Octopus Kids Yoga offers movement, mindfulness, relaxation, and fun to kids, ages 2-11.
Starting June 26, 2017 Octopus Kids yoga classes will be available on-going at Wisdom Flow Studio. See schedule for details
Who teaches Octopus Kids classes? Dr. Tamara Evans is a certified Kids Yoga teacher. Dr. Evans has worked with kids for over 18 years as a Naturopathic doctor and is dedicated to improving the health of our children. She has found that Yoga is a great way to improve the nervous system through movement, stretching, balance, mindfulness, and FUN. She also works individually with kids and moms in her private practice at Mindful Living Group in Kihei, using herbal medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, and craniosacral therapy.
You can find Dr. Evans on Facebook @TamaraEvansND or online at www.MindfulLivingGroup.org. Feel free to contact Dr. Evans with any questions you may have about Octopus Kids Yoga. Parents are welcome to stay and watch the classes. Our studio has a lounge area with free WIFI.
Email Dr. Evans for more information.
What happens in a kids yoga class? Kids yoga is all about fun stories that are acted out through yoga poses. The stories are themed (in a jungle, in the ocean, in outer space) and involve interesting characters that appeal to kids (animals, trees, insects). The stories explore issues relevant to kids (bullying, managing frustrations, friendships) and resolution of these issues through the development of self-awareness. There is relaxation time at the end of each class, building self-awareness and tools for stress and anxiety.
Classes are divided into age groups:
4-6 year olds Mondays 3-4PM
7-11 year olds Mondays 4-5PM and Thursdays 3-4PM
Introductory fees June-August are $10 per child or 10 classes for $80. Fees are payable to Octopus Yoga
Physical Benefits:
Builds strength, especially at the core, which improves posture.
Increases flexibility as a complement to sports.
Improves balance, through breath and active focus to steady ourselves.
Improves coordination with physical and spatial awareness in poses.
Teaches relaxation at the end of every class, improving sleep.
Emotional Benefits:
Builds confidence, as kids gain strength and coordination.
Improves mindfulness using the breath to steady emotions, reducing stress and anxiety.
Explores feelings and how to talk about them.
Teaches self-regulation with regular practice and breathing techniques.
Builds imagination and critical thinking skills with interactive stories.
Improves empathy for others through the characters in the stories.
Why it works in any group or school:
Non-judgmental activity
Not competitive
Inclusive to any child, regardless of ability
Increases feelings of connection to others
Octopus Kids is based on the idea of the 8 limbs of yoga, or in this case, the 8 tentacles. To relate the 8 limbs to kids, we try to relate the ideas in an understandable way.
Yama – Be wonderful and kind to others. How do you shine your light our into the world? Are you nice to people? Are you truthful? Are you generous?
Niyama – Be wonderful and kind to yourself. How do you shine your light inside of yourself? Are you eating healthy foods? Are you keeping your body strong and active? Are you grateful for what you have? Are you trying to see yourself as others see you?
Asana – Practice movements to unite all of you – body, mind, heart, breath, soul.
Pranayama – Practice your breathing. The magic of the breath is what tells you you are alive in this world.
Pratyahara – Practice your focus and attention. How do you shine your light inside to decrease outside stimulation, without withdrawing? How do you find clarity about yourself in difficult situations? How do we find patience with ourselves?
Dharana – Practice a single point of focus. How do you quiet the mind and become still?
Dyana – Practice being present in the moment. How to we acknowledge the five senses in the moment?
Samadhi – Practice just “being”, finding the truth, the connection, and the peace that comes with stillness and presence.