Mindfulness. It's been a topic in our yoga classes recently and I wanted to give you a peek into how kids think about it and express it during class ("mat chats" I call them). Recently, I asked for a show of hands. "Who can tell me what the word mindfulness means?" About 50% of hands go up. Nice!

"Being quiet." - age 4

"Really, really focusing." - age 7

"Letting your brain empty out and not worrying about stuff." - age 8

"Thinking about your thinking." - age 10

Holy cow. Yes! It's all of this. As I tell the kids, it's simply, "Stopping to really think about what you're doing, while you're doing it." It's feeling the sunshine on your face. It's hugging someone a little longer, a little tighter. It's enjoying a great meal. It's pausing to listen to your favorite song. It's looking up and sharing a smile. It's taking a deep breath. It's slowing down.

And wow, does this concept really resonate with the kids. After we "mat chat" about it, I see increased focus, determination, self-confidence, and balance in our active parts of class. And in our "Secret Garden" (savasana / relaxing) time, I can hear their deep sighs as they close their eyes, let go, and truly relax.

"Be happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more." - Mother Teresa

A great quote for the week ahead. See you on the mat soon, my friends!

Ali

CLASSES THIS WEEK
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TUESDAY, 12/12
Location: East Side Wellness Center, Fairport

Ages 3-5 @ 10:00 - 10:45AM. Enroll here.
Ages 5 - 12 @ 6:00 - 7:00PM. Enroll here.
Adult yoga @ 6:00 - 7:00PM. A great blend of restorative and active yoga, led by Ellen Baker. Learn more here. Ready to enroll? Enroll here.

FRIDAY, 12/15
Location: Perinton Rec Center, Fairport