Farmer's Market Yoga
Hi, friends. Mai here. Have I told you about my goal to plant seeds of peace and compassion in the hearts of Kerrville’s youth this Spring? That’s why I’m doing free yoga for kids at Kerrville Farmer’s Market - Downtown.
“Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.” -Rainer Maria Rilke
I am ready to engage with anyone in conversation, but especially children. Rather than avoid eye contact with little ones, I hold a steady gaze when they look my way. I want to hear their story. I ask them questions about what they are doing, how they feel, and the relationships that they are most thankful for. Nothing holds me back from treating them like normal humans.
Kids must pick up on this because, no matter where I am, they naturally flock to me. At the Kerrville Farmer’s Market - Downtown, an organic following of little bare feet accumulates beneath my tent every Friday evening. Getting children to participate in yoga isn’t difficult at all. Instead of forcing the idea on them, let it be their idea. Bring them to the market and let them watch! It won’t be long before they ask to join.
How Does Yoga Help Youth?
While it might look like a performance, we are completely focused on the breath when we “meow” in Cat Pose, “Moo” in Cow, “Arff Arff” in Down Dog, and “Sssss” in Snake. We stand tall like the Tree, clear our minds, and breathe. I will teach them how to ground down and be confident. Doing yoga meets the needs of every child by providing a sense of security in their own body, stability in their own voice, and consistency in their breathing. I think that’s important for kids to learn how to do. Just breathe. The gimmicks are to get their attention. The takeaway is that they can experience their bodies as individuals while also getting encouragement from their peers. When we have fun with yoga, we create an environment of peace and learning.
While I do not have children myself, my desire to share in the joy of life with kiddos has been with me since before I can remember. If you are interested, yoga at the Kerrville Farmer’s Market starts at 5pm this Friday.