“For it is in giving that we receive.” - St Francis of Assisi

 

This is the quote that opens our newest book. It's one of our favorites!

Practicing yoga reveals limitless possibilities. We become aware of our innate power as humans and realize the yogic lifestyle does not end with breathing exercises, posture practice, and meditation. 

As we move along on this yoga storytelling adventure called LIFE many questions arise. We often wonder, what can I do with this creative energy and how can I make an impact in the world?

One answer is Seva, as it is known in the yoga world. Seva is the Sanskrit word for selfless service. It is the practice of serving others without expecting payment, acknowledgement, or any type of reward in return. 

In our search for joy and happiness it doesn't always occur to us that giving and serving others is a way to find it. While the point of Seva is to give without expectation, we do receive many benefits. Some of which are;

·        Emotional well-being

·        Stress reduction

·        Improved morale

·        Greater joy and happiness

·        Inner peace

Mel and I recently had the opportunity to practice Seva. We shared story and yoga with about 40 kids at Camp Brave Hearts. This summer camp hosted by Hospice of Acadiana is for children who have lost a loved one. We shared the story "The Most Beautiful Heart" and practiced heart opening postures. May our humble offering help them to connect to their emotions so that they may process their grief. 

Whenever you feel the inner call to do something nice and you do it without needing a thank you in return, that is Seva. Even something as simple as checking on a neighbor, picking up trash, listening to a troubled friend, or smiling at a stranger.  

Whatever calls to you, rest assured that your selfless service will create a new level of joy, meaning, and fulfillment in your life.

Sharing story and yoga calls to us, that’s the main reason we started writing children’s books in the first place. Here is a sneak peek at our upcoming newest title, The Magic Peach Tree, humility, generosity, and abundance abound in this timeless tale. 

We'd love for you to be a part of our launch team. A launch team member gets an advanced reader copy PDF, and prepares a review. On launch day we ask that you download the eBook for FREE and leave the review on our book page on Amazon soon thereafter. That way it shows as a verified purchase and reviews are how indie authors get seen. 😀 

click here > The Magic Peach Tree launch team

We close with another of our favorite quotes, this one by Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”   

Mahalo, we serve.

Xoxo Kathe and Mel

You want me to do what with my nose?

Ummm… you want me to do what with my nose?

Yup, that might be the reaction you get from kids or anyone for that matter, but this funny-looking ancient yogic breathing practice is powerful!

Kids love doing goofy things so it shouldn’t be too difficult to get them to give this a try.

So what is it?

It is called alternate nostril breathing, also known as Nadi Shodahana Pranayama.  

    * Nadi = energy channel

·       * Shodhana = purification

·       * Pranayama = breathing technique

What is it good for?

Stop for a moment and close your eyes. Take a long, slow, deep breath in, and then gently exhale allowing the breath to slowly leave the body.

Notice how you feel. Less anxious? More relaxed? That’s the power of the breath, or pranayama as the yogis say.

The goal of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is to purify the nervous system by balancing breath between the right and left nostrils, calming the body and mind.

 How do you do it?

This practice is for children 8 years and older, be prepared for some giggles but kids will soon get the hang of it!

There are various hand positions one can use for this practice; however, the easiest one for kids is simply using the thumb and index finger of the right hand.

The thumb will close off the right nostril and the index finger will close off the left. Curl the other three fingers in toward the palm and you are good to go.

·       * Find a comfortable seat and take a long, slow, deep breath in and out, close the eyes.

·       * Close the right nostril (with the thumb) and inhale through the left nostril, pause.

·       * Close the left nostril (with the index finger) and exhale through the right nostril, pause.

·       * Inhale through the right nostril, pause.

·      *  Close the right nostril and exhale through the left.

This makes one round. Repeat this cycle for 5-7 rounds.

Simple yogic breathing is a powerful tool for managing thoughts, emotions, and energy levels.

Introducing new concepts and techniques with your kids is easy, just practice with them. Don’t worry about getting it just right. Giggle a little bit and enjoy the moment!

Our book, Peace and Quiet, includes three easy breathing techniques for kids to use as a means of self-empowerment. Even the littlest of yogis can become calm, focused, and alert with belly breathing, bee breath, and bunny breath!

Click here for the FREE audio of the breathing exercises > 

Peace and Quiet Breathing Exercises

Happy Breathing! 

Kathe

Fun in the Sun!

 

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 summertime fun! 

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. Practice this summer sequence outside on a big beach towel.

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 listen to their body, move slowly, and become aware of the breath.

Hold each pose for a breath or two as you breathe in and out slowly.

 

Use your senses and imagination and let’s go to the beach on A Yoga Storytelling Adventure!

1. The summer sun - Mountain pose

Imagine the summer sun shining brightly as it warms your skin, and feel your toes sink into the soft sand.

Stand tall with feet hip distance apart, head lifted high to the sky.

Benefit – improves posture, stability, and body awareness.

              

2. Surfer - Warrior II 

You see a surfer out on the waves. His arms are spread wide and he looks strong and courageous.

From Mountain pose step back with the right foot. Turn the foot out and the torso to the side. Inhale and lift the arms to shoulder height, exhale and bend the left knee as you look out over the left fingertips. Release and step back into Mountain pose before repeating Warrior II on the opposite side. 

Benefits – strengthens the legs and opens the chest.  

 

3. Dolphins -Dolphin pose 

You hear laughter and notice dolphins as they play in the blue green water.

From Mountain pose come down to hands and knees, hands under shoulders and knees under hips. Bring the forearms to the ground with the elbows under the shoulders. Tuck the toes and straighten the legs. Gaze at your toes.

Benefits – strengthens the arms and stretches the back of the legs.

 

4. Swimming - Locust pose 

You reach out and taste the salty sea, then dive in for a swim.

From Dolphin pose slowly come down to lying on the belly. Stretch the arms out behind you, palms facing up. Inhale and lift the head, chest, arms, and legs, reach out through your fingers and toes. Exhale and relax. Repeat the pose.

Benefits – strengthens the back of the body.

 

5. Sandcastle - Downward facing dog pose 

Now it’s time to build a sandcastle, with buckets and shovels you create a fortress.   

Return to hands and knees. Curl the toes and lift the hips up, gaze at the toes.

Benefits – strengthens the arms and legs, stretches the spine.

 

6. Sand Crabs - Upward facing table pose  

Sand crabs scurry by and you scoot after them.

Sit with feet flat and knees bent. Place the hands behind you, fingers pointing towards the body. Inhale and lift the hips. Look up at the sky and scoot forward and back like a crab.

Benefits – strengthens arms, legs, and the core body.

 

7. Sailboats -  Boat pose         

Colorful boats with white sails skim across the ocean.

From Upward facing table pose release the hips to the ground. Sit tall and reach the arms out in front of you. Lift the feet off the ground and maybe even straighten the legs.

Benefits – builds core strength.

8. Starfish -Star pose

A starfish washes onto the beach as the sun begins to set, and you gently toss it back into the water. Breathing in and out slowly, you say - goodbye beach, see you next time!

Come back to Mountain pose. Step the feet out wide and turn the toes out. Inhale as you lift the arms out to shoulder height, reaching out with the fingertips. Exhale and press down through the feet. Twinkle like a star!

 

Summer blessings,

Kathe

Making a BIG SPLASH!

Our newest title recently launched and it's making a BIG SPLASH! 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews are coming in!!

This is what Leigh Ann had to say,

"This is my first time reading a yoga story, and I couldn't have started with a better one. Revolving around Hawaiian culture, this story tells us of two brothers who save a shark, but then break a rule within their village. Their father seeks help with their punishment via the Shark God, and not to ruin it, but it does have a happy ending.

The book starts with a quote from the Dalai Lama, followed by a letter to parents, and then leads into some quick instruction on the Hawaiian language. The story begins, and with some beautiful illustrations throughout, takes us on a wonderful Hawaiian journey. Not finished yet, the book then leads us through Loving-Kindness Compassion Meditation and ends with 4 pages of yoga poses that coincide with the story.

I love everything about this book. It is packed, cover to cover, with so much, and I am here for it. I can't wait to get a physical copy of it in my hands to share with my family."

Mel and I took a trip to Hawaii several years back, we were both captivated and enthralled by the magnificence. We gave a yogic twist to this terrific tale in honor of the people and customs of the islands and feedback like this is more than a little heartwarming!!

This Yoga Storytelling Adventure takes us on a captivating journey to Hawaii, where two boys free a shark struggling in the sand. In celebration the boys beat the High Chief's drum, which is kapu, forbidden. What will happen now?

In this timeless tale, courage, perseverance, and compassion are exemplified. Although intended for ages 4 to 8, SHARK LOVERS and kids of all ages will be enthralled. 

Included is a Hawaiian 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!

We'd love to hear from you too! Grab your FREE eBook June 9 and 10, and kindly leave a review when you have a moment. One or two sentences will do!

Get it here > mybook.to/Kauhuhu

Oh, and check this out....we have a treat for teachers and homeschool parents too. The Toolkit has creative curriculum ideas, concepts to consider, and conversation starters. A great companion to the book!

You can find it @www.ayogastorytellingadventure.com

Creating calm, confident, and compassionate kids through story and yoga,

Kathe and Mel

Mental Health Awareness

 

May is mental health awareness month, and we are passionate about story and yoga’s ability to promote not only literacy but also health and well-being.

Yoga is a skill that will support your kids for life. If you have never practiced yoga, now is the perfect time to give it a try. You and your kids will benefit. Sharing story and yoga with your kids will build a bond that you will be ever so grateful for.

Our stories offer social emotional learning skills, mindful movement and imaginative play! Parents and kids play and have fun together as well as learn to be still and quiet.

Listening to wisdom stories, practicing yoga, simple breathing exercises and easy meditations are all beneficial habits that will last a lifetime. They support happiness, health, and relationships!

Children are natural yogis; most kids are flexible and willing to try new things. Let it be fun and something that feels good for both of you. Yoga is non-competitive, anyone can practice.  

Yoga is different than other forms of exercise. Strength, flexibility, and balance are developed as are body, mind, and emotions. Research has found that yoga supports mental health issues like anxiety and depression, even ADHD.

Yoga helps children become calm, confident, and compassionate. In a noisy and chaotic world, yoga helps focus the mind, body, and emotions. Create a space where you can practice together without judgement or expectation.

Learning how to relax, breathe, and release tension is a life skill we all need, they help us to deal with life situations. We all know that mental health is just as important as physical health!

Celebrate Mental Health month and grab the eBook, Peace and Quiet, for FREE May 23 and 24.

Get it here > getbook.at/peaceandquiet

We love feedback, please take a moment and leave a kind review at Amazon!

May you and your children be happy and healthy!

Kathe

Spring into Yoga

A simple sequence just in time for the Spring Equinox to bring balance to kids’ AND adults’ bodies and minds!

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

Spring into Homeschooling!

Homeschooling or considering homeschooling?

We are thrilled to announce Mel’s upcoming podcast interview with Bex Buzzie on The Homeschool Advantage.

Listen here https://realedtalk.podbean.com/   

If you homeschool or are considering homeschooling you won’t want to miss this.

Bex Buzzie is a teacher, coach and educational course content creator from San Diego, California. She connects homeschoolers to vendors, curriculum content creators, coops and more. The Homeschool Advantage is here to give you the leg up in a world that is slightly upside down.

For several decades now there has been a huge exodus from the public school system and it will probably continue. Tons of resources are available, and parents may feel overwhelmed as they research suppliers.

The Homeschool Advantage works as a liaison. Parents can connect with the creator of content and see if what they offer resonates with them. A win-win!

We know parents as educators are innovators themselves and are continuously looking to expand their curriculums. We hope we can help them to fulfill their mission with a fun way to incorporate social emotional learning, mindful movement, and imaginative play into the homeschool classroom with A Yoga Storytelling Adventure.

Parents and teachers are discovering ways to use story and yoga creatively in the classroom with our FREE 10 page Resource Guide filled with tips.

Get it here www.ayogastorytellingadventure.com/freebies

All 3 eBooks will be FREE for this promo March 2 and 3

Reviews mean the world to indie authors because they help more people notice their books. If you read one of the books, please consider leaving a review at Amazon, we’d love to hear your honest feedback!

 getbook.at/peaceandquiet

getbook.at/foreverfriends

getbook.at/theimpossibledream

With the magic of story and the wisdom of yoga let the adventure begin!

Kathe and Mel