The Yoga of Graphic Art in Ireland

Since I am highlighting the incredible talents of some artists lately, and how they can enhance the path of yogis, yoga studios, and any creative soul looking to have an artistic impact with their product or packaging etc., I have to include the incredibly talented Liam Anderson.  When I was in Ireland, I was blessed to meet some of the most kind souls.  While there, Riya Yoga was offering the Kids Yoga Teacher Training for which students receive my original Kids Yoga music & my children's book (The Yoga Adventures of Priya and Pooch - Indian Treasure). 

Course Manual, Kids Book and Cd

Riya Yoga Kids CD Cover - Art Work by Liam Anderson

Riya Yoga Kids CD Inside - Art Work by Liam Anderson

I like to have Teacher Trainees incorporate music because I have witnessed how powerful a tool it is for all kids, plus being a musician it is wonderful to create some music that can be woven into yoga.  Since many teachers utilize Ipods, i figured I could just burn the songs to CD or have them bring a USB Flash Drive.  Since I did not have CD's or a CD burner, I was lucky enough to meet Liam.  Liam said he could help me out.  While I thought he would just be burning the songs to disc, Liam actually took a liking to the catchy tunes and decided the CD's should have some album art work.  Liam is another person who is incredibly talented in graphic design and came up with a beautiful Album cover.  Special thanks to Liam for taking the time to provide this beautiful art work for me and the trainees to enjoy.  For anyone interested in having Liam provide graphic art work or web design, you can email him at: liamaanderson@gmail.com

Recap of Yoga & Reiki from Ireland to New York

The past few months have been a glorious adventure of Yoga, Kids Yoga and Reiki.  From Ireland with three beautiful Goddess (Mia, Mielle, and Donna) as they immersed themselves into the transformative 200Hr Yoga Teacher Training, to New York City where Sandi took the same journey, then Joseph, David, and Anthony embarked on the incredibly fun and exciting Kids Yoga, and Stephanie, Mike, Dana and Doris all found healing and light in Reiki Level 1.  I am so grateful to have been invited to share and inspire new Reiki Healers & Yoga Teachers, and Kids Yoga Teachers.  Congratulations to these amazing individuals!  Keep shinning and spreading this beautiful holistic practice, inspiring more people to love & light.  Thank you all for being receptive to the practice of Yoga.  Special thanks To Sun Moon Yoga Healing Center in Limerick, Ireland and Yoga Nidra Studio in Brooklyn, New York.

 

 

 

 

Kids Yoga TT & 200 Hr Adult Yoga TT in New York

Reiki Level 1 @ Yoga Nidra Studio in Brooklyn, New York

200Hr Yoga TT in Limerick, Ireland @ Sun Moon Yoga Healing Center

Kids Yoga Teacher Training in Ireland

Though I left Ireland last month, I realized I never posted about the incredible Kids Yoga Teacher Training.  For me Kids Yoga is one of my most favorite things to teach.  Kids are the most pure teachers of the 8 Limbs (Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samdhi).  I generally teach kids yoga with story, play and of course music.  While I have so much respect and gratitude to the amazing Kids Yoga Schools/Yoga Schools that I have had the honor to teach and share with like (Yogi Beans, Karma Kids, Little Flower, Bent on Learning, Bamboomoves, HMS, HBK, and the few youth shelters that I have taught at in Canada and India), I was so grateful to share this new RIYA YOGA KIDS program to inspire people different ways to bring Harmony to Kids through Yoga.

This incredible group of 7 yogis explored Partner Yoga, Yoga sequencing, Behavior Modification, Yoga Music, Yoga Stories, Yoga Adventures, Pranayama, Meditation, Yoga Games, and much more all geared to teaching kids yoga.  It was so fun to watch and share, and witness all their unique gifts and talents.  When we teach kids we truly should be able to be a kids too.  Have fun, smile, and consider everyone.  The group had so much amazing energy, and shared such beautiful ideas and insight when we discussed methods to work with kids.  Some of the group already works with kids, and this just provided different tools whether it was original music, my Kids book, or the manual that offered a variety of different ways to create a discipline that is both structured and fun.

Caravan of Camels (Partner Camel Pose/Ustrasana)

Bee Breathing - Pranayama

While I have had extensive experience with Children with Special needs, and this program works with all kids regardless of special need.  Kids do yoga naturally, and if you teach a child anything with a song they will remember it for their whole life, hence why we all remember our "ABC's.





That being said, I always recommend students to study further with other trainings and keep on learning.  Sonia Sumar is the lady I always refer students to, who want to specialize in Kids with Special Needs, as her experience and course are an incredible asset to the Kids Yoga Teachers tool box.  Radiant Child offers more brilliant music and tools, Yogi Beans, Karma Kids, Little Flower are all based in NYC, but provide awesome resources for those who want to share yoga to kids.

Special thanks to the incredible group of yogis who joined in the fun and adventures of Riya Yoga Kids Training.  It was such a delight to work with all of you.  More photos are on my facebook page.  Namaste ~

Back Pack Pose

Building Bridges (Golden Gate Bridge in Limerick) - Bridge Pose

Day 17 - Meditation for Kids

We are at Day 17 of our amazing Meditation Journey, and many of you have reached out to me asking how to make this practice accessible for your kids.  Meditation is a great practice for kids, it helps to bring a sense of calm, focus, relaxation and happiness.  It is important to understand and respect that children have a lot of energy, so allow kids the chance to embrace the practice of meditation with positive encouragement.  Assure them it will only be for a short time, and it will help them to focus in school and life.  You can even tell them about some amazing super heroes or princesses who practice meditation

Three Simple Ideas to use with Kids:

1. Singing Bowl/Bell - Have kids sit up straight, play a Tibetan singing bowl and guide them to listen to the sound, imagine the sound in their body, and breathe deep.
2. Visualization - Take kids on a guided journey on a beach, or in a forest, or surrounded by their loved ones and friends.  Have them breathe in happy thoughts.
3. Yoga Nidra - Have kids relax into savasana with guided relaxation.  You can use images of rainbows and have them connect with the tingling sensations in the tips of their fingers and rest of their body.
   

The best part of Meditation with Kids is to ask them how they feel after.  Since kids are so connected to positive vibration they usually have amazing experiences and will share some profound stories.  Encourage them to share, and always thank them for sharing with positive comments.