a humble fisherman catches a glittering golden fish that offers to grant wishes if he is released. The fisherman wishes to live a simple life, but his greedy wife wants more. How far will it go?

     In this timeless tale simplicity, satisfaction, and gratitude are exemplified. Although intended for ages 4 to 8, kids of all ages will be entranced.

      Included is a Japanese word guide to help develop an appreciation of a different language, and best of all; a full description of yoga poses make the story come alive as you go on A Yoga Storytelling Adventure! 

The Wish Fish is the perfect companion to inspire both you and your child as you dive into a year full of possibilities. 

XOXO,

Kathe and Mel

Happy Holiday Wishes

The holidays are here, bringing a season of wonder, togetherness, and (let’s be honest) a little chaos. Between the festive buzz and endless to-do lists, it’s easy for kids—and parents—to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry, we’ve got some ideas to help you weave in calm, creativity, and connection during this special time.

This month, we’re sharing a holiday-themed yoga practice along with a magical Christmas story to bring your family closer. We hope you enjoy the adventure!

A Magical Christmas Eve Yoga Adventure

It was Christmas Eve, and the world outside shimmered under a blanket of snow, sparkling like a winter wonderland. Friends and family gathered around the glowing warmth of the fireplace, their cheeks rosy from the cold and their hearts brimming with excitement. “How can we make this night even more magical?” someone wondered aloud.

Just then, a soft, shimmering voice drifted in with the gentle winter breeze: “Let the magic begin!”

Everyone fell silent, and one by one, they stood, planting their feet firmly into the ground. With arms slowly stretching upward like branches of a tree, they imagined themselves as Christmas trees in a peaceful forest. “We are trees,” they whispered together, fingers wiggling like twinkling lights. “Standing bright and strong, we light the way for all who wander here.” A warm glow filled the room as they imagined their trees shining with joy.

Christmas Tree pose – Tree Pose

Stand with feet together in Mountain pose. Come up on to the toes of one foot and turn your knee out to the side. Rest the heel on the side of the foot, or up on the calf, not on the knee. Bring your hands together at your heart and balance. When you are ready lift your arms overhead and grow your tree, then open the arms. Breathe. Slowly release and repeat on the opposite side. 

The sound of soft crunching snow broke through the stillness. A playful reindeer appeared, bounding toward them, its antlers glistening with frost. “Hurry!” it called with a cheerful laugh. “The stars are waiting to show us the way!”

Everyone followed eagerly, running with nimble legs like a reindeer as they leaped through the frosty fields. The crisp winter air rushed past them, and they felt free and swift on a mission to spread cheer.

Reindeer pose – Warrior I

Standing tall step the right foot forward, turn the left toes out to the side at an angle. Inhale and lift the arms overhead (these are your reindeer antlers), exhale as you bend the front knee. Pause and breathe. Feel strong and steady like a warrior, feel strong and sleek like a reindeer. 

Before long, they reached an open meadow blanketed in snow. Above, the night sky stretched endlessly, twinkling with countless stars. “Let’s become stars, too!” they said.

Stretching arms and legs wide, they gazed upward in awe, becoming stars in the quiet winter night and imagined their light shining down for all to see.  Fingers wiggling like the brightest twinkles in the sky, they sent kindness out and filled the air with magic that seemed to reach every corner of the world.

Star pose

From standing tall in mountain pose. Step the feet out wide, turn the toes out bringing them into alignment with the knee. Reach the arms out at shoulder height. Twinkle like a star. 

They lowered themselves gently onto the soft snow, the reindeer curled up beside them. It was time to rest.  Breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly, they listened to the calm that surrounded them. The snow fell like a peaceful lullaby.

Child’s pose

Come to sitting on your knees, hips resting on your heels, toes touching. Inhale and fold forward bringing the forward to the ground. The arms rest alongside the body, palms facing up. Pause and breathe. 

With eyes fluttering closed, they heard a soft voice, “You’ve done well, your light, joy, and kindness have made this Christmas Eve truly magical.”

The End

Holiday Tip 

You might not have time for story and yoga every day, however, it’s great if you can take a few minutes each day for mindful breathing as a family. Sit together, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. It’s a simple way to stay centered and enjoy the magic of the season. 

Here’s wishing you a holiday filled with peace, love, and memorable moments. Remember, it’s the time you share—not the things you buy—that your children will cherish forever.

Warm Wishes for a happy, healthy holiday!

XOXO

Kathe and Mel

Thanksgiving: A time to celebrate abundance, generosity, and humility

 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and as it nears, it encourages us to reflect on abundance, generosity, and humility!

It's a season of gathering with loved ones, sharing a feast, and expressing gratitude. Beyond the celebration, it offers a chance to embrace these timeless values.

Abundance: True abundance goes beyond material wealth. It’s about recognizing life’s richness—family, friendships, nature, and moments of joy. Thanksgiving reminds us to appreciate not just the food on the table, but the intangible blessings around us.

Generosity: Thanksgiving is also about sharing our blessings. Generosity, whether through a meal, kind words, or time, spreads goodness. Even small acts of kindness can have a big impact, creating a cycle of giving and receiving.

Humility: Humility grounds us in gratitude, reminding us that our blessings are not solely our own doing. Thanksgiving invites us to stay thankful for the people and experiences that have shaped us, fostering a deeper connection and joy.

As we celebrate, may we reflect on life’s abundance, practice generosity, and embrace humility. By doing so, we create a more compassionate and connected world!

Our title “The Magic Peach Tree” abounds with abundance, generosity, and humility! And we are overjoyed to share that it has been included in the Elite Books 4 Kids Gift Guide. Every year a team of 6 Junior Reviewers read and critique hundreds of books. These books, from self-published indie authors, are carefully screened and approved. We are so very grateful to have been included!

Check out the online catalog and please feel free to share the link with anyone you think may benefit > https://2ly.link/20WnF

In addition, The Magic Peach Tree eBook will be free Nov. 18, 19, 20, get it while you can. It just may be a great conversation starter!

Grab it here > mybook.to/themagicpeachtree

XOXO,

Kathe and Mel