Why
combine story and yoga?
Because
there is no better way to learn than through imaginative play!
Our Kids
Yoga Stories enhance children’s natural curiosity about the world,
encourage their innate creativity, and engage them in mindful
movement. Improving the health and well-being of children is our mission
and why we started writing books in the first place!
Here is
a simple story and yoga sequence using a multi-sensory approach for some FALL
fun!
Yoga is
an ideal exercise for parents and children to practice together. It gets energy
moving when the body is slow and slows energy down when the body is
hyperactive.
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.
Practice this fall sequence outside on the earth.
Practicing
with your child helps them develop healthy habits for overall well-being; physical,
mental, and emotional health. Don’t worry about kids getting the pose perfect.
The most important thing is to get them to become aware of their body, to move
slowly and be mindful of the breath.
Hold each
pose for a breath or two as you breathe in and out slowly.
Use your
senses and your imagination and FALL into A Yoga Storytelling Adventure!
1. Stand tall – Mountain pose
I stand tall, look around and notice.
Stand strong with your arms at your sides, your
shoulders stacked on top of your hips, your head reaching high to the sky, and
breathe deep.
Benefit – improves posture, stability, and body
awareness
2. Tree – Tree pose
The days
are getting cooler. A new season is beginning, and the leaves on the trees are
changing colors.
From Mountain pose come onto
the toes of one foot. Turn the knee out to the side and rest the toes on the
ground or place the sole of the foot on the lower leg. Bring your heads
together at your heart and slowly reach your arms overhead. Balance and breathe.
Release the pose and repeat with the opposite foot.
Benefit – improves balance, and develops a strong core
3. The Wind – Standing Side Stretch
A gentle
wind blows, and the colorful leaves begin to rustle.
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.
Wiggle your fingers!
Benefit – stretches the shoulders
and arms, increases spinal mobility and improves breathing capacity
4. Leaves falling – Dancer Pose
A red leaf
falls to the ground, and then an orange one. They look like they are dancing in
the breeze!
From Mountain pose, lean forward and reach your arms out in
front as you lift one leg out behind you. Perhaps you bend your knee and reach back,
and grab hold of the foot with your hand. Come back to mountain and repeat on
the opposite side.
Benefit - strengthens the feet, ankles, legs, core,
back, arms and shoulders, as it improves balance and concentration
5. Gather Leaves – Forward Fold
I rake the leaves and gather them into a big pile.
From Mountain pose, hinge at the hips and
allow your arms and head to hang down towards the ground. It’s ok to bend your
knees. Hold the pose for a breath or two and then round up slowly.
Benefits – stretches the legs, develops core stability and strength, improves digestion
6. Fall into the Leaves – Triangle pose
The leaves look soft and fluffy like a cloud, and I fall into them.
From Mountain pose step one foot back and
turn it out to the side. Raise the arms to shoulder height and reach out with
the front hand, now tip over like a teapot. The front hand reaches to the shin
and the back hand reaches to the sky. Release the pose, come back into Mountain
pose and repeat on the opposite side.
Benefits - strengthens the legs and back, stretches
the thighs and shoulders, energizes the body, improves balance
Kneeling down I toss them in the air!
From Mountain pose set one foot back and
bring the knee down to the ground. Lift the arms up overhead and breathe.
Release the pose and repeat on the opposite side.
Benefits – stretches the hip flexors, improves
balance and stability, strengthens the core
8. Rest – Easy pose
That was so much fun! Now it is time to rest, I am grateful for the seasons!
Sit with your legs crossed, seat on the
ground and head held high to the sky. Hands rest on your knees. Breathe.
Benefits – improves postural awareness,
calming and soothing
Fall Blessings,
Kathe
To learn more about our Kids Yoga Stories click here > https://www.ayogastorytellingadventure.com
