Saturday, January 29, 2011

Extra Mats for Students

Guess what I requested for my birthday last week? Extra yoga mats for my upcoming yoga classes.

I received 4 new mats, giving me a total of 6 extra mats for my students to borrow! If you're thinking you'd like to sign-up for a class, but don't have a mat, email me! I'd love to help out. I don't want the simple fact of you not having a mat be the reason you didn't sign up for yoga.

(Last night I saw the rest of my family and received 4 extra mats, now Be the Tree Yoga has 10 extras!!!)

If you haven't read the entry from last week about Yoga & Teens, read it!! If you know of a teen who's interested in yoga, send it to them. If you're a teen who wants to learn yoga, ask your parents to sign you up for a class today or email me with questions! bethetreeyoga@gmail.com.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

"Um, Like...Om" Teens & Yoga



So lately, I've been thinking a lot about my sudden drive to work with teen & tween girls. Maybe it has something to do with the incredible way yoga makes me feel during and after practice. I feel like Super Woman; like I could climb to the top of a mountain and fly down the other side like a soaring eagle. Take this spectacular on-top-of-the-world feeling and marry it to the awkward, have-no-idea-who-I-am, hormonal teenage girl and what have you got? Well, a dose of self-esteem for one but moreover, courage, motivation, focus, determination, healthy eating choices, positive body image, self-awareness, confidence, flexibility, balance and total girl power. 

Yoga can do all that? Yes, it can.

Teach her yoga, an invigorating way of learning about the incredible super girl she is, and you'll have nailed it. Dead on.

Sure, at first it may be silly to her. Some of the postures may look funny or feel funny. A bit of laughter is good for the soul! Some have corny names, but all will do the body, mind & spirit good. Move over milk, yoga doesn't just work on the body. It covers all the bases. Most parents I know would jump at the opportunity to have their daughters smiling more, feeling good about who they are, and overall, just being happy. 

Despite what you may have heard, yoga today, is not a religion. Think of it as a commitment to yourself to be a better person, to live better, love better, and feel better. To unite with yourself and others around you, and how to relate to the rest of the world.

Three weeks ago, I stumbled upon a book on Amazon called Um, Like...Om: A Girl Goddess's Guide to Yoga by Evan Cooper. I purchased it after sifting through the information online. It arrived last week and I read it cover to cover in a few days. It isn't just a book about yoga, it's a guide to teenage life. It shows how yoga will help teens deal with everyday challenges such as school, relationships, hormones, peer pressure and self-esteem issues. The book contains step-by-step instructions and pictures of yoga postures. It also teaches the girls how to tell their inner-critic how to take a hike so they stop bashing themselves. I absolutely love it! It is written for the teen, but as a parent and yoga instructor, I'm finding it incredibly useful for my own knowledge of dealing with teens. *I've listed it to the right with a couple of my favorite yoga books.

Where was yoga when I was growing up? 

I can remember back to my teenage years and the painful, uncomfortable and trying times I endured. Had I been given the opportunity to practice yoga back then, I know the road would have been less bumpy, and I may have actually liked myself. 

My interest in teaching yoga to teens is not just helping them feel rock star good, but it's more about helping them like themselves and teaching them how to leap over life's little bumps in the road.

Here's a great article to further your reading on the subject of teaching yoga to teens:
http://www.yogajournal.com/for_teachers/2358

Namaste'  

(If I was talking to a group of teens, Namaste' would say... Hey girls, the rock star in me, honors the rock star in you.)



Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Yoga for Dancers & Gymnasts

Yoga Posture-Dancer's Pose

I've been doing research on the benefits of yoga for dancers and gymnasts. Being a dancer in my younger days, I know how important it is for your practice to be flexible, strong and balanced. I've never gotten into gymnastics, mostly out of fear of injury, however, from the research done so far, the benefits mirror those for dancers. Upon conclusion, I'd like to visit with the local dance companies and gymnastic facilities in the future to share my learned information.

*If you are interested in reading more on the benefits of yoga for dancers and gymnasts, please open the link below for an informative article.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

New Beginnings

Beginning the week of January 17th, I will be teaching yoga through Brenham Community Education. I have designed five classes for the spring, see list below.

I chose the name, Be the Tree Yoga, for several reasons. I will admit, I am a tree-hugger. Have you ever hugged one? Try it. I promise not to tell anyone. You'll be amazed by the unique experience. For me, a tree represents humans as we also develop roots, strengthen our trunks and branch out to a wider vision of life as we grow. Trees are responsible for providing fresh air to breathe. Last but not least, my favorite pose is the Tree Pose. It promotes balance, strength and focus. Be the Tree...

I plan on using this blog to share the joy of yoga with others. It will serve to connect teacher and student. Please feel free to comment on Be the Tree Yoga blog; your comments and ideas are appreciated. Remember to become a follower and check in weekly for updates and new information. Please feel free to email me with specific questions at bethetreeyoga@gmail.com.

Be the Tree...set your roots, find balance & inner peace.

Spring Class List:
"Um...Like, OM" Yoga--A beginner's innovative class designed for tween & teen girls.
Beginner's Hatha Yoga--A gentle, traditional Hatha yoga class for beginners.
Contemporary Yoga--A class designed to incorporate the ancient practice of yoga with modern music.
Parent & Me Yoga--A gentle, yet fun class for parent and child.
Yogic Dance--A yoga sequencing class using basic postures along with modern music.

*Classes will be held in the Brenham Community Education Building, room 7. Email questions to Candy Fite or contact Brenham Community Ed. at 979-277-6531 or visit them online: www.brenhamcommunityed.com.