"Time Flies When You're Having Fun"
This week is Star Yoga's first birthday. Which also means that I have been teaching yoga to children for a whole year. A WHOLE YEAR! As my first line in this blog suggests, the time has flown, and I'm finding it hard to believe that it's true.
So what have I learnt in my first year as a yoga teacher? So Much!
First of all, you can plan a really awesome class, but be prepared to throw that out the window when you turn up to class and the children's energy doesn't match that of the class that you have planned. I have found that especially in winter, you just never know what kind of mood the children will be in. Will they be full of beans and climbing the walls because they have been stuck inside all day? Or will they be tired and lethargic due to the cold weather and their runny noses? I still haven't figured out an answer for this, but my solution has been to plan activities for both scenarios, and be ready to read their energy levels on the day and teach accordingly!
Secondly, there is a LOT more work that happens behind the scenes of a yoga class than I first realised! I know that because this is my first year, I am still collecting resources and materials to use in my classes; but there is still much more research than I first anticipated. "Okay, so the kids are learning about the Arctic this week? Sure, let me google what animals are in the Arctic, and how can I turn this into a yoga adventure? And I wonder if there are any picture books I can use for this theme? No, okay, I will make flashcards instead!"Don't even get me started on the PJ Masks themed class - I had that annoyingly catchy song in my head for days!!This definitely is not a terrible issue at all, in fact, I quite enjoy researching and coming up with new ideas and ways to introduce children to yoga poses. There is just a lot more time spent on my laptop than I originally envisioned 12 months ago.
Lastly, the major thing that I have learnt in my first year as a Children's Yoga Teacher is that my work brings me so much more joy than I could ever have imagined! To hear a child say that they feel 'as light as a butterfly' after class really warms my heart; Or to hear about a child using Lion's Breath at home to release their frustration makes me beam with pride! Children bring all kinds of energies into a yoga class, but it's the calm, peaceful and positive energy at the end of a class that makes it all feel worthwhile.
As I sit here and reflect on what a year it's been, I can't help but feel a huge sense of gratitude for the opportunity of being able to walk this path. It is an honour to be able to teach and guide children in our community into a more positive way of thinking and feeling. But I definitely haven't been able to do it alone. From logo design, to photo shoots, website design, business advice & lots and lots of encouragement and support - my friends and family have been there every step of the way. Also, the success of Star Yoga For Kids would not be possible without my amazing followers - the online supporters & the parents who bring their children to class every week - Thank You!
I have big plans for the next 12 months for Star Yoga, and I'm so glad that you're all coming along for the adventure.