Healthy Living Festival

We had a great time at the Healthy Living Festival on Sunday in Manhattan Beach. We had about 25 kids come by to try out yoga. We also enjoyed sharing our booth with our friends at Kitchen Kid. We are looking forward to participating again next year.

Pose of the Month - Clam Pose

For Clam Pose sit with legs extended out in front of the body and feet are flexed with toes pointing toward the ceiling. Try to have a straight back and inhale the arms up overhead, slowly exhale pulling the chest toward the knees and reaching the fingers towards the toes, if able, grab onto toes.

This pose requires patience as it is not one most people can easily do. As I say in class, "we are reaching our fingers TOWARDS our toes, if we are only able to reach our knees, that's okay!" The key in this pose is to use the breath ti take you farther, releasing and relaxing into the forward bend and allowing the back of the legs (the hamstrings) and the lower back to stretch. Try holding the pose for 3 breaths (long inhales and exhales), then 5, and 10 breaths. See if you can practice patience in moving farther in the pose.

Pose of the Month: Around the World

Around the World

Start standing with feet wide apart, arms stretched up above the head and fingertips reaching for the ceiling. Slowly lean the upper body over to the left, bend the left knee, circling the arms toward the left and coming down, sweeping the hands on the floor (make sure knees are bent). Then continue circling the arms up on the right until you have made a circle. Do this several times to the left then switch and circle around several times on the right.


This is a free flowing movement.

Pose of the Month: Down Dog

Start on the hands and knees, make sure the palms of the hands are flat on the floor and the fingers are spread wide. Tuck the toes under and lift the tail up into the air, pressing the hips away from the hands, and straightening the legs. The arms are shoulder width apart. The legs are flexed and strong, with the heels are reaching toward the floor.

Pose of the Month: Child's Pose

Child's Pose is a wonderful pose to rest in and one we tell our students to rest in if they need a break.

To get into Child's pose kneel onto the floor, touch the big toes together, and sit back on the heels. The knees can be hip distance or a little further apart, finding whichever position is most comfortable.

The forehead is resting on the floor or yoga mat. And the arms are lying by the sides of the body, palms facing up. You may also stretch the arms out in front of you laying them on the floor.

Be mindful of the breath and take long inhalations and exhalations. This resting pose can be held for 30 seconds to several minutes in length.

You can also try this modification: Stack your fists together and rest forehead onto fists.

Pose of the Month: Airplane

Start the Airplane post by standing. Find a focus point on the floor to look at and use to help you in keeping balanced.

Open the arms out to the sides and slowly fold the body forward, at the same time lifting one leg up into the air.

Palms should face the floor and the toes of the lifted leg point toward the floor. Try to keep the neck aligned with the spine. Your aiming for a straight line from head to heel of the lifted leg. Keep looking at your focus point, breathe and hold for 20-30 seconds. Then switch legs.

When you practice see if you can build on the length of time you hold the leg in the air.

Pose of the Month: Chair Pose

Start with feet together and ground both feet firmly into the floor. Inhale the arms up into the air (arms will be up by the ears, be mindful to keep the shoulders down and away from the ears). Exhale, and bend the knees to lower into a squatted position, keep the arms reaching up in the air.

Modification (to make it a little easier, especially for the lower back): Place hands onto the thighs.

Further Challenge: Lift up onto the toes and balance.

Pose of the Month: Savasana

The perfect nurturing pose!

Lay on your back. Arms are by the side with the palms facing up towards the ceiling. Feet are open. If you have lower back issues you can place a pillow underneath your knees. Close your eyes and allow your mind and body to relax. If your mind starts to wander or you have a difficult time relaxing you can place your hands on your belly and focus on your breathing.

Kids, if you practice this pose at home with your parents, you can give them a head massage, just like your teachers do in class.

Pose of the Month: Clam Pose

Sit with legs extended out in front of the body and feet are flexed with toes pointing toward the ceiling. Try to have a straight back and inhale the arms up overhead, slowly exhale pulling the chest toward the knees and reaching the fingers towards the toes, if able, grab onto toes.

This pose requires patience as it is not one most people do easily. As I say in class, we are reaching our fingers TOWARDS our toes, if we are only able to reach our knees, that's perfect! The key in this pose is to use the breath to take you farther, releasing and relaxing into the forward bend and allowing the back of the legs (the hamstrings) and the lower back to stretch. Try holding the pose for 3 breaths (long inhales and exhales), then 5, and 10 breaths. See if you can practice patience in moving farther in the pose.

Pose of the Month: Windshield Wipers

Start by laying on your back with arms extended out on the floor. The knees are bent with feet flat on the floor. Take the knees and slowly lower them to the left, turning the head to the right gazing at right hand, creating a twist. Take a few breaths here then come back to center and switch sides. This time dropping the knees to the right and turning the head to the left.

This is a relaxing and nurturing pose. It stretches the back and massages the internal organs