I
started yoga because of my sister, Cristal. Being ill had taken so much out of her and going to
yoga everyday helped her feel strong when her body was weak. So I thought "OK
let's try."
My first class was a Bikram class. Bikram Yoga is the original Hot Yoga - an intense 90 minute class in extreme heat temperatures. I couldn't breathe within the first few seconds of stepping into the room as the air was so thick. I was nervous, here I was trying something new and what if I wasn't good? I'm not the "athletic" type. I think I made it through the first class and then was on the floor about 30% of my second class. But I kept going. First just to prove I could do it and then something happened - I started liking it! Feeling my body change, become stronger in both mind and spirit as well. Then I started branching out to try different classes and types of yoga - Iyengar, Ashtanga, Hatha, Power, Vinyasa.
My first class was a Bikram class. Bikram Yoga is the original Hot Yoga - an intense 90 minute class in extreme heat temperatures. I couldn't breathe within the first few seconds of stepping into the room as the air was so thick. I was nervous, here I was trying something new and what if I wasn't good? I'm not the "athletic" type. I think I made it through the first class and then was on the floor about 30% of my second class. But I kept going. First just to prove I could do it and then something happened - I started liking it! Feeling my body change, become stronger in both mind and spirit as well. Then I started branching out to try different classes and types of yoga - Iyengar, Ashtanga, Hatha, Power, Vinyasa.
I was still hungry to learn more and decided to embark on my own teacher training, as Cristal returned from hers so invigorated and enlivened. This time I was following in Cristal's footsteps :)
I trained with Seane Corne and Baron Baptiste. I have always enjoyed working with children. As I found yoga so empowering for accepting and celebrating myself - I thought it would be a great medium to empower and celebrate children.
I signed up for Radiant Child Yoga Program Levels 1 and 2, a nationally recognized children's training program that lasted 18 months. I wanted to ensure I received the most in-depth training. I did an intensive on teacher training with Shakta Kaur Khalsa to also become a facilitator for training adults to teach children.
After learning from these remarkable and experienced instructors, I had no idea I was about to meet my most humbling teachers.
The kids amaze me and energize me after a long work week. They try all of the poses, make up all sorts of new poses, and help each other. They are open to trying anything and everything.
The beauty about kids is their innocence, their fearlessness, their innate sense of joy. Hearing a 6 year old say " you know I have too many activities and I have to tell mommy that I must have 3 days of doing nothing during the week; I have to make time for me."
I trained with Seane Corne and Baron Baptiste. I have always enjoyed working with children. As I found yoga so empowering for accepting and celebrating myself - I thought it would be a great medium to empower and celebrate children.
I signed up for Radiant Child Yoga Program Levels 1 and 2, a nationally recognized children's training program that lasted 18 months. I wanted to ensure I received the most in-depth training. I did an intensive on teacher training with Shakta Kaur Khalsa to also become a facilitator for training adults to teach children.
After learning from these remarkable and experienced instructors, I had no idea I was about to meet my most humbling teachers.
The kids amaze me and energize me after a long work week. They try all of the poses, make up all sorts of new poses, and help each other. They are open to trying anything and everything.
The beauty about kids is their innocence, their fearlessness, their innate sense of joy. Hearing a 6 year old say " you know I have too many activities and I have to tell mommy that I must have 3 days of doing nothing during the week; I have to make time for me."
For me a critical part about teaching their class is making sure each one leaves feeling good about themselves - body, mind and soul. I
listen to them, each one of them, tell me what happened during school that week and laugh with them as we move through class. The "trick" to a great yoga class
with kids - have 100 poses in mind and "go with the flow" - the kids flourish in a space where their creativity and authenticity is spotlighted.
Each class, whether it is one with a 10 week old baby, to a child with ADD, a children's birthday party or a child with special needs reinforces the basics of yoga to me. Acceptance, peacefulness, and just being themselves without filter or fear. They love being unique and celebrating each others' uniqueness.
Now I am in my 8th year of teaching children yoga and with each class I have gratitude for having the opportunity to help kids see the best in themselves and in turn the best in me. I am blessed and continue to learn from them.
Namaste
Pooja
Each class, whether it is one with a 10 week old baby, to a child with ADD, a children's birthday party or a child with special needs reinforces the basics of yoga to me. Acceptance, peacefulness, and just being themselves without filter or fear. They love being unique and celebrating each others' uniqueness.
Now I am in my 8th year of teaching children yoga and with each class I have gratitude for having the opportunity to help kids see the best in themselves and in turn the best in me. I am blessed and continue to learn from them.
Namaste
Pooja
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