When Resting Pose Becomes Real: Safety, Breath, and Deep Rest for Kids
by Sedef Dion, E-RYT 500, RCYT
I love what I do. Every teaching experience fulfills me and gives me joy. I want to share what happened a few weeks ago during Resting Pose.
I have been going to one of the homeless shelters in metro Atlanta to teach children ages 4 to 12. These kids are exhausted and deal with so much on a daily basis. Life for them is very challenging on many levels. I was told by the shelter director that they truly look forward to our 45 minute yoga sessions.
A Simple Mantra for Self-Regulation: “Inhale I AM, Exhale OK”
During our yoga class we did some heart opening back bends, as well as some heart melting poses. Then it was time for Resting Pose. They were on their backs settling just like sand would be on the bottom of the ocean. Yes, even for Resting Pose there is a certain effort that then leads to total surrender and relaxation. I was directing them to pay attention to their breath and repeat a short but powerful mantra. Inhale I AM, exhale OK.
Within minutes 16 kids were in Resting Pose. They all fell into a very deep sleep. After about 6 minutes I began trying to bring them back so we would finish our class. None of them were able wake up! Two of the other shelter teachers and I tried super hard to wake them up. It looked as if I had drugged them! They weren’t even moving. It took about 10 minutes for them to come out of Resting Pose.
Reflection for Caregivers and Teachers: Why Rest Builds Resilience
So, when hearts open and emotions flow; when one feels safe and secure, resting and sleeping become easy and natural. I witnessed that. It happened right in front of my eyes.
May all the children feel safe and secure
May all the children have a place to call home.
May all the children know that home is within.
Inhale I AM; exhale OK.
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In celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday we learned how to work our feet and our hands. Just as Suess’ Mr. Brown Can Moo!, Mrs. Cat can MEOW! In “Mrs. Cat Can Meow! Can You?” A Poem of Wacky, Wonderful Noises – While Clawing the Mat we allowed our inner animal out on the mat while paying close attention to our hands and feet. Are they wacky? Are they flat? Are they clawing the mat? When practicing this wacky flow while making Suesserrific noises you too will learn the importance of clawing the mat. In playing “Stop Foot, Go” (a zany spin on the all time favorite game, Musical Chairs) and studying the 4 corners of our feet we checked on our left foot and our right foot making sure they were fuzzy fur feet. While “Roaring”, “split – splatting” and “meowing” along with Mrs. Cat we learned that when our four paws are aligned we feel more steady, more grounded, and in balance with the universe.
