Mindful Conversations with KAY (Kidding Around Yoga)
Explore every episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 23 Mar 2023 | What Fills Your Heart? deepen your family's gratitude practice | 00:22:00 | |
What fills your heart episode | |||
| 09 Mar 2023 | The Power of Brain Breaks: giving the brain a rest allows for increased learning | 00:24:32 | |
There's SO much for kids to learn in such a short amount of time. It's best to just keep going, powering through lessons and homework, right? NO! Science shows that planned brain breaks are critical to effective instruction. Kelly and Kristi dissect brain breaks in the classroom and in the living room in this episode Mindful Conversation with KAY podcast. Listen in as they discuss:
For further reading: Edutopia article: https://www.edutopia.org/article/brain-breaks-restore-student-focus-judy-willis Homework Help: Brain Breaks and the Calm Kit: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-homework-adhd-stress-school/ Brain Breaks for the Classroom: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/brain-breaks-for-the-classroom-kids-yoga-stretch/ Brain Breaks: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/brain-breaks-classroom-school-yoga/ Gimme a Break, a Yoga Break: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/school-yoga-kids-break-classroom/ Yoga Stretches for the Classroom: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-school-classroom-office/ Learning Opportunities: Classroom Kids Yoga Online Workshop: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/kay-c Educator Resources: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/educator-courses/ | |||
| 09 Jun 2022 | Yoga in Schools Part 2: Yoga and Physical Education Curriculum | 00:21:40 | |
Physical Education classes (also known as PE or Gym) are the highlight of many children's days - the opportunity to physically move and take a mental break is understandably needed. Other kids are not as keen on PE and may feel anxious and timid in PE class. Kelly and Kristi have a suggestion: Make yoga part of the PE curriculum! In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, we discuss: *Inclusivity in the PE space *How yoga practices and activities fit easily into a PE curriculum *Using yoga skills to improve and enhance sports skills and physical literacy *Celebrity athletes and yoga *PE teachers unique ability, space, and schedule to actively explore yoga *Setting up yoga activity stations and yoga-fying traditional games in your PE classes *Suggestions on how to start making yoga part of your PE classes Blogs: Yoga Theme: Sports!: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-sports/ Yoga and Sports - A Strong Connection: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/yoga-kids-sports/ 5 Games to Improve Coordination: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/5-games-to-improve-coordination/ Links: Past MCwK: https://anchor.fm/kidding-around-yoga/episodes/It-is-all-FUN-and-GAMES-using-play-to-encourage-mindfulness--movement--and-connection-e1g1l2e | |||
| 11 May 2023 | Fun Ways to Use Yoga Cards | 00:19:12 | |
The best and most useful tool for teaching yoga to kids? A good set of physical yoga pose cards with images or drawings of kids doing yoga. Yoga cards are fun and accessible for all ages. In this episode, of Mindful Conversation with KAY podcast, Kelly and Kristi discuss the benefits of yoga cards and share some of their tried and true ways of incorporating yoga cards into a kids yoga class, the classroom, or in the home. Tune in and learn:
Be sure to purchase the Kidding Around Yoga Deck in our Shop: https://store.kiddingaroundyoga.com/products/kay-yoga-deck For further reading: Play Games With Your Yoga Card Deck https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/cards-games-yoga-kids-deck/ Yoga Cards: A Review https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-cards-deck/ Creating Space For Children to Regulate Their Energy and Emotion https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/VvFwLmFiFzb
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| 19 Oct 2023 | The Benefits of Tapping and Shaking for Children | 00:24:24 | |
Welcome back to Mindful Conversation with KAY! In this episode, Kelly and Kristi continue the discussion on the physical responses to emotions by diving into the world of tapping and shaking. Did you know that tapping and shaking offer numerous advantages for children, including:
Tune in this week as Kelly and Kristi explore fun and engaging ways to incorporate tapping and shaking through games, music, props, and encouraging conversation! And get your FREE download of our popular song Yogi Shake here with code FREEYOGISHAKE! Links to songs and items mentioned in this episode: Take it to the Mat by Just For Kids Yoga For further reading & learning: Tap Tap Tapping to Health: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/tap-tap-tapping-to-health Every Little Cell in My Body is Happy: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/every-little-cell-body/ Shakin' Things Up: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/shakin-things/ | |||
| 16 Feb 2023 | Anxiety In Our Children: An interview with Natasha Daniels creator of AT Parenting Survival | 00:30:45 | |
Therapists have noticed there is an increased need for services for anxiety and OCD in our children. Natasha Daniels, a therapist for children and families specializing in treating anxiety and OCD, is our guest for this important Mindful Conversations with KAY podcast. Through heartfelt conversation and practical tools, Natasha, Kelly and Kristi discuss: *What does anxiety look like in our children? *Masking and people-pleasing as coping strategies *Finding the language to talk with your children *Building communication between parents and teachers *Mindfulness as a self-care tool for parents Links: AT Parenting Community: https://www.atparentingcommunity.com AT Parenting Survival School: https://atparentingsurvivalschool.com Natasha Daniels YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Natashadanielsocdtherapist/featured Meditation for Sleep: A Calming Oasis for Children with Anxiety: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-meditation-yoga-anxiety-sleep/ Use Yoga to Ease Anxiety: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/test-anxiety-yoga/ Calming Anxiety in Children with Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/anxiety-children-yoga-breathing/ | |||
| 31 Mar 2022 | Interview with Jessica Mougis | 00:24:13 | |
In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi chat with the host and creator of The Kids Yoga Podcast, Jessica Mougis. Their lively conversation explores:
Follow Jessica Mougis and her wonderful podcast at: Instagram: @thekidsyogapodcast Facebook: The Kids Yoga Podcast Website: www.TheKidsYogaPodcast.com Email: TheKidsYogaPodcast@gmail.com Jessica Mougis has been sharing yoga with children and families for over a decade. As Director of Programs of Yogi Beans, she taught yoga and mindfulness to hundreds of children in schools and studios around NYC. She is also the Founder of Jem Yoga NYC, and most recently, began The Kids Yoga Podcast, a passion project she'd been dreaming up for years. Jessica lives in NJ with her husband, their three children and their dog Romeo. She dreams of spreading yoga to as many children in the world as possible.
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| 03 Nov 2022 | CASEL Series Part 4: Social Awareness - Growing Our Circle of Awareness Beyond Ourselves | 00:34:49 | |
Social Awareness is the 4th pillar of the CASEL framework and the topic of this episode of Mindful Conversations With KAY. Now that we've built some SEL skills in personal awareness and exploration, we are ready to grow our circle of awareness beyond ourselves through compassion and empathy. Listen in as Kelly and Kristi discuss: *How to move from self-awareness to social-awareness *The importance of modeling and sharing your internal dialog *Starting with simple ways to demonstrate and practice social awareness in everyday situations *Poses, games, and meditation practices to promote empathy and compassion *Suggestions for children's literature and yogic philosophy discussions around social-awareness Blogs for further exploration: A Sense of Belonging: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-belonging-community/ Sangha: A Community of Yoga Kids: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-belonging-community/ Tratak - Light Up Your Family's Meditation Practice: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/tratak-meditation-family/ Teaching Ahimsa: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-philosophy-ahimsa/ Four Yoga Practices to Teach Gratitude: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-philosophy-ahimsa/ Build a Community This Holiday Season: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-sangha-holiday-community/ Virtual Workshop: Adding Greater Meaning to Your Kids Yoga Classes: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/adding-greater-purpose-to-your-kids-yoga-class | |||
| 27 Mar 2023 | Mindful Moment - Bunny Breath | 00:01:12 | |
In this mindful moment episode we will introduce Bunny Breath. Benefits: energizes, aids in breath retention, stretches upper body, refocuses attention Try it! Sit up tall. Inhale 3 short sips of air through your nose and then one long exhale through your mouth. Repeat 3-5 times.
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| 05 Jun 2023 | Mindful moment - Plant Peace | 00:02:20 | |
In today's mindful moment, we will be planting peace. In this exercise, we will be growing our empathy, our emotional regulation and our self-control. Let's try it! What happens if you plant a tomato seed? Hopefully, you'll grow a tomato. And if you plant a sunflower seed, you'll grow a sunflower. The same works in your brain. Imagine your mind is like a garden planted with many different kinds of seeds. Seeds of joy, peace, mindfulness, undertsanding, and love. Seeds of craving, anger, fear hate, and forgetfulness can grow in your mind garden, too. Both wholesome and unwholesome seeds are always there, sleeping in the soil of you of your mind, waiting to be watered. The quality of your life depends on the kinds of seeds you choose to water. If you water a seed of peace, peace will grow. When the seeds of happiness in you are watered, you will become happy. Water the seeds of anger and you will become angry. The seeds that are watered regualry will grow strong. How do you water seeds? If you think positive thoughts and you act in kind ways, you will water the good seeds, and while you are watering the healthy seeds, the seeds of anger, sadness, stress, and pain don't get watered and as a result, they stop growing. Which seeds have you been watering lately? Maybe you can imagine the positive seeds you are growing are literally fruits and vegetbale and flowers. What fruit would the seed of joy grow? What about patience? Or health? Explain why you think that fruit, vegetable, or flower represents that emotion.
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| 12 Oct 2023 | Somatic Experiencing-Re-Release | 00:31:20 | |
In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY, Kelly & Kristi continue the conversation about physical responses to emotions with a re-release of Episode 31: Somatic Work. Our bodies have evolved with a primal response system to perceived threats, known as the fight, flight, or freeze response. This response is a natural survival mechanism that activates when we encounter danger or stress — whether we choose it or not! By exploring the fight, flight, or freeze response, we can better understand and regulate our emotional experiences. Somatic work is an approach that recognizes the mind-body connection and focuses on integrating physical experiences to release emotions. By paying attention to bodily sensations, we can gain insight into our emotional experiences and initiate healing from within. Tune in as Kelly and Kristi dig into this fascinating topic by exploring questions like:
Healing begins within the body, and by cultivating mindfulness and exploring somatic work, we can embark on a transformative journey toward emotional well-being. Join us! This episode is part of a series. Be sure to tune in all month for thoughtful conversations about physical responses to feelings and emotions and helpful ways to manage and process them for both adults and children. For further reading & learning: Physical Responses to Emotions Pranayama and the Power of Breathing
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| 29 Sep 2022 | Lessons of Mindfulness, Self-Love, Empathy, and Gratitude: An Interview with Mark Brown, Creator of the Zen Pig Series | 00:26:55 | |
This is one of our favorite episodes! Kelly and Kristi sit down with Mark Brown, the creator, writer, and illustrator of the Zen Pig series in this week's Mindful Conversations with KAY episode. Zen Pig introduces children to big concepts like self-love, empathy, compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness through simple verse and charming illustrations. Join in their conversation to learn: *How Mark's mindfulness practice developed *The creation of Zen Pig to teach social-emotional skills *Why children need inner harmony before they are able to successfully learn *Why Mark believes in changing the roots rather than hacking at the leaves NEW CONTEST: We wanted to keep the party going with a book giveaway! This is your chance to win 4 (yes, FOUR) Zen Pig books, each one teaching children mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion through simple rhymes and charming artwork. All you have to do is rate and review the podcast on your favorite listening platform. Take a screenshot and email it to kellywinkler@kiddingaroundyoga.com. GOOD LUCK! Contest ends October 31st and winner will be announce the first week of November. Blogs: Brain Breaks and Calm Kit: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-homework-adhd-stress-school/ Mindfulness Activities for the Family: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mindfulness-activities-for-the-family-2/ Links: Instagram: @zenpigbook Facebook: @ZenPig Book: Zenpigbook.com Calm Down Kit: https://www.calmdownkit.com/optin1660573843109 Free Workshop - Mindfulness in the Classroom: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/free-mindfulness-into-the-classroom/ | |||
| 13 Apr 2023 | Bringing Mindfulness To Our Everyday Tasks: find joy in being present | 00:19:12 | |
Most of us lead busy lives with endless lists of things to do. It's easy to go into autopilot, especially for the more mundane tasks like doing the dishes and vacuuming. In this week's episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY, Kelly and Kristi offer ways to find more enjoyment in our day-to-day responsibilities through mindfulness and presence. Listen in as they discuss:
For further reading: The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh: https://plumvillage.org/books/the-miracle-of-mindfulness/ Being Present with Your Children: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/present-children-parenting-yoga/ Teaching Mindfulness: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/teaching-mindfulness/ What’s So Great About A Mindfulness Practice? https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/whats-so-great-about-a-mindfulness-practice/ Learning opportunities: Mindful Parenting: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/mindful-parenting Yoga For Families: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/yoga-for-families Root to Rise - Daily Practices: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/root-to-rise
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| 26 Jan 2023 | Let's Reflect: A look back at our favorite moments over the past year | 00:21:47 | |
Reminisce with us! Kelly and Kristi look back at the first year of the Mindful Conversations with KAY podcast, reflecting on their favorite episodes and guests, and why they love sharing their passion for mindfulness with children and families. We invite you to listen to the excerpts included in this episode and then go back and explore the full episodes, connected links, and Facebook group discussions. And stay tuned! Another season of Mindful Conversations with Kay is coming up! Past favorite episodes mentioned: Big Emotions: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/rRk08cggOwb Art and Mindfulness: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/sueYflcgOwb Laura Petix, OT Butterfly: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/J7fiJhigOwb Mark Brown, Zen Pig: https://spotifyanchor- | |||
| 18 May 2023 | Flexible Thinking: A Life Skill For All Ages | 00:19:49 | |
Imagine this: You planned to pick up a pizza for dinner, but when you pull up to the restaurant, you realize it's closed on Mondays. As an adult, you can think through a couple of solutions, but now imagine you're 5 years old and you had your heart set on pizza... Bouncing back from disappointment. Going with the flow when plans change. Getting comfortable with change and managing uncertainty. Flexible thinking, an essential life skill for both adults and children, helps us adapt to new or unexpected situations. In this episode, Mindful Conversation with KAY podcast, Kelly and Kristi share their thoughts on flexible thinking including:
Episode mention: http://www.justforkidsyoga.com/ For further reading & learning: Why Children Should Practice Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-children-benefits/ The Importance of Learning Through Play: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/the-importance-of-learning-through-play/ Social Emotional Learning – Yoga and Emotional Intelligence https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-social-emotional-learning-sel/ Practicing Self-Regulation with Children's Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/practicing-self-regulation-with-childrens-yoga/
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| 24 Oct 2022 | RERELEASE: Fall is the perfect time to explore NATURE: a resource for both physical and mental health | 00:28:03 | |
Spending time in nature, whether it's on your trampoline in the backyard or along a rocky shoreline, may be the ultimate mindfulness practice. The slower pace, the open space, the feeling of connection all encourage creative and simple opportunities to practice mindfulness with the whole family. In this week's episode, Kelly and Kristi explore nature's effects on our physical and mental health: *Environmental awareness and activism as a mindfulness practice *Nature's restoration power in the digital age *How open vistas connect to open minds and healthy vision *Using our senses on nature walks *Exploring how experiences in nature effect your mood *Creating a nature mandala Link of pertinent blogs: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/meditation-walking-mindful-nature-yoga-children/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/yoga-nature-tubshevat/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/tree-pose-vrksasana-kids-yoga-activities/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-impermanence-philosophy-clouds/ | |||
| 07 Nov 2022 | - Rerelease - A Gratitude Practice: What is it and why it can be so helpful to manage stress and overwhelm | 00:22:10 | |
As we enter November we are reminded of giving thanks. In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kristi and Kelly share the gratitude practices they use in their homes and classrooms to help children recognize all they have to be grateful for daily. As yoga teachers, classroom teachers, and moms, Kelly and Kristi feel particularly responsible for raising grateful children. Aparigraha is a Sanskrit term meaning “greedless-ness” or “gratitude”, and it is one of the basic teachings of yoga. This does not just mean simply saying “Thank you,” (although manners are very important). The real goal is to encourage and inspire genuine gratitude to the people and situations that allow us to be who we are and enjoy what we have. The conversation includes: *What is gratitude, really? *How gratitude practices are actually stress-management tools *The role of the Reticular Activating System in attention and focus *Modeling gratitude *Examples of weaving simple gratitude practices into your daily routine *Avoiding the pitfall of toxic positivity Links: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-gratitude-thanks-aparigraha/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-ayurveda-gratitude-thanks/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-gratitude-thanks-aparigraha/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/practice-daily-gratitude-with-the-family/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-smile-joy-gratitude/ Merch: https://store.kiddingaroundyoga.com/collections/music/products/orange-you-grateful | |||
| 15 Nov 2023 | Trauma Informed Practices: An Interview with Kathleen Egan | 00:36:34 | |
Kathleen Egan first connected with yoga as a teenager in Australia and has integrated yoga practices into her daily life, growing her personal practice and establishing herself as a Vinyasa (E-RYT200), Children’s (RCYT95) Yoga Teacher and Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F) and YACEP. Kathleen spent her early adulthood working with at-risk children and families where she saw the need for an alternative to traditional therapeutic methods and interventions. Kathleen joins Kristi and Kelly on this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY. Tune in as they explore the profound effects of trauma, learn more about Kathleen's personal journey, and discover how the KAY program can be seen under the lens of trauma-informed teaching. Kathleen's expertise and compassionate approach offer valuable insights into how trauma-informed yoga can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Connect with Kathleen: Website: https://www.key-therapies.com/keyoga-for-kids Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenEganYoga/ Podcast mentions: Trauma Sensitive Yoga: https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/ For further reading & learning: KAY's Trauma-Informed Yoga course: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/trauma-informed-yoga Yoga for Children May Improve Mental Health: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-for-children-may-improve-mental-health/ Fostering Mental Health in Children: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/mental-health-children-yoga-meditation-breathing/
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| 09 Nov 2023 | Self-Care: Permission to Say No | 00:11:12 | |
Show notes for Self-Care: Permission to say no In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kristi delves into the art of self-care and empowers listeners to navigate the hectic pace of life with grace and intention. As we step into the bustling season ahead, Kristi invites us to reflect on the importance of self-care, reminding us that amidst the chaos, it is crucial to prioritize our well-being. Tune in as she shares helpful and simple tips for incorporating self-care into our daily routines and graciously grants us permission to say no, fostering a healthier and more balanced existence. Podcast mentions: For further reading & learning: Self-Care For Busy People: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/self-care-for-busy-people/ Modeling Self-Care: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/modeling-self-care/ A Love Letter … to Yourself: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/a-love-letter-to-yourself/
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| 01 Sep 2022 | Transitions and Change Causing Big Emotions and Worry? Ease That Discomfort with Mindfulness and Grounding Practices | 00:37:47 | |
Times of change can be challenging, regardless of our age! Transitions often cause discomfort and anxiety, so how can we help ease those feelings within our children? Kelly and Kristi are back with the debut episode of season 2 of Mindful Conversations with KAY with a great discussion about helping children navigate the big changes that inevitably come with growing up. Listen in as they talk about: *Your body and mind crave routine and knowing what to expect *Learning to recognize the physical discomfort of transitions *Preparing for big transitions by exploring smaller changes *The importance of consistency *Using songs to soothe, ground, and prepare children *Breathing before and during transitions *Movement practices to help with transitions *Best meditation practices to support successful changes Blog articles: What Family Exercise Taught Me: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/family-yoga-exercise-dance/ Everything Changes: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/impermanence-savasana-death/ Mini-Meditations for the Whole Family: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mini-meditations-for-the-whole-family/ 5 Best Breaths for Little Bodies: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/breath-stress-kids-anxiety/ Products/Workshops: Breathing Techniques Through the Ages virtual workshop: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/breathing-techniques-across-the-ages/?_ga=2.173740320.265901113.1661787176-445635147.1659661076 Meditation Techniques Through the Ages virtual workshop: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/meditation-techniques-across-the-ages?_ga=2.173740320.265901113.1661787176-445635147.1659661076 Free Mini Course: Relaxation and Mediation for Kids http://kiddingaroundyoga.com/free-workshop-relaxation-meditation-kids/ | |||
| 07 Sep 2023 | Relationships Series Part 1: Connection to Self | 00:21:51 | |
This week, we kick off a new series on relationships and the role of mindfulness in relationships. Kelly and Kristi begin the conversation with the most important relationship: the one we have with ourselves. Self-connection means knowing and accepting who you truly are, including strengths and weaknesses. It's about being in tune with your emotions and thoughts without judgment. It means developing self-compassion, self-acceptance and allowing growth. Young or old, having a deep relationship with oneself is vital to a balanced and fulfilling life. Tune in this week as Kelly & Kristi share their personal experiences with self-connection and offer suggestions including:
This episode is part of a series. Be sure to tune in all month for thoughtful conversations about relationships. For further reading & learning: Yoga Builds Self Esteem: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/self-esteem-yoga-kids-children Modeling Self Care: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/modeling-self-care/ Building Self-Confidence Through Yoga and Mindfulness: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/building-self-confidence-through-yoga-and-mindfulness/ Introduce the power and peace of traditional mindfulness practices into your family's daily routine withour course, Mindful Parentig: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/mindful-parenting. | |||
| 25 May 2023 | Building Self Confidence Through Yoga and Mindfulness | 00:23:07 | |
Confidence and self-esteem are important concepts for kids to embody because they help them to feel good about themselves and give them the power to believe in their own abilities. When kids have a healthy sense of self-confidence and self-esteem, they are more likely to be successful in school and in their personal lives. Raising kids who are confident in their own skin can be a challenge for any parent or educator. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help children feel good about themselves and boost their self-esteem. In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY, Kelly and Kristi dive deeper into the meaning of self-esteem and self-confidence and share ways yoga and mindfulness can improve and strengthen these skills. Tune in and learn more about:
For further reading & learning opportunities: Amy Cuddy - Your body language may shape who you are - TED: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are/c Yoga Builds Self-Esteem: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/s
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| 03 Oct 2022 | BONUS EPISODE: Hot Air Balloon Meditation | 00:06:30 | |
A journey of imagination to places real and make-believe. Use this guided meditation as a way to settle energy before it's time to sleep or when anxious thoughts are racing through young minds. Practicing these visualizations strengthens the mind/body connection and further develops a child's focus and concentration. | |||
| 17 Oct 2022 | Rerelease: Emotional Resilience Through the Practice of Compassion | 00:18:56 | |
Compassion builds emotional resilience, a trait we want for our children and ourselves (and for the world, as a whole). But how do we encourage compassionate behaviors and mindsets? Mindfulness practices, of course! This episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY explores the critical importance of compassion and empathy in our children's growth. Kelly and Kristi explore compassion by discussing: *How mindfulness practices counteract the destructive results of feeling shame and guilt *Modeling self-compassion for your children's benefit *Using the Heart Hold gesture to physically stimulate self-compassion *Making partner poses and group activities a practice in empathy and compassion *Literature that reinforces compassion Links to products/people mentioned in the podcast: Dr. Dan Siegel: https://drdansiegel.com Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com Butterfly Hug: https://vimeo.com/690621309/7aefe1f6e3 Crab and Whale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4RrFsFMJ0s Blog Links: Compassion Through Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/compassion-yoga-children-patanjali-sutra/ Mindfulness Activities for the Family: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/family-mindful-games-yoga-meditation/ Loving-Kindness for All: | |||
| 28 Sep 2023 | A conversation with Deven Sisler, author of The Yamas in Pajamas | 00:37:06 | |
Deven Sisler has been teaching yoga and meditation to children and families internationally since 2005 as well as offering kids yoga teacher trainings since 2016. She loves sharing the tools of yoga with people of all ages and believes that everyone can benefit from investigating kindness, honesty, generosity, wisdom, and self-liberation. Deven joins Kristi and Kelly on this week's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY to discuss her new book, The Yamas In Pajamas: A Guide to Yoga for Kids and Their Adults, which dives deeper into the first limb of yoga for kids in a fun and accessible way. Each chapter includes reflections, guided meditations, breathing exercises, journal prompts, some activities, and mindful movements or body shapes for each Yama, so kids and their adults can experientially explore these concepts. Listen in as Deven shares more about:
Deven reminds us that the practice of yoga is available anytime, anywhere...even in our pajamas! The Yamas in Pajamas is available at Target and Amazon, or purchase a signed copy directly from her website. Connect with Deven: www.devensisleryoga.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/DevenSislerYoga FB: https://www.facebook.com/DevenSislerYoga For further reading and learning: Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships, by Marshall Rosenberg The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi | |||
| 28 Apr 2022 | Literature Through a Lens of Mindfulness | 00:16:38 | |
Who doesn't love wandering through a good bookstore? The enticing titles, the brightly colored covers, the endless adventures that good literature takes us on - the act of reading is a self-care dream! Kelly and Kristi share some ways to make literature (both reading and writing) part of a mindfulness practice. In this week's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, listen in to learn more about: *Reading as an act of mindfulness *Using read-aloud (with physical movement) to improve focus, memory, and engagement *Encouraging imagination and building literacy skills by writing stories with yoga pose cards *Kelly and Kristi's favorite mindfulness and yoga-based books *Using guided meditation to encourage creativity and immersion in a story *How writing is improved through mindfulness practices Links to blogs: There Was an Old Monster: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-monster-emberly-book-literature-halloween/ Four Animal Books You've Got to Have: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/4-animal-yoga-books-youve-got-to-have/ Favorite Books for Kids Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/books-kids-yoga-meditation/ Building Literacy Skills Through Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-literacy-school/ Books/authors mentioned in the podcast: Kira Willey: https://kirawilley.com I Am Yoga series: https://www.susanverde.com/susans-books Zen Pig series: https://shop.puppydogsandicecream.com/products/zen-pig-complete-series-6-books What the Road Said: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/51591679-what-the-road-said Virtual Mini Lessons: | |||
| 17 Nov 2022 | Interview with Occupational Therapist, Laura Petix: Exploring the Brain Body Connection, Behavior, and Regulation | 00:29:40 | |
Laura Petix, a pediatric occupational therapist, known on social media as "The OT Butterfly" is the special guest on this episode of the Mindful Conversations with KAY podcast. Kelly and Kristi's interview with Laura is filled with practical techniques and deep knowledge about children's behavior as it relates to regulation. Listen as they discuss: *working with a child's brain (rather than trying to "fix" it) *why it is important for children to be in touch with their physical body, building their brain-body connection *how to decode behaviors (hint: behavior is communication) *Laura's favorite body-based self-regulation tools *tips for classroom teachers to incorporate pro-active regulating activities Blog: Yoga and Occupational Therapy: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-and-occupational-therapy-2/ Links: Laura Petix's website: https://theotbutterfly.com @Theotbutterfly on social media The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast: https://theotbutterfly.com/the-sensory-w-i-s-e-solutions-podcast-for-parents/ Mindful Conversations with KAY podcast: https://anchor.fm/kidding-around-yoga/episodes/Yoga-In-Schools-Part-3-How-Yoga-Can-Be-a-Powerful-Tool-in-Special-Education-e1jt21i Sensory is Behavior mini-course: theotbutterfly.com/behavior | |||
| 20 Apr 2023 | The Power of Yoga Nidra for the Entire Family | 00:16:27 | |
Do you find yourself anxiously awaiting those final moments of yoga class when you get to rest in a sublime state of relaxation? Enter yoga nidra. Yoga Nidra, also known as “yogic sleep”, is a form of meditation usually practiced lying down with a teacher guiding the session. Yoga Nidra is perfect for anyone, including children of all ages. In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY podcast, Kelly and Kristi define and dissect Yoga Nidra, a powerful practice to incorporate into your and your child's routine. Listen in as they discuss:
For further reading: Books by Dan Siegel: https://drdansiegel.com/books/ Yoga and Sleep: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-sleep-family-meditation/ Creating A Peaceful Garden: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/savasana-peaceful-garden-children-yoga-rest/
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| 01 Jun 2023 | Turning Mistakes into Milestones: Empowering Children to Learn and Grow | 00:25:16 | |
Let’s face it, mistakes don’t feel good, but they are a natural and important part of life. We often view mistakes negatively, however, they provide the opportunity to learn and grow, to try something new, or view something from a different perspective. Learning to handle a mistake gracefully and using it to your advantage is a valuable life skill. So, what can we do to help our children and students embrace their mistakes and reframe failures as opportunities for growth? How can we help them discover there are benefits to making mistakes? Join Kelly and Kristi in this week's episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY as they discuss how making mistakes can be a tool for growth. They dive deeper into the best ways to talk to our kids about making mistakes including:
And as Kelly points out, we are all a work in progress! For further reading & learning opportunities: Kids’ Yoga Grows Leaders: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/learn-mistakes-grow-leader-yogiyogini/ The Lotus Flower Lesson https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/lotus-flower-lesson/ The Right Way to Do Yoga https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/the-right-way-to-do-yoga/ Art and Mindfulness: a conversation with Dr. Pravesh Bhoodram: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/dashboard/episode/e1h04eq Effects of Ability and Effort Praise on Children’s Failure Attribution, Self-Handicapping, and Performance: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01883/full Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg: https://www.instagram.com/barneysaltzberg/
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| 15 Sep 2022 | The Vagus Nerve: A Pathway to a Regulated Mind and Body | 00:37:46 | |
Ready to feel empowered (and a little nerdy)? Kelly and Kristy get into the science of the Vagus Nerve in this immediately applicable episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY. Listen to learn how to turn on your body and mind's "off" switch through postures, breathing, play, and more. Blog Links: Vagus, Baby! How the Vagus Nerve Keeps Us Calm: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/vagus-nerve-vagal-tone-parasympathetic-relax-calm/ Dealing with Homework Tension: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-homework-stress/ Children's Yoga and Mental Health: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mental-health-children-yoga-school-anxiety/ Pranayama and the Power of Breathing: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/pranayama-breathing-nervous-system-anxiety-children/ How the Parasympathetic Nervous System Keeps Us Calm: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/parasympathetic-nervous-system-fight-flight-calm/ Calming Babies Before Birth: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-babies-chant-om-health-prenatal/ Links mentioned in episode: YogaLand Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yogaland-podcast/id1105565152?i=1000568218405 Further learning: Anatomy of Kids Yoga: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/kay-natomy? | |||
| 13 Oct 2022 | CASEL Standards Part 2: Self Management - becoming less reactive and more responsive | 00:17:53 | |
The CASEL conversation continues with today's episode exploring Self-Management: the ability to manage your feelings and thoughts in healthy, helpful ways. Kelly and Kristi share their experiences as yoga teachers and moms as they discuss: *The power of yoga and mindfulness practices in building a Self-Management Toolbox *Why motivation and discipline are crucial Self-Management skills *Building the courage to try hard things and being okay with failing *The importance of self-talk in Self-Management. Links: Mindfulness and Social Emotional Learning podcast: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/podcast/episode21/ Yoga and Mindfulness for Teens/Tweens podcast: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/podcast/episode26/ FREE online workshop: How to Weave Mindfulness and Yoga into Academic Subject Areas https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/free-kids-yoga-resources/ Blogs: Social Emotional Learning: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-social-emotional-learning-sel/ Yoga for Children May Improve Mental Health: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/yoga-for-children-may-improve-mental-health/ | |||
| 29 Jun 2023 | A Mindful Writing Process with Author Laura Bean | 00:34:08 | |
Laura Bean, writing specialist, educational wellness consultant, and creator of Write to the Core curriculum, which integrates social-emotional learning with reading and writing joins Kristi and Kelly on this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY. During this thoughtful interview, Laura shares more about her work which promotes self-reflection, empathy, compassion, and creativity while addressing Common Core Standards. Listen in as they discuss:
Laura lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and teaches English Language Development and mindfulness to high school students. She shares powerful poems and writings from her students. Connect with Laura! Learn more: www.mindfulliteracy.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurabeanmindfulliteracy Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/laurabeanmindfulliteracy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabeanmindfulliteracy For further reading and learning opportunities: Amy Saltzman, https://stillquietplace.com/ Go With the Flow – Let Creativity Clear the Path: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/go-with-the-flow-let-creativity-clear-the-path/ Compassion Through Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/compassion-yoga-children-patanjali-sutra/ Yoga as a Social-Emotional Tool: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-social-emotional-play-based-movement/ Bring yoga & mindfulness into your school with our EduKAY School Workshops. Learn more: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/school-workshop/
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| 12 Sep 2022 | Rerelease: Demystifying Meditation | 00:23:37 | |
Show notes and summary: We are rerelaeasing this episode as a bonus episode this week! Everyone can meditate. Yes, everyone! From toddlers to teens, from busy parents to anxious seniors, there's a meditation practice for everyone. Skeptical? In this episode, Kristi and Kelly debunk common myths about meditation and convince you to start small and give it a try. Join the conversation as we discuss: differences between meditation and mindfulness why meditation is so powerful common myths and misconceptions about meditation finding opportunities to meditate during the day how meditation can look, sound, and feel different for everyone meditating with children in age-appropriate ways Free Workshop: Relaxtion and Mediation for Kids: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/free-workshop-relaxation-meditation-kids/ | |||
| 07 Dec 2023 | Yoga, Spirituality, and Self-discovery: A conversation with Lisa Schreiber | 00:32:15 | |
Hello listeners! In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi interview fellow KAY teacher Lisa Schreiber, an adult and kids yoga teacher, children's book author, and mom. The interview dives into Lisa's inspiring journey into the world of yoga, her path into teaching yoga, and her inspiration for writing her first book, The Promise of Shabbat: Yoga Poses for Happy Kids. Kelly, Kristi, and Lisa also touch upon the long-debated question: is yoga a religion, each sharing their thoughts on the topic and how they navigate this intersection in their teachings. Tune in to this episode for an enriching discussion on yoga, spirituality, and self-discovery! Purchase Lisa's book on Amazon or reach out to her for a signed copy. Lisa is available for in-person or virtual book readings. And give her a follow on Instagram or Facebook! Podcast mentions: For further reading & learning: Kids Pranayama with a Jewish Twist | |||
| 13 Feb 2023 | Minful Moment: Improve Balance and Focus with Tree Pose | 00:01:18 | |
This is a mini episode where we practice Tree. Tree pose is a great way to improve your balance and strength. It also improves our focus and concentration. Tree Pose is a great pose to practice before an activiy that takes focused attention. | |||
| 28 Nov 2022 | Rerelease: Mindfulness: The What, Why, and When of a Mindful Day | 00:36:19 | |
During this episode, Kristi and Kelly discuss mindfulness. What does mindfulness mean and what does it look like? We talk about what exactly mindfulness is and give simple ways that you can incorporate some mindfulness practices into your life and the lives of your children, either at home or in your classrooms. Mindfulness can encompass many different strategies. We go through several different strategies for both children and adults and give you tips on how to get started with a new mindfulness practice or expand the one you have. https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/ For more tips on mindfulness check out these blog posts: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-mindfulness-family/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mindfulness-parenting-behavior-kids-yoga/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mindful-meditation-children-family/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mindfulness-exercises-classroom/ | |||
| 10 Oct 2022 | RERELEASE: It is all FUN and GAMES: using play to encourage mindfulness, movement, and connection | 00:24:46 | |
Think back to the good ol’ days of recess and PE when you were a child. Do you remember playing classic games like Hopscotch, Duck Duck Goose, or Freeze Tag with your best buddies? There is a reason classic games are still played today – they are FUN! So why reinvent the wheel? Kelly and Kristi talk about taking an oldie-but-goodie game and yoga-fying it for a whole new (yet familiar) experience in this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY. Listen in as we explore: *Engaging in play as a mindfulness practice *Reconnecting with your inner-child and your family through play *Changing the rules of a game to be more inclusive *Yogafying traditional, classic games (like Simon Says, Jenga, and Candy Land) *Join the Mindful Conversations with KAY Facebook group for a FREE downloadable game! | |||
| 02 Nov 2023 | Shame: How this complex emotion effects the body and mind | 00:19:09 | |
"Stop crying, it's not that bad", said in the heat of the moment however its impacts may be lifelong. Shame is a complex emotion that often originates from experiences and messages from childhood. Shame can have profound effects on our self-esteem, mental health, and relationships. In this episode, Kelly and Kristi dive deeper into the complex and often misunderstood topic of shame. Tune in as they explore:
Shame is an emotion that we often push down deep, but it is through vulnerability and open conversation that we can truly overcome its grip on us. Be sure to join the conversation! And remember, healing starts with us! Learn how to become a more mindful parent with us. For further reading & learning: Yoga Builds Self-Esteem: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/self-esteem-yoga-kids-children/ Compassion Through Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/compassion-yoga-children-patanjali-sutra/ Loving Kindness For ALl: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/loving-kindness-for-all/ | |||
| 24 Aug 2023 | Mindful Transitions Part 3 - Middle School | 00:21:23 | |
The transition to middle school is a big step on the road to maturity. Regardless of what specific grade marks the beginning of middle school in your community, your child may be feeling both excited and afraid. (And you, too!) The transition is often complex. As young adolescents are changing school buildings they are also changing hormonally, mentally, and physically, but like all transitions, with some advance planning and open discussions, you can substantially ease your child's mind and ensure a smooth shift into this new space. In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY podcast, Kelly and Kristi continue the conversation about transitions with the 'big leap' from elementary to middle school. Listen in as the discuss:
This episode is part of a series so be sure to listen Part 1: The First School Experience & Part 2: The Start of Kindergarten for more thoughtful conversations and suggestions. For further reading & learning: Connecting with Teens through Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-teens-children-tweens-meditation/ Social Emotional Learning - Yoga and Emotional Intelligence: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-social-emotional-learning-sel/ Virtual Workshop: Pre-Teen Yoga: How to Adapt a Kids Yoga Class for Growing Yogis: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/how-to-adapt-a-kids-yoga-class-for-growing-yogis To gain more knowledge and practical skills to teach yoga and meditation to this age group, check out Teen KAY: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/teen-kay
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| 14 Sep 2023 | Mindful Relationships Part 2- Friendships | 00:24:04 | |
If you think back over the course of your life, you can probably name different friends from different periods of your life. You may even have certain friends that you rarely see but, when you do, it seems like no time has passed at all. And, if you're lucky, you are still in contact with a childhood best friend. Through school, sports, our neighborhoods, and more, we'll cross paths with many people and these people will have a tremendous impact on our wellbeing. This week, we continue our series on relationships with a focus on another influential relationship: friendships. Friendships are an important part of childhood and growing up. They build a child’s sense of belonging and significance in their world, make a child feel cared for and cared about, and in turn teach them how to care for others. Healthy friendships play a key role in a child’s emotional growth and their development of important life skills. Tune in this week as Kelly & Kristi discuss the importance of connecting with others and how we can support and nurture meaningful friendships for our children, such as:
This episode is part of a series. Be sure to tune in all month for thoughtful conversations about relationships. For further reading & learning: Building Friendships through Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-friends-community-health-kids Social Emotional Learning – Yoga and Emotional Intelligence" https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-social-emotional-learning-sel/ Sangha: A Community of Yoga Kids: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-community-team-sangha/ Introduce the power and peace of traditional mindfulness practices into your family's daily routine with our course, Mindful Parenting: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/mindful-parenting.
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| 27 Jan 2022 | Kristi's Journey to Yoga and Mindfulness: From Fitness Instructor to Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher | 00:22:44 | |
In this episode we chat all about our host Kristi's story. We talk about how she made her way from being a personal trainer/fitness instructor to a yoga and mindfulness teacher, for kids and adults. Kristi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Pacific Lutheran University. After working with adults for years in the fitness industry, she shifted her focus to working with children after having two of her own. She ran fitness classes for kids in her community, and also worked as a preschool teacher. During her time as a preschool teacher, she used music, movement and yoga in her class. She attended her first Kidding Around Yoga teacher training and was able to incorporate much of what she learned into her classroom as well. She believes yoga can help with body awareness and developing physical literacy skills. Having had her own yoga practice for years, she decided to go back for her 200 hr yoga teacher training and she became a trainer for KAY. Her passion for sharing yoga with children and adults led her to continue her studies and obtain an additional 300 hr certification, as well as her advanced children's yoga teacher training. Her goal is to help people of all ages understand the benefits of yoga and mindfulness. She enjoys leading trainings for KAY and professional development workshops for educators to help them implement yoga, meditation and mindfulness into their classrooms. Visit KAY here for more information https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/ Here are some blog posts that you might want to check out https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/yoga-lymph-system-kids-children-health-immune/ | |||
| 01 Dec 2022 | The Magic of Mindfulness During the Holiday Season | 00:23:12 | |
It's the most wonderful time of the year... or at least it can be, with a sprinkle of mindfulness and a dash of self-care. Listen in as Kelly and Kristi share stories and tips for getting the most of this magical season in this episode of the Mindful Conversations with KAY podcast! *How holiday traditions are special opportunities to practice mindfulness *Letting go of how circumstances "should" be, and celebrate the moments as they are *Cooking as a full-sensory mindfulness experience *The magic of presence (more than presents) *Self-care is vital for a peaceful holiday season *Comparison is enemy of mindfulness Blog posts: Have a Very Mindful Holiday Season: kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-mindfulness-holiday/ Bring MIndfulness to Holiday Dinners: kiddingaroundyoga.com/mindufulness-eating-holidays-yoga-family/ Finding Balance During the Holidays: kiddingaroundyoga.com/stress-holiday-self-care/ | |||
| 23 Feb 2023 | Creating Space For Children to Regulate Their Energy and Emotions | 00:23:08 | |
Calm Corner, Safe Space, Meditation Station: Whatever you call it, creating an area in your home or classroom for children to balance their energy can be incredibly powerful. In this space, children practice developmentally-appropriate self-regulation techniques and are empowered to advocate for their mental and physical needs. In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi describe their successful Calm Corners including: *recognizing body signals and utilizing tools to self-regulate *setting rules for Calm Corners *best tools and props to fill your Calm Corner *prepping children to use tools effectively and appropriately Links to further exploration: Meditation Stations: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/meditation-stations/ Brain Breaks and the Calm Kit: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-homework-adhd-stress-school/ Create a Calm Down Box: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-calm-craft/ Product Links: Mindful Parenting: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/mindful-parenting Bringing Mindfulness Into the Classroom: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/free-mindfulness-into-the-classroom/ Relaxation & Meditaiton for Kids: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/free-workshop-relaxation-meditation-kids/ | |||
| 06 Apr 2023 | Creating a "Ripple"- an interview with children's book author and yoga teacher Jesse Bennett | 00:28:56 | |
"Every day is a gift and my question to you is how can you create a ripple in all that you do?" Jesse Bennet, yoga teacher, children's book author and illustrator, and mom, joins Kristi and Kelly on this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY. Kelly and Kristi's inspiring interview with Jesse reminds all of us that we all have the power to create anything we put our minds to. Listen in as they discuss:
Find Jesse Bennet on Instagram: @jesse.bennett_ For further reading: Build Your Child's Kindness Muscles: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/build-your-childs-kindness-muscles/ Affirmations for Children: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/affirmations-for-children/ Affirmations (For the Faint of Heart): https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/affirmations/ Learning Opportunities: Yoga for Families: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/yoga-for-families Mindful Parenting: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/mindful-parenting Relaxation and Meditation for Kids: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/relaxation-meditation-free-workshop | |||
| 22 Sep 2022 | Somatic Work: Using the physical body to get metally and emotionally "Unstuck" | 00:30:39 | |
We have all experienced episodes of our fight-flight-freeze response... and sometimes we might even get stuck in that stress loop. This is why the practice of somatic experiencing is critical to our mental and physical wellness. In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi dig into this fascinating topic by exploring questions like: *What, exactly, is somatic experiencing? *How can we use physical movements to get mentally/emotionally "unstuck"? *Why is discharging stress crucial to healing? *How can we instill mindful awareness of physical cues? *How do we become Body Detectives? Blogs: Social Emotional Learning: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-social-emotional-learning-sel/ Pranayama and the Power of Breathing: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/pranayama-breathing-nervous-system-anxiety-children/ Links: Tilt Parenting Podcast: https://tiltparenting.com/2022/06/21/somatic-therapy-kids/ | |||
| 08 Sep 2022 | A Conversation with Bari Koral, a singer, song-writer, and author of children's yoga and mindfulness content | 00:32:56 | |
We are so excited to share this very special episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY - an interview with Bari Koral, a beloved children's recording artist and internationally recognized kids yogi. Their wide-ranging dialogue explores a variety of topics including:
Pertinent links: https://www.facebook.com/barikoral https://www.youtube.com/user/barikoral https://www.instagram.com/bari.koral/ Virtual Workshop: The Magic of Music in Kids Yoga https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/the-magic-of-music-in-kids-yoga Blogs: Magical Music: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-music/ One Love: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/yoga-reggae-kids-love-unity/ The KAY Way - Using KAY Music: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/using-kay-music/ Hooray for KAY Music: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/hooray-kay-music/ | |||
| 08 May 2023 | Minful Moment: Full Body Breath | 00:02:38 | |
In this Mindful Moment, we will practice Full Body Breath. This grounding breath activates our relaxation response and stretches our back. Let's try it! This practice requires four full breaths. Begin in Mountain pose. On the first breath, look up at the ceiling, lift your heart and stretch arm up like a "Y". On the second breath, allow your body to melt forward toward your shoes as if you are a ragdoll. Dangle there for a full inhale and exhale. On the third breath, feel your whole body as you reach for the ceiling again. Feel your feet on the floor, ribs stretch and fingers reach. Do one more full breath standing tall with energy and power. Now your ready for your day! You can also practice Full Body Breath from a seated position - which way feels better for you?
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| 01 Oct 2022 | Rerealse: Affirmations: A Key to Confidence, Joy, and Peace | 00:23:18 | |
Affirmations are like little magic spells we cast on ourselves to be more confident, more at peace, and more joyful. But how do they work? How do we craft a personal affirmation? And when do we use them? Join Kelly and Kristi in this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY and learn how to build and use powerful affirmations with the whole family. Join the conversation to discover: *What, exactly, is an affirmation? *How your brain's natural negative bias influences your mind chatter *The power of replacing negative self-talk with affirmations *The process of creating personal affirmations *Crafting the most beneficial affirmations *When to use affirmations *Pairing yoga postures with affirmations *How to naturally incorporate affirmations into your family's daily routine Blog posts: Affirmations (for the Faint of Heart): https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/affirmations/ Affirmations for Children: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/affirmations-for-children/ Mala Beads and Meditation for the Family: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-family-meditation-craft-mala-beads/ Mantra Magic: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mantra-magic/ | |||
| 30 Mar 2023 | RERELEASE - Music: A Mind and Body Experience | 00:23:23 | |
Listening to music is more than an auditory task - it is a full body (and full mind) experience! In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi discuss the power of using music in our homes and classrooms. Join the conversation as they talk about: -Music's physiological effects on the brain and body -The link between academics and music -Rhythm and movement as part of the musical experience -How music encourages creativity and shifts energy -Using music to reset an anxious mind -How music is a full sensory experience -Mindfully Incorporating music into your home and/or classroom -Why consistency is key -Musical brain breaks BONUS! Get a free download of a popular Kidding Around Yoga song Put on your listening ears and warm up your dancing muscles because this episode will surely put you in the mood for some tunes! | |||
| 20 Oct 2022 | Being Mindful with Technology: The Good, The Bad, and The Reality of Technology and Our Children | 00:25:57 | |
In this highly relatable episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi dive into the pros and cons of technology. The past couple years have really challenged caregivers to find ways to mindfully use technology, screens, and social media. Kelly and Kristi talk about: *How screen time effects our posture, eyesight, self-image, and attention span *The social experiences of technology (both positive and negative) *Methods to mindfully, intentionally utilize and manage technology as a family Blog links: Teens Need a Technology Time-Out: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/teens-need-a-technology-time-out/ Being Present in a Digital World: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/social-media-mindfulness/ | |||
| 23 Nov 2023 | RE-RELEASE - A Gratitude Practice: What it is and how it can help to manage stress and overwhelm | 00:21:52 | |
Today we are reminded of the importance and power of giving thanks. In this re-release episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kristi and Kelly dive into the profound impact and significance of expressing gratitude. They shed light on the gratitude practices implemented in their households and classrooms, aimed at helping children acknowledge and appreciate the abundance of blessings that surround them on a daily basis As yoga teachers, classroom teachers, and moms, Kelly and Kristi feel a strong sense of responsibility toward raising children who are grateful. (Don't we all?) They embrace the concept of Aparigraha, a Sanskrit term that signifies "greedlessness" and "gratitude," a fundamental principle in yoga. However, expressing gratitude goes beyond mere words like "Thank you." The true aim is to foster and ignite sincere appreciation towards the individuals and circumstances that enable us to embrace our identity and cherish our blessings. Tune in for more including:
--> Check out our favorite song and game: Orange You Grateful! For further learning, visit our blog for more on gratitude. Four Yoga Practices to Teach Gratitude | |||
| 04 May 2023 | A Conversation with the Author of The Yoga of Parenting, Sarah Ezrin | 00:34:09 | |
We show up to parenting without much formal training, however, our practice 'on the mat' can be applied to parenthood in many ways. Sarah Ezrin, author, world-renowned yoga educator, content creator, and mama based in the San Francisco Bay Area, joins Kristi and Kelly on this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY. Kelly and Kristi's engaging interview with Sarah inspires us to bring the wisdom of yoga into the parenting journey. Listen in as they discuss:
Connect with Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahezrinyoga/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahezrin Purchase Sarah's book for 30% off with code YP30: https://www.shambhala.com/the-yoga-of-parenting.html Other links: https://www.instagram.com/leahsoojinkim https://www.instagram.com/andreaferretti https://www.bambiniyogaproject.org/ For further reading & learning opportunities: Creating Space For Children to Regulate Their Energy and Emotions, EP. 44: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/creating-space-for-children-to-regulate-their-energy-and-emotions/ The Intimacy of Family Relationships: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-intimacy-family-relationships/ Create a Calm Down Box: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-calm-craft/ Yoga in the Classroom https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-school-children-classroom/ Benefits of Yoga for Kids: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/benefits-of-yoga-for-kids/ Kidding Around Yoga for Educators https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/educator-courses/
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| 06 Mar 2023 | Mindful Moment: 30 Second Bike Ride | 00:02:08 | |
In this Moment Moment episode you will be guided through a moving meditation. This visualization will take you on a bike ride. While pedaling your feet imagine what your sensory experiecne might be as you travel on your bike. | |||
| 01 Apr 2023 | Intuition: helping our children use their inner voice as a guide | 00:27:28 | |
Whether your inner voice is loud and clear or more of a whisper, listening to it can be a great source of guidance when you need it most. And in order to hear and trust that voice, adults and children alike need to be able to slow down, pause and notice the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that are coming up when making a choice or decision. In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY, Kelly and Kristi discuss intuition and 'turning up the volume' of our inner voice. Listen in as they discuss:
For further reading: A Sense of Belonging: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-belonging-community/ Yoga Builds Self Esteem: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/self-esteem-yoga-kids-children/
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| 19 Jun 2023 | Mindful Moment: Soaring High Breath | 00:01:24 | |
or today's Mindful Moment, we will practice Soaring High Breath. This is a great breathing technique to refocus attention, get a full body stretch, and to encourage deep breathing. Let's try Soaring High Breath. Find a place to stand where there's enough room to raise your arms straight out to the sides and above. Begin by standing with the feet shoulder-width apart. Take a deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth with your arms hanging down at the sides of your body. Then, on the next inhale, allow the arms to slowly float up, straightening the legs, and going up on tiptoes. Exhale as you float your arms back down, bending at the knees and bringing the heels back to the ground. Repeat this several times. As you practice, you can imagine what kinds of bird are you. Where are you flying? After a few Soaring High Breaths, you can write a story about your bird's adventures. Thank you for practicing Soaring Hig Breath. We hope you enjoyed today's Mindful Moment!
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| 01 May 2023 | Mindful Moment: Affirmations | 00:01:14 | |
In this Mindful Moment, we will focus on Affirmations. Affirmations are a great form of self-care and stress management. They help us to focus on positive thinking. When we experience angry or upsetting thoughts, we often feel tired or sluggish. Positive or happy thoughts can energize us. Through the practice of affirmations, we can change worried thoughts into positive thoughts. Affirmation begins with an "I am" statement and includes the opposite emotion to the upsetting thought. For example, if you are nervous about a test, you can affirm: "I am smart and prepared to do great." We can even have a large selection of affirmations available when we need a pick-me-up or a thought change. Choose from the box or jar, read it, and repeat it several times.
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| 20 Mar 2023 | Mindful Moment - Ragdoll Pose | 00:01:04 | |
In todays mindful moment episode we introduce RAGDOLL pose. Benefits: relieves stress, re-energizes the brain, settles nervous energy Try it! From standing, fold forward and let your head, shoulders, and arms dangle toward the floor. Bend your knees and sway. Let everything be soft.
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| 10 Aug 2023 | Mindful Transitions: Part 1 The First School Experience | 00:21:17 | |
Change is hard regardless of age, but children particularly struggle with transitions. Especially the big ones like heading off to preschool for the first time. They may be leaving you for the first time and entering a new space with a whole new set of rules and expectations. Exciting? Yes. Scary? Of course! As parents and caregivers, there are many steps we can take ahead of time to make this transitions as smooth and tear-free as possible. In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY podcast, Kelly and Kristi kick off a new series on age-based transitions and share simple mindful strategies and techniques for transitioning to preschool:
For further reading & learning: Anxiety in our Children: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/anxiety-in-our-children/ Calming Anxiety in Children with Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/anxiety-children-yoga-breathing/ Yoga in the Car Line: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-car/ Creating Space For Children to Regulate Their Energy and Emotions: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/creating-space-for-children-to-regulate-their-energy-and-emotions/ Find many more mindful strategies like these for this age group in our course PreKAY.
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| 02 Jun 2022 | Yoga in Schools Part 1: Yoga & Mindfulness and Social Emotional Learning | 00:30:03 | |
More and more school districts are embracing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and for good reason! As Kelly and Kristi say, "A stressed brain is not a learning brain!" Today's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY is a deep dive into the intersection of yoga and SEL. Listen in to explore: *What SEL is and why it is critical to healthy development *The 5 areas of SEL competency as defined by CASEL (www.casel.org) *How the science of yoga aligns perfectly with SEL competencies *How to seamlessly introduce and practice SEL at home and in classrooms *Building relationships through SEL tools Blog links: Yoga and Emotional Intelligence: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-social-emotional-learning-sel/ Yoga as a Social Emotional Tool: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/yoga-social-emotional-play-based-movement/ Boost Your EQ: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/eq-iq-yoga-compassion-emotional-intelligence/ Links to products mentioned in episode: CASEL: https://casel.org Affirmations episdoe: https://anchor.fm/kidding-around-yoga/episodes/Affirmations-A-Key-to-Confidence--Joy--and-Peace-e1itgga Self Regulation episode: https://anchor.fm/kidding-around-yoga/episodes/Dealing-with-big-emotions--fears--and-stress--Fill-your-families-toolbox-with-strategies-for-SELF-REGULATION-e1d5tvi | |||
| 22 May 2023 | Mindful Moment - Guided Meditation | 00:03:45 | |
For today's mindful moment, we're going to take a journey in our imagination to our Peaceful Garden. This script works well in the classroom and is designed for children sitting at desks, but could be modified for lying down. Be sure to listen in for the full meditation. Find a comfortable place to rest, close your eyes, or gaze down. Squeeze all of the muscles in your body, then relax. Repeat this one more time. Take a deep breath in, fill your belly, hold, then release. Imagine your desk becomes a magic carpet. What do you see? Buildings? Birds? Clouds? Who do you see? Friends? What do you feel? A cool breeze? Gently land in your garden. Spend some time exploring and decorating your garden. What do you hear? What's the temp? What do you smell? Now rest peacefully in your garden, then climb back on your magic carpet and return to your desk. Take a moment to remember how peaceful and happy you felt in your garden. Keep this feeling with you throughout your day!
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| 01 Oct 2022 | CASEL Series Part 1: Social Emotional Learning - Self-Awareness | 00:31:19 | |
This episode is the first of five exploring CASEL. The CASEL framework is used as a data-based foundation for Social Emotional instruction. Kelly and Kristi start the CASEL conversation by exploring Self-Awareness: *What it is, why it is important, and how yoga and mindfulness practices help children develop self-awareness *Real life examples of self-awareness in action *Why yoga is the ultimate practice in self-awareness *Games to practice self-awareness *Building mental self-awareness through meditation *Modeling emotional self-awareness Links: Mindfulness and Social Emotional Learning podcast: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/podcast/episode21/ Yoga and Mindfulness for Teens/Tweens podcast: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/podcast/episode26/ FREE online workshop: How to Weave Mindfulness and Yoga into Academic Subject Areas https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/free-kids-yoga-resources/ Blogs: Social Emotional Learning: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-social-emotional-learning-sel/ Yoga for Children May Improve Mental Health: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/yoga-for-children-may-improve-mental-health/ | |||
| 21 Sep 2023 | Relationships - Part 3 Adult-child | 00:25:56 | |
“When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos.” ~L.R. Knost From the moment they’re born, children need safe, consistent, and responsive relationships with the adults around them. Most often, the primary relationship is with a parent, however other adults, such as grandparents and teachers, play a crucial role in a child's overall development and well-being. Through stable relationships with caring adults, children are able to develop a sense of trust and safety in the world around them. They learn to regulate their emotions, foster positive relationships with others, and develop a strong sense of self. In this week's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly & Kristi continue the conversation about mindful relationships with a focus on adult-child relationships. Tune in as Kelly & Kristi dive deeper into the topic, including:
This episode is part of a series. Be sure to tune in all month for thoughtful conversations about relationships. For further reading & learning: Nurturing Healthy Relationships in Children through Yoga and Mindfulness: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/nurturing-healthy-relationships-in-children-through-yoga-and-mindfulness Whether you are a parent, caregiver or educator, you can introduce the power and peace of traditional mindfulness practices into daily routine. Parents, check out Mindful Parenting: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/mindful-parenting. Teachers, check outEduKAY Online: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/edu-kay-online
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| 27 Apr 2023 | Intuition: learning to listen to our inner voice as a guide | 00:27:28 | |
Whether your inner voice is loud and clear or more of a whisper, listening to it can be a great source of guidance when you need it most. And in order to hear and trust that voice, adults and children alike need to be able to slow down, pause and notice the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that are coming up when making a choice or decision. In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY, Kelly and Kristi discuss intuition and 'turning up the volume' of our inner voice. Listen in as they discuss:
For further reading: A Sense of Belonging: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-belonging-community/ Yoga Builds Self Esteem: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/self-esteem-yoga-kids-children/ Children's Yoga and Mental Health: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/mental-health-children-yoga-school-anxiety/ Learning Opportunities: Yoga for Families: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/yoga-for-families Virtual Workshop: Engaging Yoga Games For School-Aged Kids: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/engaging-yoga-games-for-school-aged-kids Kids Yoga Game Bundle: https://store.kiddingaroundyoga.com/products/digital-download-game-bundle
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| 02 Mar 2023 | Mindfulness on the Road: tips for travel (Rerelease) | 00:18:05 | |
Are you hitting the road for a family trip? Prepping for travel takes more than packing your suitcase. Kelly and Kristi share their tips and tricks for family fun on the road: *How to handle pre-trip anxiety *Finding time along the way to physically move and mentally refresh *Passing the time mindfully through music, coloring, games and guided meditations *Settling down at your destination Blog links: Yoga in the Car Line: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-car/ Finding the Fun in Family Travel: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-family-travel/ | |||
| 08 Jun 2023 | Children's Yoga Techniques to Teach the Control of Physical and Emotional Responses | 00:19:07 | |
Imagine a room full of preschoolers engaged in an activity. The teacher announces it's Circle Time. This shift from play to stillness takes a lot of effort and skill for these young children. As parents and educators, it is our job to support children in developing these skills and helping them learn how to control both their physical and emotional responses. But how? In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY, Kristi and Kelly dive deeper into the concept of opposites to teach self-control and self-regulation in children. They share a variety of games and techniques to implement at home and in the classroom as well as fun and engaging ways to introduce self-regulation tools to children of all ages. Further reading & learning opportunities: The Power of Yoga Nidra for the Entire Family: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/the-power-of-yoga-nidra-for-the-entire-family/ Practicing Self-Regulation with Children’s Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/self-regulation-yoga-children/ The (Scientific) Reasons to Practice Yoga with Your Children: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/children-yoga-science-benefits/ Engaging Yoga Games For School-Aged Kids https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/engaging-yoga-games-for-school-aged-kids Explore our games and activity bundles: https://store.kiddingaroundyoga.com/collections/games
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| 06 Feb 2023 | Mindful Moment - 5 Finger Breathing | 00:01:37 | |
This is a Mindful Moment episode. In this mini episode you will learn a breathing practice to share with your children. This practice a great way to help chidlren and adults to learn how to breath slow and with intention. | |||
| 17 Feb 2022 | A Mindful Approach To Behavior Management | 00:27:39 | |
In this episode Kristi and Kelly talk about behavior and how we can use mindfulness to approach it. They discuss that the root of all behavior is to communicate an unmet need. Often times behavior is looked at as the problem and can cause the adults to feel frustrated or stressed in the situation. However, if you can learn to look at behavior differently and find the emotions or cause of dysregulation you can often meet the need and the behavior will naturally end. This is a practice in minfulness for the adults to be able to stay calm and get curious about why this behavior is happening. When the adults remain calm they can then help children to lable the emotions or feelings. Listen to get tips on how to model and practice labeling emotions, recognizing body signals, and notice the mind body connection. Blog posts you may like: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/eq-iq-yoga-compassion-emotional-intelligence/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mindfulness-parenting-behavior-kids-yoga/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/yoga-kids-management-behavior/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-schools-trauma-mindfulness-classroom/ | |||
| 09 Feb 2023 | Finding Stillness - how to make restorative yoga accessible to children | 00:25:00 | |
Contrary to popular belief, restorative yoga is NOT just for the elderly or injured. A Restorative Yoga practice is crucial for everyone's mental and physical health, even our youngest yogis. Kelly and Kristi explain how to expand Kids Yoga to include family-friendly restorative practices and postures. *What is Restorative Yoga? *Benefits of Restorative Yoga *Why Restorative Yoga works *Making restorative postures and practices engaging for children *Finding comfort and safety in stillness | |||
| 30 Nov 2023 | Music Saved My Life: An Interview with Miss Julieann | 00:40:14 | |
In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi interview the fabulous Juliann Hartley, aka Miss Julieann. Miss Julieann is a board-certified music therapist, nature educator, illustrator, and children's musician. She recently released a new album, The Resilient Child, which features songs about developing support systems, coping skills, emotional expression, and self-worth. In this thoughtful and authentic interview, Julieann shares about her journey and the driving force behind her creation of The Resilient Child. She courageously opens up about her personal battles with a severe neurological infection, offering a glimpse into her own resilience. As she delves into the effects of music on the brain, she unveils powerful strategies for effectively harnessing its potential for positive change. Additionally, Julieann sheds light on the transformative benefits of receiving gratitude, highlighting its profound impact on our well-being. Tune in for a dopamine hit as Kelly, Kristi, and Julieann share stories of gratitude, growth, and inspiration. And if that's not enough, hit play on one of her uplifting songs from Resilient Child. Be sure to connect with Miss Julieann: Web | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Podcast mentions: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl For further reading & learning: | |||
| 17 Aug 2023 | Mindful Transitions Part 2- The Start of Kindergarten | 00:22:49 | |
The start of kindergarten is a major milestone in the lives of young children, maybe the biggest one! The start of kindergarten can be a stressful time for your child as they enter a world filled with new rules and routines. Longer days, academic expectations, eating lunch independently and navigating a new school building can bring about feelings of excitement as well as fear for children and families. In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY podcast, Kelly and Kristi share and review ideas to help your child feel safe and secure during this transitional time. These include:
This episode is part of a series so be sure to listen Part 1: The First School Experience for more thoughtful suggestions. For further reading & learning: Why Should Children Practice Yoga? https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-children-benefits/ Kids Can Blow Their Worries Away https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-can-blow-worries-away-pranayama/ Every Little Cell in my Body is Happy https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/every-little-cell-body/
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| 20 Feb 2023 | Mindful Moment - Walking Meditation | 00:01:08 | |
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| 10 Apr 2023 | Mindful Moment: Square Breathing | 00:01:05 | |
In this Mindful Moment, we will introduce Square Breathing. This calming practice improves focus and reinforces motor skills. Grab a piece of paper and pencil or simply use your finger in the air or a desk and draw a square. Try it! Inhale as you draw a straight line, exhale and draw a connecting perpendicular line, inhale and draw the third line of the square, exhale and finish the square. Repeat as many times as you’d like.
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| 22 Jun 2023 | A Fun and Rewarding Career: The Business of Kids Yoga | 00:20:50 | |
Jobs can be fun and rewarding. How do we know? Because we teach kids yoga! On this week's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly & Kristi discuss the business of kids yoga and their personal journeys offering yoga and mindfulness to children in a variety of settings. Tune in as they dive deeper:
Is it possible to find a job you're passionate about? Kristi sums it up perfectly: "Bottom line, this is the greatest job ever." Be sure to follow Kelly & Kristi on social media to see all the ways they share kids yoga and mindfulness in their communities and worldwide. For further reading & learning opportunities: Starter’s Guide to Teaching Kids’ Yoga: Business Edition: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-business-teach/ Get certified! https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-teacher-training-courses-certification/ Virtual Workshop: How to Make Money Teaching Kids Yoga: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/how-to-make-money-teaching-kids-yoga KAY Yoga Card Deck: https://store.kiddingaroundyoga.com/products/kay-yoga-deck Play Games With Your Yoga Card Deck: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/cards-games-yoga-kids-deck/ Episode 53: Fun-Ways-to-Use-Yoga-Cards: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/pod/show/kidding-around-yoga/episodes/Fun-Ways-to-Use-Yoga-Cards-e23nhcu BeYogi Insurance: https://beyogi.com/yoga-teacher-insurance
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| 17 Mar 2022 | Homework Help: mindful strategies to ease the struggle | 00:23:57 | |
Homework time doesn't have to be a hassle. With some planning and a few mindfulness tips, you can establish a healthy homework habits that will make the whole experience one of positivity and growth. In this super-relatable episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi share their top tips and insights for taming the homework anxiety. Listen in as they discuss: *How your child's homework habits effect your own behavior *Why mindfulness practices are vital for healthy parenting *Setting the tone through mindful activities *Creating an effective homework space *Tailoring homework interventions to your child's needs *Recognizing the need for brain breaks *Balancing energy through breath and movement *Using a Calm Down Kit Join the discussion in our Facebook group and get a free downloadable yoga game perfect for use to establish a calm homework session or as a brain break! | |||
| 15 Jun 2023 | Exploring Mindfulness with Author Maria Moore | 00:27:28 | |
Happiness looks and feels different for everyone, but how we get there is often quite similar: through a deep connection with ourselves. Maria Castelluci Moore, entrepreneur, writer, and mother of 4, joins Kristi and Kelly on this week's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY. Their engaging interview dives deeper into the unique experience of happiness and how slowing down and paying attention to our surroundings can lead to a new, fresh perspective — at any age. Listen in as they discuss:
More about Maria:
Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four children, Moore strives to bring passion and enthusiasm to all her endeavors. A lover of all things European, Moore has found great passion through her travels to Paris, Italy, Spain, and South America. Her affection for winemaking, foreign languages, the arts, ballroom dancing, and traveling has given Moore a unique and grateful perspective on life. Her love for her family and helping others through charitable giving has enabled Moore to thoughtfully curate purposeful life adventures. Moore resides in Napa, California, with her husband and four young children. Purchase Vivienne in Paris directly from her website: https://mariacastelluccimooreauthor.com/. Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and wherever books are sold. Connect with Maria Moore on Facebook or Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/mariamooreauthor/ https://www.instagram.com/mariamooreauthor/ For further reading & learning opportunities: Bringing Mindfulness To Our Everyday Tasks: Find Joy in being present: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/bringing-mindfulness-to-our-everyday-tasks-find-joy-in-being-present/ The 5 Senses: An Autumn Experience: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-autumn-senses-fall/ Mindfulness Exercises: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/mindfulness-exercises-classroom/ Mindful Parenting: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/mindful-parenting
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| 10 Nov 2022 | Casel Series Part 5: Relationship Skills - building and strengthening healthy relationships through mindfulness practices | 00:19:19 | |
Kelly and Kristi are wrapping up their 5 part series exploring the CASEL framework with this weeks discussion about relationship skills. The ability to build and maintain healthy relationships is the ultimate goal in attainting a fulfilling, meaningful life. And believe it or not, kid-friendly mindfulness and yoga practices can build and strengthen these skills. Listen to the episode for: *How mindfulness improves communication skills, active listening, cooperation and collaboration, and problem solving *The importance of strong leadership skills while also learning to work with other leaders' styles *Teaching children to tune into their body's signals and trust these messages BLOGS The Intimacy of Family Relationships: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-intimacy-family-relationships/ Building Relationships Through Yoga Stories: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-stories-relationships-creativity/ Building Friendships through Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-friends-community-health-kids/ | |||
| 14 Nov 2022 | Rerelease: A Kid's Yoga Class: from chaos to calm | 00:22:58 | |
It's true! A kids yoga class doesn't look or sound like an adult yoga class (and it shouldn't)! Straight from a question on our Mindful Conversations with KAY Facebook page, Kelly and Kristi explain why kids yoga classes may seem loud and unfocused. But there's a method to the madness and as Kelly says, "Sometimes we gotta get loud before we can get quiet". Listen in as the conversation covers: *The importance of proper pacing in a kids class *Finding stillness amidst the busy-ness and chaos around us *Mimicking a stress-response to practice self-regulation *Naming sensations and experiencing your body and mind during active moments and during quiet moments *Building mind-body awareness through physical movements, sensory experiencees, and playful experimentation *Being inclusive and making your classes accessible to all children *Flexibility with lesson plans depending the children's moods and needs Virtual Mini Workshop: Dissecting a Kids Yoga Class: The Good, The Bad, the Now What?https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/dissecting-a-kids-yoga-class/?_ga=2.1259825.1273071424.1651587327-118241787.1649444179 Kids Yoga Class Management: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/kids-yoga-class-management/?_ga=2.27369020.1273071424.1651587327-118241787.1649444179 Blog: Practicing Self-Regulation with Children: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/self-regulation-yoga-children/ Why Should Children Practice Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-children-benefits/ | |||
| 07 Jan 2022 | Mindful Conversations with KAY | 00:00:55 | |
Mindful Conversations with KAY is a podcast for parents, teachers, counselors, or anyone who works with children. We will talk about using research based tools and strategies to help increase mindfulness, self-awareness, connection, self-regulation, and peace in your home or classroom. Join hosts Kristi Fischer and Kelly Winkler, Kidding Around Yoga trainers, moms, and educators for some fun and insightful conversations where we take a deep dive into all things kids yoga and mindfulness. https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/ Join our FB community https://www.facebook.com/groups/609981080229473/ | |||
| 27 Feb 2023 | Mindful Moment - Mindfulness Practice - Name 3 | 00:01:06 | |
In this mindful moment episode we introduce you to a practice we call Name 3. This practice is a great way to help calm and gound us into the present moment. Name 3 helps us bring our attention to our senses. Listen to this episode and give it a try. | |||
| 13 Jan 2022 | Kidding Around Yoga and Its Creator Haris Lender: Why Kids Yoga? | 00:40:29 | |
In episode 1 we have the honor of interviewing the founder of Kidding Around Yoga, Haris Lender. Haris tells us about her journey to finding yoga and how she began to bring yoga to children. We talk about how beneficial yoga can be for people of all ages. Haris is a certified Integral Yoga teacher at the 500 level. She has also been certified in Prenatal, Raja, Children’s and Stress Management. Haris lives in St. Pete, FL with her husband, Evan. Since she began spreading the love of Kids Yoga KAY has trained more than 10,000 people across the globe and as a result KAY teachers have delivered classes to more than 1 million children worldwide. The unique program combines the principles of ancient yoga practices with a fun and engaging twist, which is coupled with a series of original music written and performed by Haris and many members of the KAY family. For more information about KAY and what we offer visit our website. https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/ For a blog post on kids yoga | |||
| 14 Jul 2022 | Mealtime Mindfulness | 00:25:34 | |
Is family mealtime a challenge or a treat? In this episode of the Mindful Conversations with KAY podcast, Kelly and Kristi explore ways to make family meals more enjoyable through mindfulness. Their conversation includes: Different kinds of "picky" eaters The interaction between regulation and hunger/digestion Flexibility at mealtime (for everyone) Meal planning and cooking with children Playing Meal Detective Using mindful conversations and guided questions to change moods and energy The importance of planning ahead Blog posts: Mindful Eating and Exercise: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mindful-eating-nutrition-exercise-heath/ | |||
| 12 Jun 2023 | Mindful Moment: Eye To Eye Meditation | 00:01:38 | |
To practice, we will focus very closely on a single object and let all of our other senses turn off and rest. Find a partner and sit facing each other. Look into each other's eyes very deeply. Blink when you need to but keep staring. Notice the colors that you see, the shapes and movements. We're going to keep looking into our partner's eyes for a few moments. Be still and quiet. Let the whole world disappear as you keep looking into your partner's eyes. After a few minutes, you can start to blink. Sit quietly right where you are and ask them to notice how they feel. How do you feel? Take a nice, big, deep breath in, and let your body completely relax. See if you notice anything interesting during your eye to eye meditation. Enjoy this mindful moment and tune in again next week for more.
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| 29 May 2023 | Mindful Moment - Relieve Tension and Stretch with Cat / Cow Pose | 00:01:49 | |
In today's mindful moment, we will be doing a yoga pose called Cat and Cow. These poses are great for relieving tension and stretching your upper body. They can be done either seated or on hands and knees on the floor. Let's try it! If you are seated in a chair, start by sitting tall, bring your hands together, and interlace your fingers. Turn your palms out and extend your arms straight to the sky. Inhale as you arch your back and tip your chin up. You're like a cow with a big belly! Now, exhale as you slowly pull your belly in and round your shoulders, pushing your spine toward the back of your chair. Bring your arms back down, stretched out in front of you, and tip your chin toward your chest. You're like a scary cat! Continue to flow back and forth between both positions several times. Feel free to make cat and cow sounds as you move through the poses or you can make a hissing sound on the exhale to release more tension. On all fours, you'll do the same thing. If you're on your hands and knees, let your belly fall to the floor as you lift your chest and tail and you look up toward the sky in Cow pose. As you exhale, press the floor away with both hands, draw your belly in and arch your back up toward the ceiling like a Halloween cat. Continue through this motion several times.
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| 30 Jun 2022 | Yoga and Child Development Part 2: The School Age Child | 00:19:17 | |
This week's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY is the perfect discussion in time for summer vacation. Kelly and Kristi talk about their struggles and successes in finding ways for their families to stay mindful and active over the long break. Take a listen to hear more about:
Pertinent blog posts: Healthy Mom Healthy Child: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-family-health-mom/ Dear Parents: Stop and Smell the Roses: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-parenting-presence-mindfulness/ Four Yoga Practices to Teach Gratitude: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-gratitude-thanks-aparigraha/ Dealing wtih Homework Tension: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-homework-stress/ Links to virtual workshops: The Importance of Yoga in the Kids Development: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/importance-of-yoga-in-kids-development?_ga=2.150149490.571175401.1655580917-118241787.1649444179 Fun Yoga Flows for Kids: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/fun-yoga-flows-for-kids?_ga=2.156046591.571175401.1655580917-118241787.1649444179 Meditation Techniques Across the Ages: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/meditation-techniques-across-the-ages/?_ga=2.156046591.571175401.1655580917-118241787.1649444179 Breathing Techniques Across the Ages: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/breathing-techniques-across-the-ages/?_ga=2.120740172.571175401.1655580917-118241787.1649444179 | |||
| 08 Aug 2022 | Dealing with big emotions, fears, and stress? Fill your family's toolbox with strategies for SELF-REGULATION | 00:45:53 | |
In this episode, we talk about our nervous system and how we can create a toolbox of strategies for both our children and ourselves to help us regulate that system. Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and responses. Understanding how the nervous system works helps us to more fully understand self-regulation. We introduce tools such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga poses that can be used to turn off the stress response of the sympathetic nervous system and turn on the rest and digest response of the parasympathetic nervous system. Shape breathing, bumblebee breath, and guided meditations are a few of the techniques we share as fun and engaging ways to get your child to practice the skill of calming down. Are you looking for ways to help your kids feel less stressed? Tune in. We've got you covered! For more information on everything Kidding Around Yoga has to offer visit us here https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/ Check out these blogs for more on self-regulation and yoga https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/self-regulation-yoga-children/ Do you want to join the conversation? Come chat with us in our FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/609981080229473 | |||
| 03 Apr 2023 | Mindful Moment: Turtle Time | 00:01:46 | |
In this mindful moment episode, we will introduce Turtle Time. This calming practice improves focus, and imagination and reminds us that like sea turtles we have the power to go with the flow. Try it! Pretend to get into your shell, make yourself comfortable then take 3 slow deep breaths. Next, relax your body, allow your muscles to melt, and float in the ocean like a sea turtle.
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| 27 Oct 2022 | CASEL Part 3: Responsible Decision Making | 00:23:38 | |
Today's episode continues the CASEL conversation with an exploration of responsible decision making. Kelly and Kristi discuss the hugely important ability to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. Their insights include: *Encouraging curiosity and open-mindedness through yoga postures, music and meditation. *The interaction between regulation and decision making *Yoga-based games to practice analysis and decision making skills *The role of mindfulness in responsible decision making *Exploring the consequences of your choices in healthy, safe ways *How gratitude and empathy build responible decision making skills *The benefits and challenges of risk-taking Pertinent blogs: Get to Know Your Brain: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/get-to-know-your-brain/ Risk-Taking in Children's Yoga Classes: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/risk-taking-in-childrens-yoga-classes/ Social Emotional Learning: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-social-emotional-learning-sel/ Upstairs and Downstairs Neighbors in Your Brain: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/brain-yoga-children-stress-health/ Practice What You Teach: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/practice-what-you-teach-2/ Loving Kindness Meditation: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/loving-kindness-for-all/ | |||
| 16 Jun 2022 | Yoga In Schools Part 3: How Yoga Can Be a Powerful Tool in Special Education | 00:43:18 | |
In this inspiring episode of Mindful Conversations of KAY, Kelly and Kristi talk with Erin Williamsen, Special Education teacher and Kids Yoga teacher from Durango, Colorado. Her vast experience with children of all ages and needs have given her a unique perspective on the power of making yoga and mindfulness part of a child's daily school routine: *How yoga helps level the playing field for students with special needs *Empowering children to recognize how they learn and what they need, and then advocating for themselves *Making modifications and accommodations normalized *How regulating the nervous system sets students up for academic and social success *Implementing yoga practices within a school setting appropriate for all learners Links: Erin Williamsen: www.kiddingaroundyoga.com/yogi/erin Mindful Conversations with KAY's SEL episode: https://anchor.fm/kidding-around-yoga/episodes/Yoga-in-Schools-Part-1-Yoga--Mindfulness-and-Social-Emotional-Learning-e1j8u9h Blog posts: Yoga and Occupational Therapy: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/yoga-and-occupational-therapy-2/ Teaching Yoga to Kids with ADHD and Autism: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-autism-adhd-accessible-inclusive/ Adaptive Yoga for Children: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/adaptive-accessible-yoga-children-kids/ The Yoga Tree: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-philosophy-yamas-niyamas/ Further Learning Opportunities: Accessible Yoga specialty course: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/accessible-yoga-for-kids?_ga=2.191725930.1146254382.1654978608-118241787.1649444179 Teaching Yoga to Children with a Variety of Abilities and Needs: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/teaching-yoga-to-students-with-a-variety-of-abilities-and-needs/?_ga=2.1494769.1146254382.1654978608-118241787.1649444179 | |||
| 31 Aug 2023 | Mindful Transitions Part 4 - High School | 00:19:52 | |
Transitioning to high school is a big change for teens. As they enter another new building, with new teachers and peers, they'll gain greater independence and access to a wider range of classes and activities. They'll also be faced with more academic and social pressure as well as pressure to start thinking about the future (...ready or not!). Like the previous school transitions, you can expect feelings of both excitement and anticipation. As parents and caregivers, there are many steps we can take to help kids adjust to the new school environment and academic standards. In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY podcast, Kelly and Kristi conclude the conversation about mindful transitions with the final move to high school. Listen in as the discuss:
This episode is part of a series so be sure to listen Part 1: The First School Experience, Part 2: The Start of Kindergarten and Part 3: Middle School for more engaging conversations and suggestions. For further reading & learning: Meditation in the High School Classroom: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-meditation-high-school-teens/ Reconnecting to your Family with Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/family-yoga-connect-children-parents/ Intuition: Learning to listen to our inner voice as a guide: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kidding-around-yoga/episodes/Intuition--learning-to-listen-to-our-inner-voice-as-a-guide-e234kmd To gain more knowledge and practical skills to teach yoga and meditation to this age group, check out Teen KAY: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/teen-kay
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| 24 Feb 2022 | Bedtime Struggles? mindful strategies to help your family sleep well | 00:29:45 | |
Goodnight! Sleep well! Easier said than done for many of our children, and some of us grown-ups, too. In this episode, Kelly and Kristi share mindfulness-based tools and strategies for sending your little ones off to dreamland (fuss-free!). Tune in to: connect with the family through a mindful sleep routine use mindfulness to tame nighttime anxiety practice guided meditations for sleep (and for literacy skills) grow your own Peaceful Garden breathe mindfully to fall asleep explore the science and physiology of mindful bedtime practices scan your body to encourage relaxation use sensory props to settle into sleep create a personalized Relaxation Station For more ways to make bedtime more peaceful, check out the following articles:
To order the Peaceful Garden Guided Meditations ebook: https://store.kiddingaroundyoga.com/collections/frontpage/products/secret-garden-meditations-ebook | |||
| 28 Jul 2022 | End of Season 1 Announcement and Our Top Episode | 00:29:40 | |
Thank you to all of our listeners who have joined us on this journey for season 1. We so appreciate your support. We are taking a short break from releasing new episodes to spend time with our families. Today we are re-releasing one of our top listened to episodes "A Mindful Approach to Behavior Management" In this episode, Kristi and Kelly talk about behavior and how we can use mindfulness to approach it. They discuss that the root of all behavior is to communicate an unmet need. Often times behavior is looked at as the problem and can cause the adults to feel frustrated or stressed in the situation. However, if you can learn to look at behavior differently and find the emotions or cause of dysregulation you can often meet the need and the behavior will naturally end. This is a practice in mindfulness for the adults to be able to stay calm and get curious about why this behavior is happening. When the adults remain calm they can then help children to label their emotions or feelings. Listen to get tips on how to model and practice labeling emotions, recognizing body signals, and notice the mind body connection. Blog posts you may like: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/eq-iq-yoga-compassion-emotional-intelligence/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mindfulness-parenting-behavior-kids-yoga/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/yoga-kids-management-behavior/ https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-schools-trauma-mindfulness-classroom/ | |||
| 05 Oct 2023 | Physical Responses to Emotion | 00:20:22 | |
In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY, Kelly & Kristi begin a new month-long series on physical responses. They kick off the conversation by diving deeper into what emotions are, how they manifest in our bodies, the impact they can have on our overall well-being, and the role yoga and mindfulness play in understanding and processing them. Throughout this episode, Kelly and Kristi cover the following thought-provoking topics:
This episode is part of a series. Be sure to tune in all month for thoughtful conversations about physical responses to feelings and emotions and helpful ways to manage and process them for both adults and children. For further reading & learning: Feel Better with KIDS YOGA!: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-emotions-feelings-health Yoga and the Bad Day: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/feelings-yoga-mood-book/ Poses to Ease Children’s Emotional Pain: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-emotion-mental-health/ The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score
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| 17 Apr 2023 | Mindful Moment: Listen Closely | 00:01:42 | |
In this Mindful Moment, we will practice Listen Closely. Listen Closely is a calming mindfulness practice that improves focus and listening skills. Try it! Find a comfortable seat, sit tall, close your eyes and take a deep breath. First, listen to the furthest sound you can hear. Maybe a car or an airplane. Next, listen to something closer. Maybe something in the room like a ticking clock. Finally, listen to something within your own body like your heartbeat.
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| 02 Feb 2023 | Karma Yoga: teaching children about selfless service and taking action | 00:18:57 | |
In a yoga-based context, Karma means selfless service and taking action. Every action we take in our daily lives and how we do those actions without expectations of recognition or thanks is our Karma. It's all about cause and effect: How do our actions (and reactions) ripple through the Universe? It's a big idea and our Mindful Conversation with KAY podcast this week explores how to explain and practice Karma Yoga with children. Kelly and Kristi talk about:
Links for more information: Ram Dass: https://www.ramdass.org/karma-yoga/ Spread Kindness Through Karma Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/spread-kindness-with-karma-yoga/ Explaining Karma to Kids: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/karma-yoga-meditation-selfless-service-kids/ Karma Yoga - Joy of Selfless Service: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/karma-yoga-joy-selfless-service/ Build Your Child's Kindness Muscles: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/build-your-childs-kindness-muscles/ | |||
| 07 Jul 2022 | Yoga and Child Development Part 3: The power of yoga and mindfulness for teens and tweens | 00:26:18 | |
Today's teens and tweens are under more pressure, exposed to more constant stimuli, and navigating social media unlike any other generation. In today's Mindful Conversations with KAY episode, Kelly and Kristi discuss the importance empowering our young adults with mindfulness tools. Listen to their conversation as they explore: *Effects of mounting expectations on our teens and tweens *Exploring identities *Mindfulness practices to build self-awareness and emotional intelligence *Brain development *Learning to recognize your inner knowing through body cues *Introducing and practicing mindfulness with teens and tweens Blog posts: Connecting to Teens Through Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-teens-children-tweens-meditation/ Teens Need a Technology Time-Out: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/teens-need-a-technology-time-out/ Encouraging Teens to Act Selflessly- Practicing Seva: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/seva-teens-yoga-service-selfless-karma-volunteer/ Walk Like a Warrior: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-teen-tween-confidence-warrior-strength/ For further learning: PreTeen Yoga: How to Adapt a Yoga Class for Growing Yogis: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/how-to-adapt-a-kids-yoga-class-for-growing-yogis?_ga=2.154876412.571175401.1655580917-118241787.1649444179 PreTeen Yoga Sample Class and Crafts: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/pre-teen-yoga-2?_ga=2.116537410.571175401.1655580917-118241787.1649444179 Getting More Out of Crafts for Teens; https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/getting-more-out-of-crafts-for-teens/?_ga=2.150149490.571175401.1655580917-118241787.1649444179 | |||
| 24 Apr 2023 | Mindful Moment - Chair Pose | 00:01:15 | |
In this Mindful Moment, we will practice Chair pose. This pose is great for exercising your legs, energizing your body, and stimulating your heart and abdominal organs. Let's try it! Stand with your legs together, bend your knees, and reach your bottom back and your back straight like you are sitting on an invisible chair. Reach arms long overhead, keeping your heart lifted. Can your chair get low to the ground like a seat for a kindergartner? Or maybe rise tall and become a high chair? Can you chair balance on tiptoes? What would happen if one of the legs broke? Lift one leg and balance, then the other.
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| 21 Apr 2022 | Art and Mindfulness: a conversation with Dr. Pravesh Bhoodram | 00:42:40 | |
In this week's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi spend time discussing the fascinating connection between art and mindfulness with Dr. Bhoodram, an educator and art therapist from South Africa. Dr Bhoodram is an avid artist having painted in oils, water colours, and acrylics. He is presently using mandala art as therapy, conducts art therapy workshops and spends some of his time doing angel readings. His facebook and Instagram (DrPravi) profiles depict some of his work. He is also a life coach and mentor to EAP’s. Dr. Bhoodram retired after having been a pioneer in the EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) field in the Public Service in South Africa having assisted 23 National Departments in implementing EAP Listen in as they explore: *In art, like in yoga and life, it is the journey, not the destination that matters *Art as an experiential mindfulness practice *How creating art is similar to creating yoga postures *Art as a way to build concentration muscles while also encouraging free-form expression *Mandalas as a visual representation o being centered and balanced *The importance of reflecting on your artistic experience once a piece is completed *How different forms of art encourage different forms of thinking *Zooming in and zooming out to change perspectives *Embracing the idea that imperfectly perfect is better than perfectly perfect Links: Dr. Bhoodram's profile: https://www.eapasa.co.za/about-eapa-sa/board-members/education-pravesh-bhoodram/ The Art of Mindfulness: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mindfulness-art-children-meditation-breathing/ The Art of Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/the-art-of-yoga/ Pranayama Painting: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/pranayama-painting/ The Lure of Mandalas: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mandalas-meditation-children-adults/ Mandala Magic: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mandala-art-color-yoga-children-diversity/: Kristi's dot rocks info: Instagram: @kristisrocksanddots Facebook: Kristi's Rocks and Dots Merch links: | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | Mindful Moment - Line Drawing | 00:01:28 | |
In this mindful moment episode we will practice a line drawing meditation. This practice can bring our awareness to our breath, help us to focus, and feel more calm. All you need is a piece of paper and a wrting utensil. Practice along with us and see how your breath can guide your drawing. | |||
| 16 Nov 2023 | A conversation with Sara Dean of Shameless Mom Academy | 00:40:01 | |
In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi engage in a soul-stirring conversation with Sara Dean, renowned coach, speaker, and host of the acclaimed podcast, Shameless Mom Academy. Together, they dive into the multifaceted layers of Sara's journey, exploring both her personal and professional growth and evolution. With thought-provoking insights and engaging stories, this episode serves as a guiding light and encourages us to find solace in silence, enabling us to attune to our innermost desires, while gently reminding us that change is the only constant in life. This episode is a profound invitation to embrace the transformative power of reconnecting with oneself and navigating life's uncertainties with grace and resilience. Tune in! Connect with Sara: Website | Instgram | Facebook | Spotify Tune in for more: Kelly & Kristi's interview on Shameless Mom Academy Podcast mentions: The Beautiful No: And Other Tales of Trial, Transcendence, and Transformation by Sheri Salata | |||
| 23 Jun 2022 | Yoga and Child Development Part 1: The Littlest Yogis, Infants and Toddlers | 00:23:46 | |
You're never too young to start practicing mindfulness and yoga! Before a child is even born, they are able to benefit from the sounds and rhythms of a yoga practice - and as they grow, the benefits do, too! As moms, preschool teachers, and yoga instructors, Kelly and Kristi share their unique insights and experiences with our youngest yogis. Their conversations explores: *What we miss when our brain asks, "What's next?" *The effect of practicing mindfulness while pregnant on baby before and after birth *Building connections through co-regulation *Little yogis' ability to associate feeling calm with meditation and mindfulness *The importance of consistency and repetition *Young children's natural tendency to be fully present *Increasing physical literacy Blog links: Yoga with Baby: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kds-yoga-baby-toddler-family/ 5 Things NOT to Expect in Your Mommy & Me Class: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/mommy-and-me-yoga/ Calming Babies Before Birth: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/kids-yoga-babies-chant-om-health-prenatal/ Online courses: Baby and Me: Practicing Yoga with Our Littlest Ones Virtual Workshop: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/baby-and-me?_ga=2.257410251.1146254382.1654978608-118241787.1649444179 Mudras and Energy Flow for Toddlers and Preschoolers Virtual Workshop: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/mudras-for-toddlers-and-preschoolers/?_ga=2.90106075.1146254382.1654978608-118241787.1649444179 PreKAY online course: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/prekay2-0?_ga=2.254666952.1146254382.1654978608-118241787.1649444179 PreKAY Spanish online course: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/prekay2-0?_ga=2.254666952.1146254382.1654978608-118241787.1649444179 | |||
