When I first saw that Prana Yoga was hosting Jodi Komitor's Next Generation Yoga kids yoga teacher training, I knew it was something I had to attend! I have a two year old daughter and am a yoga teacher, so it made sense to start a venture into kids yoga. After completing a life changing 300-Hour yoga teacher training at Prana Yoga, I knew that they would offer me the best kid yoga training out there. Next Generation Yoga teacher training (ages two to seven) was completely amazing. I can definitely say that I learned how to share yoga with children from the best of the best and among an amazing group of women.
Her passion for yoga and for children, and her vast experience, is beyond inspiring. It was such a treat to be asked to transform myself into a five year old and connect with the simple things again. Drawing the ocean, hopping like a frog, dancing for the sun, singing about butterflies... Going back to being creative, intuitive, and silly.
I quickly enjoyed the innocence and simplicity of it all. We should all draw, hop, dance, and sing on a regular basis.
Seeing Jodi engage the children through yoga, creative themes, singing, and props was invaluable. And seeing the children focus on thanking the sun and on sharing love was heart melting.
It was so inspiring to see children jump into something new, not afraid of barking, or singing, or sharing how they feel. They tell you when they want help and when they don't. Kids yoga is so honest. Partly because kids are inherently honest - .i.e. they will leave if they want to leave - and because the teacher gets immediate feedback - either they are paying attention or they aren't.
Next Generation Yoga taught me the foundations for success as a kids yoga teacher and also brought me deeper into my own yoga practice. Sharing yoga with children requires a commitment to staying present, an ability to go with the flow and adapt, and a creative and loving spirit. I am so excited to go off into the world: connecting with my inner child, sharing yoga with and learning from my daughter, and experiencing all that kid yoga has to offer. I believe from the bottom of my heart that yoga is a tool every child should have access to. In a world where things can get too serious, it's essential to learn how to tune in and release tension, how to develop a sense of connectedness with ourselves and others, how to recognize the love and light inside everyone ... and the sooner the better!
