Yoga is an ideal exercise for parents and children to practice together. It gets energy moving when the body is slow and slows down energy when the body is overactive.
No special equipment is needed. Comfy clothes, bare feet, a non-slip surface, and space to move is all that’s required. Yoga mats are nice but not necessary. Try this springtime sequence outside on a big towel.
Practicing with your child helps them to develop healthy habits for overall well-being. Don’t worry about kids getting the pose perfect. The most important thing is to get them to listen to their body, move slowly, and become aware of the breath.
Now let’s become a Wildflower as we go on A Yoga Storytelling Adventure!
1. Seed – Child’s pose
Imagine you are a little seed.
Come down to your knees and sit back on your feet. Fold forward bringing your head to the ground. You can stretch your arms out in front palms down or place them back alongside the body with the palms face up.
You are a little seed covered with soil waiting to wake up. Stay here for a few breaths, breathing in and out slowly. Feel your connection to the earth.
2. Sprout – Downward facing dog pose
Spring rains fall and the sun warms the earth. The seed sprouts.
From child’s pose come onto hands and knees. Hands under shoulders. Knees under hips. Spread your fingers wide like spider webs. Curl the toes under and straighten the legs lifting the hips up and back as you come into downward facing dog pose. Look at your toes. Stay here for a couple of slow breaths as you enjoy the stretch.
3. Seedling – Mountain pose
The sprout unfurls into a seedling.
From downward facing dog pose walk your feet forward, then slowly roll up to standing, the head is the last to come up. Stand tall, feel your feet firmly planted like roots growing down into the ground and your head lifted high to the sky. Take a few breaths as you reach for the sun.
4. Bend in the breeze – Side Stretch pose
Gentle breezes help you to grow strong.
From mountain pose slowly inhale and lift one arm up then exhale as you reach over for a gentle side stretch. Pause and feel the stretch. Switch arms and repeat the stretch on the opposite side. Inhale as you lift your arm, exhale as you bend. Mindfully move from side to side a few times. Notice the strength of our arms and legs.
5. Grow tall – Star Pose
Sunshine and rain help you to grow strong.
From mountain pose step the feet out and lift the arms up. Breathe deeply in and out as you imagine the soft rain and warm sunshine nourishing you from fingertips to toes. Lift your face to the sky in gratitude.
6. Blossom and Leaf – Tree Pose
You are ready to blossom!
From mountain pose come onto the toes of one foot. Turn the knee out to the side and rest the heel on the ankle or lower leg. This is your little leaf bud. Press down into your standing leg reaching your roots deep into the ground. Bring your heads together at your heart and slowly reach your arms overhead. This is your blossom. Breath, balance and appreciate your strength.
7. Butterflies and bees – Warrior III
Butterflies and bees sip your sweet nectar.
From mountain pose reach forward and lift one leg behind you. Arms can be stretched out in front of you or opened out into a big T. Imagine a butterfly or a bee flying by to sip your sweet nectar. Balance and breathe as your offer your sweetness to others. Release the pose and repeat on the opposite side.
8. Wildflower – Easy Pose
You are a sweet-smelling wildflower and bring happiness to the world.
Sit in easy pose. Legs crossed and hands resting on your knees. Close your eyes. Feel your seat on the ground and your head reach high to the sky. Smile as you breathe in and out. Sunshine and rain have nourished you. You have grown strong. Butterflies and bees dance all around you.
Springtime blessings,
Kathe
P.S. Home school parent, elementary teacher or school librarian? We've got companion products for each of our books! Check them out @ www.ayogastorytellingadventure.com
