Reflections after teaching Step 1 Training – See It From My Side

See It From My Side

Written by Amy Haysman

It’s Monday after 3 days of grounding 17 grown ups in the art and design of teaching kids yoga Grounded style. I lean back in my chair at lunch, unable to carry on a conversation, and say to Sedef “I’m drained.” Instantly, my body recognized this as untrue. I realize that, while feeling a bit sore and empty of words, I was oh so very full.

You see, our kids yoga teacher trainings are a culmination of decades of being alive, most of which have been spent by either being kids, acting like kids, listening to kids, teaching kids in the classroom or raising (outstanding) kids. We offer experience. You’ll be generously set up with tried and true original techniques and materials rooted in ancient yoga traditions.

Because of ALL the work and creative energy, love and purpose driven intention that we have poured into Grounded Kids Yoga since 2008, we’ve carved a space in this industry that attracts THE most whole-heartedly eager people on the planet.

This brings me back to feeling full… More like overflowing with enthusiasm for this work of teaching yoga to children.

Being with step 1ers has a special way of bringing me back to the beginning when words like chakra and Namaste were scary like having a crush and sounds of Chrystal bowls and mantras were as unfamiliar as my own inner landscape.

I hear their questions and remember the urgency to make a difference and the wide-open possibilities because nothing was certain. I look into their eyes and remember when I too wasn’t sure that yoga worked and the utter amazement I felt each time, and time again, when it did.

It’s hard to say goodbye when it’s over. I’ve been whispered to in a hug or through tears more than a few times that this training was more informative and spiritually awakening than their 200 hour. And how profound it is to have the craving for a supportive, forward acting community finally satisfied. We stay in touch to put it mildly.

I share at the start of each step 1 that it is by no mistake that we are together; that this training would not be the same without them. While our training curriculum is down to a fine science, the main ingredient is Authenticity. We teach you to be yourself. Not an entertaining yoga teachy version of yourself, but your true self.

AND we teach you how to be a very skillful and successful children’s yoga teacher.

This is what fills me up. What about you?

Just Breath. Teacher leading the students and practicing what she teaches.
Lotus Breath reminds us that even in the darkest, muddiest times – we can rise up!
The Wave. Steady Feet, Light Heart – Prepares us to go with the flow.

More to Explore

  • Salutations

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    Charlotte, the spider, represents our highest self who provides wisdom and help from above. She reminds us that we are never alone. She provides a higher, bigger perspective from her vantage point high up in the rafters. She brings a calm wisdom into an anxious situation, bolstering Wilbur’s self image by spelling out his best aspects. She represents our INHALE.

    Become sensitive and aware of your breath.

    Wibur, the pig, represents our vulnerable self that is at the center of our awareness. Wilbur is consistently caring and engaging. He forms a bond with Charlotte because he sees her beauty. He is accepting and compassionate and joyfully celebrates life. He represents our EXHALE.

  • Our Grounded Teen Poet

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  • Dr. Suetra presents: Yoga Sutra of Patanjali 1.2 yogah citta vritti nirodhah

    Dr-Seutra 001

    Yoga is the stilling

    of the changing states of mind~

    The act and policy of

    No chitta* left behind.

     

    Yoga is the re-channeling

    of habits of the mind~

    Capacity for Contentment grows

    And Vrittis* get declined.

     

    Yoga is the resolution of

    the agitations of the mind.

    A uniting of consciousness in the

    heart of all mankind.

    Yoga is the settling of the

    mind into silence.

     

    Nirodha* the misconceptions,

     

    And ignorant defiance.

     

    Yoga is the deepness

    In the lake of tranquility~

    Out of the surface ripples~

    And into heart’s reality.

     

    Yoga is a gentle

    Process of release~

    A settling into the

    Natural state of peace.

     


    Each inhale think calm~

    Each exhale think peace.

    Favor these words~

    Your distractions will decrease~