Aromatherapy & Autism: How can it help?

Article updated April 14, 2013


Aromatherapy is the science of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of improving a person's mood, cognitive function or health. In recent years there has been an interest is using aromatherapy for reducing the anxiety and behaviors associated with autism and other Sensory processing disorders.

In 1999 an OT named Jane Ellwood from the UK carefully planned and set up a structured program to use aromatherapy for a group of 6 non-verbal severely autistic children at a special needs school. The idea was to see if this would warrant further study. This would also provide an opportunity to document the therapeutic use and effects on children with sensory challenges.


5 different essential oils would be used-both stimulating and calming scents-and were selected based on their safe use with children, their ability to stimulate the olfactory sense, and their therapeutic properties:

Peppermint: A somewhat  familiar scent. Acts as a neuro-stimulator. Widely used to improve concentration. Also has a cooling effect on the skin and can be used as an additional sensory experience.

Neroli: A non-irritating and sedating oil.Good for massage & when calming is needed. Also recommended fore obsessive behavior, one of the characteristics of autism.

Eucalyptus: Stimulating and clears nasal & bronchial passages allowing for deeper respiration.

Roman Chamomile: Calming and has been suggested to use for eye pillows and to counter act aggressive behaviors.

Sandalwood: Non irritating and scent contrasts to the other oils. Blends well with Neroli and would give an additional scent if needed.

Peppermint was used the first week initially in a room diffuser then in spray bottle allowing droplets to settle on the hands and feet of the children. Some children requested more. Jane observes how one child, who was tactile defensive, used the neck pillows filled with Roman Chamomile on his neck and remained calm and still the entire class despite usually having difficulties sitting still. One child who was overwhelmed by the new sensation at first, learned to shut his eyes when he was smelling the mint, thus avoiding sensory overload.

Later on, hand massage was introduced, using Neroli diluted in massage oil. One child who self-stimulated by spitting into his hands and rubbing it in found this to be a more pleasurable, calming and more acceptable activity. This child remained alert and participated in the group sessions and would request the oil when he needed his hands rubbed to calm down. He learned to do this for himself. After a few weeks, the children, some resistant to touch, were willing to rub each other's hands for a new sensation. Other objects, textures and hot/cold packs with the essential oils in or on them were slowly introduced each week to further expand and integrate the range of sensory experiences.

One child who did not like the hand massages, would sit still for foot massages. A neutral oil (no essential oil) was used first to avoid sensory overload and was gradually introduced. This technique worked for gaining his attention before a new learning experiences such as group games or counting games.

In her conclusions, Jane states that "being aware of the often negative effects of sensory stimulation to children with autism, I had not expected the positive way the aromatherapy sessions were received. For all of the children, the experience has led to new opportunities for interaction & communication."


Overall, Ms. Ellwood concludes that the children reacted with interest and activity to the stimulating oils (peppermint & Eucalyptus) and receptiveness and calm with the calming oils, Neroli, Sandalwood and Roman Chamomile. However, the oils paired with the activity (massage, relaxation, etc. ) may also be a contributing factor in the outcome.

(Ms. Ellwood's study was published in Vol 1 • No 3 ~ Winter 2002-03 of  "In Essence"- the quarterly Aromatherapy journal of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists)

Its important to not that before you introduce this type of sensory activity to your child check with his or her therapist or medical doctor. Also, be sure to use only natural essential oils and foods (coffee, oranges, lemons, basil, sage, lavender, etc.). Artificial scents, fabric softeners, & fragrances contain many chemicals that can cause headaches, nausea and other undesired affects on a child with sensitivities.

There are both strong supporters of this practice as well as others who say the effects cannot be proven. Most affects can be observed but are difficult to scientifically establish. You have to make these decisions for what is best and what will work for your students/child. It has been my own experience in a self contained classroom setting and with my own daughter, (who is not sensory challenged) that aromatherapy has a positive effect with careful application, dilligence & time.

A simple sensory activity to do with your child is "Scented Salt  Dough". You can encourage your child to help you make this simple scented dough, and then use like clay to incorporate a variety of skills & sensory experiences (kitchen activities and "following a recipe" in general help improve auditory processing, visual processing, proprioception, fine motor skills, tactile senses, olfactory sense,  language and socialization skills.)

You can also add rice, sand or other grainy substances to a different batch to  increase the tactile response. (I don't suggest combining both scent and texture until after both types are introduced to the child/children and gotten used to.)

Some natural scents you can add to the dough: (be conservative & aware of what you are adding  & whether or not a child has known skin sensitivities.)

Stimulating: Instant coffee, peppermint extract,  lemon extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, ground cloves, basil, cherry kool aid,

Calming: vanilla extract, lavender, Roman Chamomile, Neroli, honey, anise extract, licorice or fennel

The dough can then be allowed to harden & painted for an extra creative & sensory experience!

For salt dough recipe and other sensory games & activities please visit our web page at: BodyLogique.com 


To order a copy of "Calm & Connected: Yoga-Based Tools for Self-Regulation" (filled with dozens of simple, kid-friendly relaxation techniques) please use this link.

Calm & Connected
by Barbara Gini

For more information on Aromatherapy and autism, visit:

Aromatherapy-ADHD & Autism

Evaluating Aromatherapy Massage  Effects on sleep in children with autism

Aromatherapy for ADHD 



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Breathe-Relax!

My son called me yesterday. So how did this get to be a blog topic? Well, I always love to talk about my kids, but it was the content of the call that became today's topic. I will explain.

He called to tell me that he passed (with flying colors) a national certification test for his job. He was ecstatic, talking very quickly & was almost breathless as he  told me about it.

Then he told me he was so stressed & asked me for some breathing & relaxation exercises to calm him down before he took his field test. It took me by surprise, because he is very easy-going. I have never pushed or expected any of my children to practice yoga, only invited them to try if they wanted. Now my 26 year old son who has never set foot inside a yoga studio, in spite of always being supportive (just from a distance) of my yoga & dance teaching, my vedic chanting music, my rain sticks & other assortment of odd musical instruments, was asking me for interventions and he was serious. I could hear it in his voice. After a quick phone-coaching session, he was better and went on to his field test which he also did well on.

My point today is that we don't usually associate stress with good news or happy events, but these can also create a stress response in the body. We  need to take moments throughout our day to release this tension that builds up not just in our mind, but in our bodies too.

My son was experiencing a stress response and maybe did not realize it at the moment because he was excited about his test results. What he did recognize was a need for something to reverse the sensations in his body-(nervous stomach, heart pounding, short of breath, perspiration). Although he could not remember how to use it, he knew the one tool that we all have that will immediately help us in times of stress: our breath.

It has been known in China and India for thousands of years that the mind. body and breath are all inter- connected and that the breath can be used for balancing all the body's responses, including stress.

I will tell you a secret: Ironically, the divorce from my son's father many years ago was a pivotal time where I learned how to control nerves, fear & migraine headache pain with my breath and imagery. At times, I still momentarily forget this wonderful tool and how to use it. I react to people & emotion and get scared, angry, overwhelmed and frustrated as well. It happens to me during happy times also. The difference is that now, with this knowledge, and after years of practice and application, in times of calm I remember to breathe for relaxation-so that in times of stress my reaction/ recovery time is shorter and less destructive.

Breath techniques are a tool that every child can learn, so that as they grow into teens and adults, a relaxation response to stress becomes the habit, rather than a stress response. I wish I had thought of teaching this to my sons as they grew through many transitions-some painful-in their young lives. Now, as I had my son on the phone, I felt this was an important moment-maybe even a second chance-to be in a great place both  in maturity & knowledge to help him, which is what I did.

The opposite situation can occur too, where a person can be too calm, to the point of being complacent and not take action when they should which can be equally destructive. I have also experienced this effect. (Yes, you can be "too calm"!) Practicing Energy breathing can release muscle tension, clear the head, improve focus and motivate a person to take action when they feel wronged or a need for boundaries. Action is very different than reaction. On of my greatest lessons in Life is how the breath can help regulate & balance these two responses.

So for today, here are a few quick exercise to try (for adults & kids):

Belly Breath:
(Deep Breathing) This allows the lungs to fill up completely with oxygen and subsequently improves focus and calm. It will also help clear congestion.)

Place your hand on your belly, over your naval. When you breathe in, allow the breath to come in deeply, through your nose, so that your naval area expands & your hand moves out. When you breathe out, (through nose or mouth) your naval area will contract and your hand will move in. (To teach this to children, have them lie on their backs and place a small toy boat, dolphin, fish, frog, etc on their belly so that it can move up when they breathe in, and down as they breathe out.)

Energy Breath:
(Sometimes called "Big Breath" when working with the very young) Helps release tension, clear the lungs of congestion, increase energy and improve focus.)

Hold a small craft pom-pom ball or cotton ball in the palm of your hand. Take a big breath and blow the ball off your hand as far as you can. (For kids, you can give them each a different color to see how far they can make it go each time.) Even the very small and children with adaptive needs can practice this to some degree.) You can practice this about 3-5 times at first and gradually work up to 8-10 times. Last winter, I even had one Adaptive class of teens work up to have a "snowball fight" this way, where each side of the room had to blow the "snowballs" to the other side and keep away the "snowballs" that were coming at them with their energy breath. They still talk about it .

Another way I teach energy breath with little kids is tell them to hold out their hands, palm up and pretend they are blowing out a birthday candle for themselves on a cupcake. This is something most children can relate to. To help them practice a really big energy breath, I have them imagine blowing out 45 candles on a giant cupcake for my birthday!

Calming Breath:
(Sometimes called "Little Breath" or "Quiet Breath" with small children) This is a quieting relaxation breath. It can be used to help induce calm before sleep, and just before, during or after a stressful event or situation.)

Take a quiet breath in through your nose, deep into your belly, to the slow count of 3 (for small children ) or 4 (for bigger kids or adults) Breathe out slowly to the count of 3 or 4.  (You can also use the cotton or pom pom ball for this exercise only this time, the ball must stay in the child's hand and NOT be blown off. This exercise will quickly teach breath control.)


Laughing Breath:
(Reduces & releases tension and improves respiration.)

Breathe in slowly and deeply-and as you breathe out laugh!

These are just a few ways that breathing can be practiced & used by all ages to keep the body balanced and calm. There are many others! I hope you find these few to be helpful! To learn more about fun ways to teach yoga and other healthy techniques to your children or  students, please visit us at: http://www.bodylogique.com/

To schedule a customized evaluation for a Stress Reduction Plan for yourself or your child, please contact me at: Barbara@bodylogique.com

Love & Laughter!
~Barbara







(Pictured from Left: My oldest son Michael, his father, my younger son Steven and myself at a music & arts event the boys played at 3 years ago . This is the only photo I have of us all together and in spite of the rough road we have all travelled together (and apart,) I'm encouraged and comforted by the fact that we have all moved forward and are better for the experience.)

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Surf's Up! Adaptive Beach Yoga

So while talking with the kids last week at camp about what they like to do, there seemed to be a recurring theme: Swimming!

There are mostly boys with autism, ages 5-10 in the camp. For the ones with more developed communications kills, their favorite swimming is done at the beach-and their favorite "beach' topic is definitely sharks.
So taking this into consideration & since it was summer and since recent events have created alot of talk and debate about the current & future safety of our sea life, I thought that we would work with the topic of "Beach Yoga". It has proven to be a great choice!

Our warm up consists of breathing exercises followed by 'surfing'-the yoga mat is now a surf board, and variations of locust pose, warrior pose, mountain, triangle & down dog becomes a 'surfer' paddling his board out to the waves, surfing and (gently) "wiping out". The 'surfers' are taught the correct and safe way to 'wipeout' which is also a lesson in body awareness & self control. They ask for this every time, and it keeps them excited about yoga, so I keep doing it as a permanent part of the class. It also is a perfect opportunity for them to release pent-up energy. Kids need to do that before there is any hope of them "being still".

Surf music is played during the warm up. After 3 minutes of surfing, the kids (and the assistant teachers) are pretty warmed up! So we take a quick break with quiet breathing while I begin to explain the other activities & tell the day's story.

Our story is an original (by BodyLogique®) about a seagull that travelled over many miles of land to get to the ocean-over farms, mountains, volcanoes, trees, and even rainbows and when he got to the ocean he could see all the people on the beach & creatures below the water-fish, stingrays, sharks, coral, sea snakes, whales, sea horses, seaweed, jellyfish etc.  

As the story unfolds, the children each contribute a part of the story-this is facilitated by prompts: "Where is he flying now?" "What else does he see?"  "Name another sea animal/creature..." etc. The yoga is the movement of all the wonderful and creative animals they 'see' (some I have never heard of!).  In this way, and on many levels, the story comes alive. This is easily adaptable by using color photos, flashcards or some visual prompts for the children who need it.

We then played a non-competitive problem solving game of "Survivor Island." This is a variation on musical chairs and was designed to encourage cooperation and auditory processing. When the game was finished, the kids wanted to play again, but we were short on time. I had to bribe them with our next activity which was making their own "Message in a Bottle".
We wind down our class with a simple Guided Imagery-quiet music and reminding the children of their breath-to listen to it-like the ocean waves, rolling in to them- and away. Bringing  refreshment, happiness, love and all the things they need and taking away tension and all those thoughts & feelings they don't need.



The "Beach" or "Ocean"  theme can be expanded in a multitude of ways and adapted to various settings & skill levels. It can be done in the home, at a camp program, outside, in the classroom, by the pool, virtually anywhere that is comfortable, safe and secure for the group you are teaching. It fulfills the requirements for 1 hour daily of physical exercise set by the National Association for Sports & Phys Ed. I encourage parents and educators to teach &  play with their children in this way. You don't need any special skill or equipment, as it does not have to be perfect. It takes just a little imagination and a desire to lead your child through creative movement lessons.

Click here for more ideas on Sensory Games.


For more information on the Wanna Play Program (with locations in PA & NJ) , please click here


Click here to order the complete  "Ocean Surfari" summer S.M.Art Story™ curriculum!





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Refresh Everything!

Everybody has a cause-something they are sincerely passionate about. Something personal that moves them to action, whether it be recycling, animal cruelty, education, etc.

So what is your passion? Art? Dance? The environment? What do you really care about? Education or Health reform? If you had the chance, how would you want to change the world? Maybe you are a teacher or a coach-mother-or an everyday Joe or Jane.  Regardless of who you are, what your passion  is, or even if you are looking for work right now, I can tell you that you CAN make a big difference in your community and your world.

Pepsi is giving people a chance to make a difference by giving away millions of dollars in grants each month to fund great ideas that will refresh individuals and communities everywhere as part of its 'Refresh Everything Project' campaign.

There are 1,000 submissions accepted electronically on a first come first serve basis each month in 5 different categories. There are 4 levels of grant awards ranging from $5,000 up to $250,000. Once a project is accepted, then the grants are awarded by community votes. A total of 10 grants are awarded  by most votes in each category.

I am very excited to announce that after 4 months of submitting my idea, my Refresh Project, The Creative Movement Project  (Which will bring low cost/free Adaptive Yoga & Creative Movement Classes to Children with Special needs)  has been accepted for the August round of voting that starts in just 2 short weeks!

My project was first conceived a few years ago when I worked in NJ as a classroom assistant and 1:1 aide to children with autism. I had always worked with children in some capacity & had done this specific work for several years under a very compassionate & talented teacher and a great team of 1:1 aides and found that this was my passion. 

As much as I love my work I have always had an inner sense that we could do so much more for the kids and the families. I started playing yoga based movement games- (something I had been certified for and never used regularly) during therapy sessions to break it up a bit and saw that it seemed to help the kids handle tension and to focus better, but most of all, they were laughing!

I kept using these techniques and even consulted with OT's, yoga teachers and other educators to refine my games. I did this right up until I moved out of the district to Bucks County PA where I now live. When I left NJ, I decided that I wanted to provide adaptive Yoga classes as an enrichment activity to families and schools in the community. I have been able to do that for the last 2 years in PA, and my Pepsi project will expand this work to include all children of all abilities, in PA, NJ and surrounding areas, especially those who are limited by financial restrictions. It will also provide equipment & training programs for parents and teachers so that they can use this program to help their children & students stay physically healthy, develop friendships and learn while reaching their highest potential.

While I was in the process of submitting my idea, I was fortunate enough to meet 2 amazing & passionate people I'd like to tell you about. These are my "Pepsi Refresh Partners" and we are three separate projects supporting each other through August's round of voting. Their stories are below and I encourage you to read more about them by clicking on  the links!

Multiple Sclerosis Dreams:

David M. Serotko is the founder of Multiple Sclerosis Dreams, Inc. (www.msdreams.org)  In late August 2006 he was preparing to complete his Associates Degree. A few days before school was to begin, he started to feel very off balance & suspected an ear infection. His toes were tingling and almost numb. Although an initial visit to the doctor turned up 'normal", the symptoms worsened into severe dizziness & nausea. David contacted his doctor with grave concern & was given an MRI. It was confirmed in September that he had MS.

Within a few weeks he fortunately improved to a point that was better, although he still had the "MS hug" and trouble with balance. Through it all he was able to complete his degree, in David's words: " At the time I owned my own computer consulting business and lost several clients because I could not service them due to my illness. At that moment, I realized that life can change in an instant &  that things I wanted to do later in life may not be a possibility. It was the hardest thing I had ever been through."

After several moves and experiencing layoffs & job discrimination, he and his wife made two trips to Maui and lived life to its fullest. He flew in a helicopter for the first time, drove up a volcano & hiked around it, met some wonderful people, "and had the time of our lives..." .

"The reason I founded this organization is that I want everyone with Multiple Sclerosis to be able to fulfill their dreams. I was fortunate to be able to do many things and want the same for others in my boat. Whether we enable you to do something you have always wanted, or give you hope that things can happen for you, we will make a difference. No one should have to live their life feeling like a disease will keep them from fulfilling their dreams. I am not going to accept this, and neither should you. Together, we will make dreams come true for people with Multiple Sclerosis!
David's "Multiple Sclerosis Dreams" project will help those dreams come true for so many!


Kris Courtney: The REAL Color of America:

American Artist & Author Kris Allen Courtney, drawn to benevolence and disability awareness by his own personal experience, from his struggle as a child born into years of surgical intervention, (being in a body cast at only 3 days old)  to an ensuing lifelong continuous health struggle, has created ‘The REAL COLOR of America’ Project. Through this project, he is dedicated to service and participation for all beyond their disabilities. Kris’ art is bold and thoughtful in its message to the viewer and invites you to pause. This energy opens Kris to the strife and parallel beauty of the real color of life surrounding us all.

"The "REAL Color" project is designed to use art to bring a spot-light awareness to cities and towns across the country in need of inclusion. Through the travels across America, this project will create a unique abstract map of the cities and communities visited as well as the people of all abilities who participate."  Kris creatively uses open plein air creations coordinated with Local Fund Raising Organizations geared towards poverty reduction, food, special needs and disabilities, to create a beautiful medium for a truly inclusive American Art Exhibit. A gallery has generously offered to house the completed pieces.

Kris's book, "Norma Jean's Sun"  is painfully reflective yet ultimately hopeful. A story told through the eyes of a boy who believes he has been mistakenly born into the world and a man who conquers physical and emotional injustice--and thrives. The memoir  reveals not only the struggle and heartrending elements of generational lives “gone wrong,” but also the love and growth of a human being overcoming the odds and determined to find a way to live life to the fullest.

Kris's "REAL Color" project will allow many others to do the same.


From August 1- 31, I am asking you to please go to the Pepsi website and vote everyday for these 3 "Pepsi Refresh" projects that will impact so many individuals and communities in a positive way. It only takes a moment of your time. You can go to the Pepsi website for more details, and you can even sign up to get e-mail voting reminders here.

These 3 projects can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter. We will be posting updates on our respective project progress so please check back for any developing news!
Thank you for your passion & your support! We know that together, we can refresh communities everywhere by including everyone & helping all people make their Dreams come true!

Love & Laughter
~Barbara

www.bodylogique.com

BodyLogique on Facebook

BodyLogique on Twitter

The Creative Movement Project


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Going Barefoot

Go Barefoot!

There was a time when walking around barefoot was frowned upon as immodest and indecent. In fact, merely watching someone walking without his/her shoes, or at least slippers, was bound to create an uproar. This is no longer the case and in fact, there is an actual society, called 'Society of Barefoot', dedicated to the pursuit (you guessed it..) of walking barefoot.

No matter how well made a shoe or sneaker is, none can compare with the freedom & comfort derived from bare foot walking. The first thing I do when I come home from work is kick off my shoes. In fact, those who walk in the house with their shoes on encounter more aches and pains in the body, as compared to the people who indulge in barefoot walking.

A 2006 study found that shoes may actually increase stresses on the knee and ankle, and suggested that adults with osteoarthritis may benefit from walking barefoot. A 1991 review article found that barefoot walking supported optimum foot development, and the best use of shoes are to protect the foot from injury rather than for correction of problems.

Some doctors believe shoes are very damaging to children's feet. A 1992 study found that children who wore shoes all the time were three times more likely to have flat feet than those who did not, and suggested that wearing shoes in early childhood can be detrimental to the longitudinal arch of the foot.  


In general, people who have went barefoot in their childhood have fewer problems with their feet such as deformities, agility & flexibility, as well as their posture, then those who wore slippers, sandals or shoes.


Barefoot walking helps align the toes & strengthen the weaker muscles of the feet and ankles.We are learning with the advancement of scientific and medical knowledge that walking barefoot has several benefits:

• It helps the leg muscles pump blood back to the heart & may be beneficial for varicose veins.
• It helps relax tense, constricted & tired feet.
• Strengthens and improves flat feet
• Improves circulation & can have a cooling effect on the body, (especially if walking on wet grass.)
• Sensory (tactile) there are 5,000 nerve endings in the bottom of each foot to help us "feel" grounded
• Bare feet sensing the surface walked on  helps us think clearly and increases ourcapacity to focus.

In movement arts such as dance, yoga, tai-chi and other martial arts, it is believed that being barefoot helps a person absorb 'Chi', or the life-force energy from the earth and form a deeper connection with their inner & outer environments.

While there are several benefits, there must be awareness about how to safely go barefoot. Foot problems that can result from walking barefoot include cuts, abrasions, bruises, puncture wounds (from broken glass and other foreign objects,) Poisonous plants, animals, or parasites (can infect the body through the cuts on an injured foot.) Proper footwear is needed to protect the feet from these things when walking in unfamiliar areas or where injury can occur.


In addition, individuals with diabetes or other conditions which affect the sensory ability of the feet are at greater risk of injury while barefoot. In this case, extreme caution should be shown when going barefoot.

An alternative is to wear thin shoes with minimal padding such as moccasins, which results in a similar effect to going barefoot, but will still protect the tender skin and underlying tissues of the foot.

Below are a few simple exercises you and your child can do, (along with wearing proper shoes when out and going barefoot when you can,) to help relieve foot tension, strengthen muscles and improve tactile senses:


TOE STRENGTHENERS:

Toe strengtheners can increase flexibility, muscle tone and control of the toes. From standing, bring the big toe up and press the four little toes down. Draw the four little toes up while pressing the big toe down. Draw the big toe and baby toe up as you press the three middle toes down,etc. Singling out each toe to move individually will be challenging as well as frustrating. (You can start this one by sitting in a chair and using your fingers to "coach" & coax the toes where you want them before you try and move them individually).

FINGERS BETWEEN TOES:

From a seated position, interlace your fingers between your toes. (if you can't do all of them start with 2-3 at a time and work your way up to interlace all.) This stretches the muscles of the toes and allows them to spread. This action can be very challenging for some people due to foot problems & confining shoes. Be patient and work a little at a time. Eventually your flexibility will improve.


TENNIS BALL ROLLS: (My favorite)

Roll the entire sole of the foot on a tennis ball (or a spikey ball shown at right). This helps to warm up the feet as well as breaking up any tension being held in the feet. This exercise also accesses many important pressure points on the sole of the foot. The gentle pressure on the muscles and connective tissue can relieve tension and regain fluidity. Do for several minutes each side, several times a day. (While sitting at your desk at work or on the computer is a perfect time to try this!)



PICK UP MARBLES/COTTON BALLS WITH TOES:
(I do this with the kids-we call it "Toe-Ga"!)

By using your toes to pick up marbles, cotton or other small objects it not only strengthens the foot muscles but also promotes the use of using toes as individual entities as opposed to a group. This improves overall circulation & functioning of the foot.

Many yoga poses will also help strengthen the feet, toes and ankles- and improve overall posture: all of the standing & leg balance postures, as well as Downward Dog, Hero's Pose and Chataranga to name a few.
 


For more information on how yoga and movement arts can help you and your child improve health and build Strength, Character & Confidence, please *visit us at:
www.BodyLogique.com 

 
*Also on Facebook and Twitter


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Yoga: Fit for a Princess

“I don't go by the rule book...I lead from the heart, not the head.”

                                                                            ~Princess Diana
                                                                                   

I had the pleasure yesterday of being invited to teach yoga to a group of young ladies at  "Princess Camp" sponsored by  Serenity Health & Fitness/ Juli Kell's Dance Zone. 

Serenity's Princess camp is designed for ages 3-6, and includes dance, (facilitated by Juli Kell) music, art, games & yoga fit for a Princess! I had planned a story, yoga, games & art!  What a wonderful day we all had!

We began with the question of what is so cool about being a Princess? The answers I got were awesome: 'You get to wear pretty clothes",  "You can ride in a carriage", "You can stay up as late as you want", and "You get to help people". We talked about the many ways we can help other people and all of the ways for us to help ourselves too by staying healthy and taking car of our bodies. This was a perfect opportunity not only to teach compassion, but also self care &  self reliance along with Strength, Character & Confidence!

I led these beautiful "Princesses in Training" through a Princess warm up: We pantomimed the actions of putting on stockings and "glass slippers" (and ballet shoes); then we put on our ball gowns & helped each other "zip up" in the back of the gowns-(this brought squeals of laughter from each one of them, and became a brief  tickle fest). We 'put on' gloves, earrings, lipstick and sparkly crowns. (The crowns were real.) We even 'brushed our teeth' and talked about healthy foods and snacks. I told them that a Princess needed to be strong and healthy and take care of herself so that she could be able to help others.

Then we practiced the all important Princess waving-back and forth, left to right , with just fingers, just hands and out whole arms. (We even practiced waving with our feet.)

With our body's warmed up, we then did a posture & breathing exercise-breathing in & reaching up to the stars-grabbing one out of the sky-and reaching down to place it the ground while breathing out.

Then our yoga story began. It was not a story about any princess they would be familiar with at their young ages. It was the story of the beautiful & great huntress and athlete, Atalanta. Originally a Character from Greek Mythology, this story came to life as re-told by children's author  Betty Miles in "Free To Be You and Me". 

The re-told story has a beautiful message of inspiring a sense of self, and breaking free of stereotypes. As I told the girls an age appropriate version of this story, and as we practiced yoga movements along with the story, they lit up and began sharing little parts of themselves and the things they like to do.

We played a movement game, similar to "Red Light Green Light" called "One Two Three Princess Crowns for Me" In which they had to sneak up on me and "capture" my crown. It was actually a game designed to focus attention and to enhance auditory processing. They were so cooperative with each other-taking turns,giggling the whole time,  making sure everyone had a turn and working together to help the more shy players along &  then finally teaming up to "overthrow" me!

Our story ended with quiet music, relaxation, and with each Princess selecting a beautiful Rainbow Star to make a wish: one for themselves and one for another person.


The Princess Camp then went on to include art, a Princess lunch and other fun activities, fit for a princess! To learn more about Serenity Health & Fitness or Juli Kell's Dance Zone, click here.

To learn more about creative movement or to book children's classes by BodyLogique for your camp program please contact Barbara:

Barbara@bodylogique.com

Finding Balance

I woke up this morning to beautiful sounds: the raindrops falling softly on the tin awning & the soft rumble of thunder in the distance. Beautiful rain! This region needed this temporary reprieve from the recent drought so badly.

As I sat on my patio last night with my family, we realized how out of balance nature is right now. The night was silent. There were no chirping crickets, no symphony of tree frogs, and no mosquitoes biting my feet. There has been no rain to sustain them.

Balance. Mother Nature depends on it & has and always will find a way to maintain inner and outer balance. Its the same with people, as we are a part of Nature. This is what my yoga practice shows me.

Balance has always been a recurring theme for me. When I was divorced at a young age (21) and had 2 small sons to raise, it was about finding the balance between working, going to school to finish my education, growing up myself, and being a mother to the boys. There was hardly time to socialize or pursue the hobbies I enjoyed.

I am now at an age, 25 years later, where my body is changing. There is a balance that needs to be maintained between exercise & sleep;  food & activity; stress & hormones, compassion & assertiveness; fast & slow; work and play & business & family.


As an Independent Educator, I have to constantly find balance between my student & work relationships, my family relationships and my friendships. When I see other people (and myself) doing too many things and not accomplishing anything, that is a sign of a chaotic frame of mind, and time to find that balance again.  


As a student (and also as a teacher) of yoga, balance poses have always been my favorite: In Tree Pose I always had a sense of rootedness; confidence in 'where I stood'.  Side Angle Pose gives me a new peperspective during shifts of balance. Crow Squats allow me to focus on how far I am leaning/rushing into things. Triangle and Revolved Triangle just make me feel alive and stable even though I am twisted in different directions as I reach to new heights.

I draw these analogies with the kids when I am teaching a yoga class. It is not only good for the physical proprioceptive sense integration, (internal equilibrium) but also for the larger sense of Life. If this idea of internal/external balance is instilled at a young age, hopefully our children will grow in to young men and women who handle the busy-ness & everyday stresses of Life with a more self-confidence & ease.


Here is a game I call "Yo-Jenga" to play with kids to help them understand the idea of balance and focus: (Courtesy Alluem Kids  &  Yoga In My School. )

The best family game to teach the idea of balance has to be Jenga. This game consists of a tower of  little wooden blocks that are removed one by one carefully without toppling over the tower. (You can find a $5.00 version of this game called "Timber Tumble" at Five Below stores.) This activity will quickly develop patience, focus, fine motor skills, social and communication skills and problem solving.

By writing balance poses on the wooden blocks, (tree, crow, feather dancer, triangle, etc) you can turn an ordinary Jenga game into 'Yo-Jenga'!

Have each child pick a block from the stack, then teach the pose to the others. Then place the block on top of the pile to see how tall the tower can go!

I also have a few "Create-a-Pose" blocks in the pile as well. This allows the player to make up their own balance pose.

Include a few "Breathing-Break" blocks to keep the players grounded and focused. The game is over when the tower topples, or when the players are losing interest, or when the time limit is up.

For more balance & Sensory games visit us at:  BodyLogique



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Grandfather Tells: (The Wolves Within)

A Cherokee Wisdom Story:

I first heard this story from Sydney Solis from StoryTime Yoga. I love its message and it applies so perfectly to some recent events so that is why it is July's Story of the month:

An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.

But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times."

He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. he is joy, serenity, compassion, humility, benevolence, and truth."He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. he is envy, greed, guilt, resentment, self pity, lies and false pride.  He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.
"The same fight is going on inside you as well and inside every other person." He added.

Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one will win, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."

Feed the Peaceful wolf from day to day and leave the angry wolf to starve. That is my intention today & every day for each one of us.





*What is your favorite legend or Wisdom Story? Please feel free to post it in the comment box below!







For more Native American Stories Click Here


Click Here to see BodyLogique's Story Page


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What You Don't Know Can Hurt You: Finding a Quality Camp Program for Your Child

As a mother of 26 years, I know how frustrating it can be to shop for and find quality recreation & enrichment programs for children. As a provider of such programs, one of my aims is to inform and educate parents to make it as easy as possible to locate  fun, enriching activities.

In the last few weeks there has been a few questions specific to children's yoga programs & camps, so I've compiled a brief  list of tips to get you started that applies not only to children's yoga but to dance, sports, art, music & social skill programs as well. Keeping these ideas in mind can help you and your child avoid uncomfortable, un-fun and possibly unsafe situations.

What to Look For:

1- An informative & well constructed advertisement/brochure/website:

Be sure it is current, complete, easy to navigate & answers all relevant questions such as: a clear class description, updated schedules & class locations, instructor's name & experience, registration & and contact information.  Many studios will advertise that they offer programs but don't actually have any active classes on the schedule. If this is a habitual practice, interpret this as a red flag that the establishment is either very new & inexperienced or not really serious about their children's programs. Shop around and ask questions.

Are inquiries and phone calls returned to you in a timely manner? There is nothing more telling than a company or service provider that does not follow up  on inquiries within 3 days.

Another method other than word of mouth I like to use to research an instructor or camp is the social networks. Join the studio's group or page and just observe their interactions, photos & behaviors. Check out who they are linked to, including individuals & groups. Read blogs and postings. True colors will come out here because of the casual nature of social networking-you would be surprised at what you may learn.

I saw one public post on a social networking page, by a local children's yoga teacher that was an alarming & unprofessional exchange - along with other professionals (engineers & visiting hospice nurses, and even a mother of a special needs child) joking about harming a colleague with big clubs & sticks and such. Joking around is one thing, but according to this exchange, the teacher's own children gave her this advice. Alarming enough is the fact that this was even discussed publicly, and that the culprit's own children were encouraged to be involved in this, but what is even more disturbing is that this provider is now offering  a summer  "Peace Camp" for children. So the lesson here is simple:  keep your eyes and ears open!


2-Credentialed & Experienced Instructors:

Its one thing to have a children's yoga certification and another to actually have experience working with the children. Not every instructor has the patience, knowledge  & creativity enough to engage and hold the attention of a group of children for an entire 45-60 minute class. If you do not know the instructor, ask to meet and observe him or her in action prior to signing up your child. Have your child meet the teacher prior to a class to see if they are comfortable & connect with each other. Most reputable teachers will welcome this opportunity.

If you have a special needs child this is especially important to find out if the instructor in fact has knowledge and has worked with children with adaptive needs. Are the staff informed and trained on interacting with special needs children & does their program properly and sufficiently adapt and address these challenges?

It takes specific training to be able to work with children who are physically, socially or cognitively delayed, and not everyone has that training. When it comes to your child, don't be shy. Ask about their methods & their curriculum. Ask lots of questions. A qualified instructor will take the time to listen and address your concerns or refer you to someone who can. Feedback, whether positive or not should always be welcome by any conscientious instructor.


3- Independent Instructors-

There are many teachers such as myself that travel to a variety of venues: schools, studios, camps and community centers and do not work for one specific studio. In this case, please check references & background thoroughly. Does the instructor set a good example of behavior for the children? ( See above note about the "Peace Camp"...) Is he or she patient? Is she engaging to children in positive ways? Does she conduct all business with fairness & integrity? Do they show up on time and ready to work? A legitimate child service provider will have a biography, community links or references listed on their website or brochure or should  provide them immediately upon request. Also, it is imperative to find out if the person or people instructing & working directly with your child have been background checked through the state. ( I insist that all my assistants, and even photographers are background checked.)  Ask to see a current list of studio & personal references & a current certificate.

Other behaviors to observe are the yoga teacher or staff member who berates & chronically complains about the students, other programs or other instructors; and teachers who allow their co-teacher or assistants to provide all of the instruction. This is unprofessional at best and is as inexcusable as chronic lateness & being unprepared.

I remember one instructor of an arts camp I worked with who unprepared, late or a no-show daily, unless there was a chance at getting a photo in the local paper. There was always a colorful & 'compelling' story as to why. This tells a lot about the individual's character and work ethic & can serve as another indicator that either they are too busy with other projects to be effective, are not qualified to teach or do not take their work seriously. In either case, this may not be the ideal person to instruct your child.

4-Facility/Environment-

This is one of the first things I look for: is it neat, clean, climate controlled and secure? Is the equipment in good condition? Do the staff and instructors take pride in their appearance? Are you greeted promptly & courteously? This can say a lot about the overall operations of a facility and its staff as well as the quality of programs they provide.


5- Fun Factor-

Are the programs fun? If you can, talk with other parents who have experience with the facility, program or instructor-watch the children's reactions if you can and remember that a good instructor will teach useful skills in varied and playful ways-setting boundaries while still allowing for exploration & expression. This is the type of environment in which children learn the best!

While program cost may be a final determining factor as to whether you sign your child up for a program, remember : look at the quality, the time and the effort that the instructor puts into each class and figure that into the equation as well. This is part of what you will determine when you research a program.

Ultimately you will always wind up getting what you pay for.

For a list of preferred dance, yoga and camp providers in PA & NJ please e-mail: barbara@bodylogique.com


For more information on Fun Creative movement classes for children, please visit is at:

www.bodylogique.com

and on Facebook at:

BodyLogique


:)