What Special Educators (and Parents) Want Us to Know

As Autism month begins, I would like to dedicate this post to autism families and the professionals (and para-professionals) who support them at home, in the classroom and beyond.

Its easy to get caught up in the push for awareness-and awareness is definitely needed. However, sometimes when we are so engaged in a cause, its easy to forget to communicate clearly what it is that we, our children and our students need at any particular moment. I would like this post to be about opening up & continuing an honest dialog-between all of the people who love, educate & support Spectrum kids, in so many different ways.

So, this post today is to be written by you, in the comments section below. If you are an autism parent, what do you want your child, your family, your child's teachers, other parents, me or anyone else to know?

If you are an educator or other professional: What would you like parents, students, administrators and others to know? Be as brief or as detailed as you need to - or as the comment space will allow.

If you want to ask a question - that counts too! This is about learning from each other & sharing our respective knowledge & experiences for the purpose of better understanding and better care & services for all of our kids.

Your comments do not have to be all positive-because let's face it: life is not always positive-but they do have to be respectful. We are all looking through different windows with different scenery. Sometimes its frustrating as a parent to explain to a teacher-and its also frustrating for a teacher to explain to a parent what is happening when the other one is not here, but think about how frustrating it is for our students and kids watching us struggle against each other, as they wait for the help that the need.

The thing to keep in mind is that we are all on the same side-and we have to keep working together if its going to work at all. Kids are depending on us to support & guide them, so lets keep it mature and respectful and we will all learn something new & useful.


~Barbara



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7 Ways to Show Kids You Love Them

The author & her Daughter
at a 'Relay for Life'  Event

Its been said that children learn what they live. Sometimes we get so caught up in the every day schedules & stresses of life that we forget those little things that show our kids we care.

Kids need to know that they are loved, even if they do not hear "I Love You" every day. When my daughter was younger, she had a hard time understanding that I "work" at my desk at my computer sometimes. It was a bit of a challenge to get her to understand that I was "at work" even though I didn't get in my car and leave the house. I remedied this by writing in "Lauren" time on the big calendar. I stuck to this no matter how tired I was. For many kids, these kinds of  simple actions speak loudest and they respond to interacting & sharing activities with you better than your words. Parents & guardians can be creative & show their kids they love them in many different ways. Remember, you know your children best.

Children personalize everything & what may just be an intense, problem solving frame of mind to you, may appear to be a distant, "you don't love me" mood to them. These seven simple strategies that I would like to share with you today,  will help you reconnect with and reassure your kids that your love is forever & you are always there for them. This week as you go through your daily routines & busy schedules, see how many you can add in.


Positive Discipline/Reinforcement:
Try and understand why a child is exhibiting a behavior, rather than assuming its strictly "non-compliant". Although they rebel and buck against authority, Kids need discipline to feel safe.Use as few words as possible, with an emphasis on the positive words, when correcting your child and non-violent forms of discipline. Keep in mind that its just as important to tell them when they do something correctly as when they make mistakes. Show then how to do better rather than showing them only what they did wrong. Let them understand that its their actions you didn't like-not them. Banish ALL judgments & put-downs from your parenting vocabulary, even if you think its in jest.  Children take these things to heart and remember them, no matter how innocent the intention.


Respond promptly & lovingly:
To your child's questions, requests, physical and emotional needs. When your child is angry, argumentative or in a bad mood, (and even when he's not) give him a hug, cuddle, pat, secret sign or other gesture of affection he favors anytime throughout the day. Respect personal boundaries and try not to embarrass them in front of their friends, as this may make the kids feel upset, rather than cherished. Be ready to listen-stopping what you are doing & looking at the child-and really listen-when he opens up about what's bothering him. Set aside a time of day to do this. (Dinnertime, before bed, etc. )


Set an Example for them to follow:
This is a huge one. Make an extra effort to set a good example at home and in public. Treat others kindly & show your children respect. Don't be afraid to use words like "I'm sorry," "please," and "thank you" on a regular basis and they will follow your lead. My parents were always reluctant to say they were sorry for fear that it was a sign of weakness. Its not. Its a sign of respect, integrity and acknowledgment that you are human. How can we teach our kids to take responsibility for their own actions and learn from their mistakes if we are not willing to do the same? Model the behavior you would like them to exhibit.


Live Healthy:
This is closely related to "Set an Example". Your child's health depends significantly on the Lifestyle you choose to live & the care and guidance you offer. If you take care of yourself, your child is more likely to model that behavior & do the same. Healthy & un-healthy habits are formed in the early years. By taking your child to the doctor when needed, keeping him safe from accidents, teaching him about his own body and how it works, as well as how to be self-reliant in taking care of it, providing a nutritious diet, encouraging movement & exercise throughout childhood, & exposing him to a variety of group activities you help socialize, educate, protect & strengthen his body & mind. By doing these things for yourself, you also do the same for him.


Encourage/Motivate:
One of your most important gifts as a parent is to help your child develop self-reliance which will help build self-esteem. Your child needs your unwavering support & encouragement to discover & develop his strengths. He needs you to believe in him as he learns to believe in himself. Loving him, without conditions or judgment, spending time with him, listening to him, trusting & allowing him to make (guided) choices & re-enforcing his good choices & his accomplishments are all part of this process.


Undivided Attention:
Make plans & make the time to spend some of every day or week with your young child or teen doing something she enjoys. Sometimes we as parents need to let go of our need to control everything, lose the schedules, get out of our own way and just be there with our kids for a bit & have fun with them. Cook with them, read a story, take a dance, karate or yoga class, go to the library, play outside or do any fun activity. Kids love to hear stories about themselves when they were little. Family scrapbooks, pictures and videos are visual reminders of memories which can lead to wonderful bonding talks as a family. As much as I like to unplug from TV and electronics, I also will make time to make some popcorn and sit and watch a movie with my daughter. We are also in the process of building her a website and blog for her new T-shirt Design business. Each night we set aside time for this and I show her the process, answer her questions, listen to her creative ideas & give her my undivided attention.


Just Say it:
I leave my daughter notes on her alarm clock, in her back pack and I text her as she is riding on her bus to school, just to simply say, "I love you". So, find time to just say it! In fact, stop reading and go say it now. If they are at school, write them a note for when they come home. It might be just what they-and what you-need right now.




I would love to add to this list! Tell us how you show your kids you love them, in the comments below.



Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com




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In Case You Missed It: The Amazing Human Body

I have always been fascinated with how the body & brain works, especially how they work together, which is one of the reasons I founded BodyLogique Health & Learning.

Each day, I come across articles & studies, discussing the latest findings in anatomy, physiology, neurology, health & disease. The more I learn, the more I can apply and the more it gives me a clear picture of  how it all relates to my own body. It gives me insight into how I am wired. It seems that nothing happens by accident: we are brilliantly engineered and breaking barriers every day, physical and academic, of what we thought we were capable of doing/thinking.

For this week's Friday post, I have found this info-graphic: "18 Amazing Facts About the Human Body" that I have shared with you below. I hope you enjoy it!

Have a great weekend!

~Barbara





Researched and produced by Advanced Physical Medicine - Chicago Bucktown Physical Therapy..



Infographic Courtesy of:

Advanced Physical Medicine- Chicago, Il

In Case You Missed it: Winter Activities for Families

Photo: J. Yugel, 1998

The snow has started to fall here, and I am making a huge pot of fresh chicken orzo soup with tons of vegetables.

As Canada, New England & parts of the east coast brace for a major winter storm, many of us start thinking about food, supplies, safe travel and what will we do if the power goes out?

Besides board games (or as my daughter some-times calls them 'bored' games...as in we only play them when we are bored,) there are hundreds of other things you can do to relax & reconnect with each other.

Here is my quick list of  fun activities-indoor and outdoor- that the whole family can participate in.

Please stay safe, dry, warm & active this weekend everyone!

Unexpected Snow Days Arsenal (5 Minutes for Special Needs)

Sensory Smart Winter Tips

Outdoor Winter Activities

Snowmen at Night  (Literacy/Kids Yoga)

10 Indoor Winter Fun Activities for Kids

12 Activities to Beat Winter Cabin Fever

Keeping Warm with Winter Sensory Diets

Hot Cocoa Bar

Snow Cream

Kids in the Kitchen

Flip 2 Be Fit (Indoor/Outdoor Family Fitness Board Game)

More Winter Activities

Families Unplugged: Activities Fit For a Storm

*BONUS*

Sensory Games & Activities 

(Free Downloads from BodyLgique.com)

Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com 

Families Unplugged: Activities Fit For a Power Outage

Photo: protectamerica.com

On the east coast today we are experiencing incredible wind, rain and power outages. Today's post was a very quick and informal list made by my daughter, my fiance and myself a little while ago when our power was out. I hope I get it posted before it goes out again-and I'm expecting we will lose it again soon as the winds are picking up here in Quakertown, PA.

I've started you all off with our top 12 favorite (unplugged) activities to do during a power outage. Please feel free to add more in the comments section below.

To my East Coast family, friends, neighbors and readers, feeling Hurricane Sandy's effects right now, please stay safe, warm & dry!


Top 12 Unplugged Family Activities to do During a Power Outage:

12. play cards
11. have a beer (this was Jay's contribution)
10. read by candle light
9.   tell stories
8.   sing songs
7.   yoga (if you've got glow sticks to wear, even better!)
6.   meditate
5.   build a fire (in the fireplace of course)
4.   play board games
3.   coloring pages
2.   write letters (the old-fashioned way-with a pencil and paper)
1.   camp out in living room (snuggled under warm blankets)


What are your family's favorites?

In Case You Missed It: Diet, Nature & Success - Sept 10-14

Another week has flown by! I love this time of year, as the leaves change color and the air is crisp and clean in the morning as I write.


I am embracing this time of transitioning to the fall by helping a friend move out her furniture that I've been using/storing for her and replacing it with furniture that a different friend needs stored, and by painting my dining room. I'm also shredding my outdated files, replacing some of my programs and scheduling winter & Spring workshops. How are you making the transition to fall? Do you do anything special as a family or as an individual? We'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

Here is what's new at BodyLogique:

• S.M.Art Kids® Adaptive Yoga Faciltator's Training (Distance Learning Format)- We are thrilled to now offer this format to train more yoga teachers, therapists, educators and other professionals worldwide, to combine & use yoga-based approaches with traditional ones.  This course is a 100 hour, self-guided course that gives you all the materials and personal coaching you need to implement the S.M.Art Kids® program. Details to come this weekend on our BodyLogique website.

• "S.M.Art for a Cause" Fundraising Program - This unique program uses our Story, Movement & Art based educational workshops to raise funds for schools, non-profits and other community organizations. Look for details this weekend on our website.

We are looking for just 3 more people to go through the program and give input and feedback for a very modest introductory price. Please send an e-mail to barbara@bodylogique.com to briefly introduce yourself and tell us how you want to use the program. We will then contact you with details to see if this is the right program for you.

Have a great weekend everyone! Here are your Friday links:

One of the most devastating calls you can receive as a parent is the School calling to tell you they have initiated an expulsion proceeding against your child due to poor behavior. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (“IEP”) before the expulsion process can start they must hold a Manifestation Determination review:
How to Prepare for a Manifestation Determination Review



Local Fall Events and More from Brain Balance of Wayne PA

Why Yoga Works

Does Art Make Us Nicer?

Kids and Food Allergies

Brain Healthy Diet for Kids

How Children Succeed

Overprotected Children and Risk 

Why Kids Need Nature



Contact: barbara@bodylogique.com

Making it Personal

Jedi Warrior Pose builds confidence!

One of my favorite aspects of my work is the family interactions during private yoga sessions. The students and the families give me such insight and it is a great thing for me to learn something unique and personal from every family I work with.

Last summer, I created a customized, adaptive yoga program for a young man based on "Star Wars", something he loved and understood. He responded so well to many of the activities and characters, especially the imagery of the "Stormtroopers" (disrupters)  "Jedis" (restorers of Peace). I made up a daily sequence for him to practice to help him build strength, balance and to feel more in control of situations and transitions.

The set was a series of  "Warrior" poses, and I called it the "Jedi Sequence".  There was a poem that went with it that we called the Jedi Chant. Jack has used this set and its imagery in situations at school, as a familiar way to maintain or regain a sense of inner calm during turmoil or when he needs time to process a situation.

Sometimes, when working with children on the spectrum, its a challenge to explain the deeper concepts and self-evaluation that goes along with the asana (pose) practice. This is where family support is so vital to the process of learning yoga or any therapeutic/educational activity.

Jack's mother was recently telling someone about a situation:

"Monday afternoon, Jack explained to me that kids at school were being mean. Kids were butting in the bathroom line. I asked him if he told them to stop, they were being rude. He said no. I told him to stand up for himself, that it's okay to assert himself and say that something isn't right. If that doesn't work, then go to the teacher.

I was reminded of his 'Warrior Poses' from Barbara, Jack's "Jedi Sequence & Chant":

"I am Strong, I am Bold, My Own Power I can hold, I open My Heart, I protect My Soul, I spread Peace Wherever I go."

We've discussed this as a family many times before, but I think it's a mantra that can work for many of us, not just those with Special Needs.

We've explained it like this:

• I am Strong (in my brain and body)
• I am Bold (without fear, courageous)
• My Own Power I can hold (I can keep my emotions appropriate & not let anyone take my power from me. If I let a bully or a negative situation get to me, I am letting him take my power from me)
• I open My Heart (be loving)
• I protect my Soul (don't let anyone take advantage of you)
• I spread Peace Wherever I go (talk nicely, respect others).

This is what it means to us and our family."

This mom was able to help Jack understand a stressful situation, ways to navigate it and reduce his anxiety about it by beautifully personalizing the "Jedi" imagery.

The important thing to understand about yoga or any other method of  learning, for adults as well as children, is not so much to learn the activity, (in this case the poses) or even the rhyme. The "Chant" is just a way for the poses to be remembered in order. The poses or movements are a way for the body to understand the words. But the most powerful thing of all is that this family sat and talked about what it personally meant to them. They applied it to their life and a specific situation in such a way that the child could effectively use these tools.  This adds much more value to a generic lesson. Without that support and insight, the movement sequence is just that-another movement sequence. It must be meaningful to the individual practicing/doing it or they will not be engaged nor motivated to try/do it again.

This week, in every aspect of life, look for more ways to 'make it personal': build personal meaning into the activities, lessons and tools that you give to yourself , your students and children. This is ultimately how they will learn to broaden their problem solving skills and understand how to better navigate through the rough spots and overcome life's bigger challenges.

*I would be happy to send a copy of the "Jedi Sequence" to anyone who would like one. Please e-mail your request to:

barbara@bodylogique.com


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Kindness: The Gift You Pay Forward

Photo by: thecomplexmedia.com

If you ask a random sampling of people what their best/favorite gift they ever received was, each will give you an answer unique to what is important to them. I love asking this question to kids, as the answers will make you smile and sometimes cry.

My best gift ever would be a toss up between two gifts- but if I had to pick just one, it would be one that was given about 15 years ago.

I was a single mom of two young sons, and had been laid off from my job, on my birthday, a few days after we returned from the Thanksgiving break.  Rent was due, Christmas was coming, I had no job and no one was hiring. No one as a parent wants to disappoint their kids, especially at this special time of year, and I felt overwhelmed and ill-equipped to handle Life as it was at that moment. Even though my sons did not believe in Santa anymore, they still enjoyed the holiday and getting gifts.  I struggled enough while I was working and had no idea how I was going to manage this while I was unemployed.

My neighbors, friends and even former co-workers were empathetic & helpful and would contact me about possible job openings and watch my sons if I needed while I went on interviews, but as each day went by, I felt myself become more and more stressed and discouraged.

One evening, about a week before Christmas, after a day of job hunting, the boys and I came home, carrying in a few groceries up the long stairway to the second floor, when I noticed a light on at the end of  the long hallway we called our apartment. I was very careful about turning off/unplugging lights and electronics, as I had to be frugal with electric use. I walked down the hall to investigate and into the living room fully expecting to see the floor lamp on.  I was stunned at what I saw instead.

There, in front of me was a live Christmas tree, set up, lit up, and fully decorated, complete with wrapped packages under it for the boys. Stockings were carefully hung (and filled) on the window sill and there was a card that read "Merry Christmas from Santa's Elves". Of course, I cried my eyes out. My boys re-discovered the magic of "Santa Clause" as they looked at each package to see who it was for. They assumed I has set this up for them and when I told them I did not, they were both very touched as I was.

I never did find out exactly who masterminded this or how although I do have an idea. No one had a key to my apartment, however, the door was not very secure and could easily be opened with a butter knife by anyone determined enough. Whoever it was, I can never thank them enough.

I hope that "Santa's Elves" realize how much their kindness affected me and my sons in a positive way that year and for years afterwards. To this day I can't re-tell this story without getting teary eyed and emotional. I did find new employment and moved forward, but that small act of kindness and thoughtfulness in the midst of transition and uncertainty helped me find my gratitude, and restored my temporary loss of faith in human nature as well as myself. It helped remind me that the best gifts really don't come in packages, and don't have a price tag. In the spirit of "Santa's Elves" and the kindness they showed us that year  I have paid this act forward many times, with the help of my sons as they grew up, and now my daughter, (who is the same age as my sons were  that year), gets to be a part of the tradition too.

Compassion and Kindness are  important Life Lessons to teach our children (and students) & is one way for us to keep perspective no matter what is thrown at us, what time of year it is, or which holiday we celebrate.

In the midst of all the adults stressing over holiday logistics, and family and what to buy and going into debt over gift-giving; and still others stressing over unemployment, heating bills, and putting food on the table, we can all be reminded that simple acts of thoughtfulness, kindness,compassion, empathy, friendship, togetherness, respect, tolerance & acceptance-(all are different forms of love) will never put you in debt because they don't cost a thing.

While its a beautiful thing to unwrap a gift box of something that has been carefully selected especially for us, those intangible gifts are also perfectly acceptable to give, and receive, at holidays or any other time. Kindness is always the right size & never goes out of style. It has a lifetime guarantee of a long-lasting positive effect on the recipient, (even if he/she is one of those people who can't/won't show it on the outside.)

Best of all, if you do decide to 're-gift', no one will ever fell slighted nor insulted; in fact re-giftinig is encouraged!

Wishing you and yours a Healthy, Happy & Abundant Holiday Season!

~Barbara



*Tell Us:  What is your most memorable gift ever and why? (Either from childhood or adulthood, material or otherwise.) Please tell us in the comments below!

Give & Take

One of the things that yoga has taught me on so many levels is the lesson of balance. Not just in the poses, or the way I stand, sit and walk, but also in the way I contract and relax muscles as I work & move through my day. In my breathing. In my thoughts and  speech and in my every action. In my work and play and in my emotions. I've learned that there must be balance in all things.

The hardest thing I have had to learn over the years would have to be balance in my relationships, specifically in the area of  "Give and Take."

I am an oldest child. I grew up putting my needs aside to take care of my younger brother. I became a mother at 18 and again at 36 and put my needs aside to care for my children. My family raised me to be polite, compassionate & giving. They taught me to put myself in others shoes, understand and empathize with the needs of others and that the world did not revolve around only me. They taught me how to give the very best of myself at all times.

The thing they forgot to teach me though was how to take-how to receive. I've have a hard time with that, from not asking for help when I need it to not wanting to say 'no' to someone who really needs help. Its natural for me to just help whoever is asking me. Saying 'no' - and taking something instead of giving- has been one of the toughest, but most important lessons that I have learned through my life experiences. It is one that I have done my best to instill in my children.

Giving can be a wonderful thing, unless you are giving until you have nothing left. Its like draining a battery-you have to allow it to recharge once and a while in order for it to work properly. Does that sound selfish? Well, maybe it is, but selfish is not always bad unless its in excess. How can we really give to and help others if we don't recognize and take care of our own needs first? Its what we are supposed to do. Ultimately, the only one we have to answer to on this plane is ourselves and If we don't do that, then we have nothing real or substantial to give to anyone else.  It is just as important to receive than it is to give.

The intention with which we give is also just as important as how much we give. Why do we give? Out of guilt? Out of expectations of someone else? Peer pressure or social status? Because someone gave to us? Or because we have something of value to an individual or group that we want to share with them? Each type of giving feels different and will either recharge your battery or drain it.

There are many ways to give and it does not always have to be something expensive, 'as seen on TV" and gift wrapped. For all the enjoyment we get out of giving, we know that ultimately, we get tired and bored with our 'stuff,' and so do others. Most of those gifts we give and receive will wind up in a drawer or closet within the next year or so. But when we give our attention, our time, our friendship, our unique talent & memorable experiences, these are the most priceless, useful and personal gifts that money can't buy!

As we come into this season of giving, talk with children about both giving, receiving and the etiquette for both. Teach them how to strike a balance between the two. Remind your children that gifts come in many shapes and sizes and the best gift you could ever give is to help around the house or to be a good friend to someone who may be having  hard time. Teach them the proper way to ask for something-whether that means asking for help or a new video game.
If they want new toys and games, have them go through the ones they already have and give away the ones they no longer use. This has been a fall ritual for my kids and myself for about 25 years. There are many schools and organizations that will gladly take gently used items: coats, sweaters, boots, etc. along with dolls and books and other toys that sit unused in the closet or basement. It helps to make room for the new things we want-materially and symbolically. When children do this regularly and as a habit, it allows them to maintain balance. It allows them to not only to appreciate the act of giving, but also to enjoy & understand the value of receiving much more.

Most of all, set an example and allow yourself  the pleasure of receiving. Put yourself on your holiday gift list.  Accept someone's offer to help you. Say 'no' to people who cross boundaries. Shut off your cellphone and electronics for a few hours so you can have some undisturbed quiet. Do something for you. When was the last time you took yourself to a movie, a cooking class or had a spa day to yourself?  This is the time for you to do that. Pretend its from Santa.

If you don't celebrate Christmas, pretend its from all of those, known and unknown people whom you have given to and helped over the years. Its a Thank You from the Universe for all the good work you have done here. Accept it and receive it graciously and enjoy!


*What are some of the best gifts that you have given or received for the holidays or a birthday? Please tell us about it in the comments below!



Below is an article link that I saw about a 69 year old woman who has taken Giving & Receiving to the next level. I find it both interesting and fascinating although I don't know that I would have the courage to try it!   “Gib und Nimm” (Give and Take).


Read more about the spirit of giving here:
La Befana


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Flexibility & Patience-Priceless Gifts

Today on my walk I was thinking of how lucky I am to have a supportive family.

In spite of my easy going, non-confrontational nature, there are many things about me that require flexible thinking and patience on the part of anyone who knows/loves/lives with me.

On the outside, I am the children's yoga teacher, always ready to be creative & have fun, however, this comes with a price & I know I am probably not the easiest person to live with.

Last week I stopped at the store to pick up some supplies for a yoga camp program. While I was there, I was very excited to see some some items that I could use for a different class.  I hesitated a moment and could not remember what I had at home and I did not want to buy double so I called Jay, my significant other at home to find out. The conversation went like this:

Me:  [excitedly]: Hi honey! you know those big plastic bugs in my office? The ones on top of the Tabla drum and next to the basket of paper plate African masks?

(At this point another customer looked at me strangely...)

Jay: [sigh]: yes...?

Me: I'm at the store. can you see which ones I have already so I don't buy duplicates?

Jay: [silence]:

Me: Babe are you there?

Jay: [blandly]: I'm here...

Me: You see them?

Jay: Uh huh. There is an orange ant, a green beetle with a spike on its head, a tarantula and a gray-blue looking beetle kind of thing...

Me: OK. No Lady bug, grasshopper or bumblebee?

(More strange looks from customers.)

Jay: No. None of those.

Me: Thanks-be home in a bit...

Ok. I know. Its weird. I am ok with weird. While many women my age are excited about Pottery Barn sales & who won on Dancing with the Stars, I get excited about giant plastic bugs. I just can't help it.

My family however, sometimes does not share my enthusiasm. I can't blame them really, especially when the dining table is covered with paint, glue and paper mache and its almost time to eat. Or when they find little grains of colored rice on the floor with their bare feet. Or there are a dozen yoga mats are drying all over the yard killing the grass and  when there are twisted staples, tiny beads & glitter all over the living room floor from a project gone wrong. I can see them shake their heads & roll their eyes and chuckle. Then they see the rain sticks I made, or the colorful mosaics when they are completed or see me put the giant bugs to use in a class or family event. Then they 'get' me, relax a little & see that I am not merely an overgrown child who likes to collect imaginary creatures & make a mess, but there is definitely a purpose & a method to it all.

While most see a freakishly large, tacky dust-collecting piece of plastic that will no doubt pollute the environment someday, and Jay sees dollar bills flying out of our piggy bank and another closet being taken over for "storage", I see the beauty & the GIANT educational potential of simple, tacky looking toys! The kids LOVE them! This is how I get their attention, keep their imagination stimulated, their minds curious & their senses engaged in a world outside & away from all the noise, violence, electronic screens, flashing, blinking lights and annoying sound effects. These giant plastic bugs are part of a sanctuary of fun & a vehicle for learning.

So, I want to take a minute to extend boundless love & sincere gratitude to this family I live with:

To Jay for making room for me, my daughter, my rain sticks, drums and other odd looking musical instruments, my art supplies AND my growing collection of giant bugs; to my daughter for being so compassionate & willing to 'share' her own stickers, crayons, scissors, ideas & her beautiful heart with me & the kids we work with; and to my sons, for inspiring me to keep the creative, explorative spirit alive in myself and to encourage it in others.

As much as I am sure I annoy them sometimes, this family trusts and believes in me, maybe more than I sometimes trust & believe in myself. It touches me that they are aways there for me, giving me ideas and encouragement, (and sometimes sideways looks), and through their example, reminding me how much I value their priceless gifts of flexibility and patience!






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Transitions

This month marks the beginning of a new year. Some adults mark this transition to the new year by making "resolutions" which are agreements with ourselves to make positive changes in our lives in the upcoming year. As we know, not all changes we experience are by agreement and can throw us into a state of upheaval, confusion & stress. This can be especially difficult for children & teens that have not yet developed sufficient coping skills and do not realize that changes are a part of life, but are also a temporary in the big picture. 

The general themes in all of my children's Yoga classes this month revolve around some form of transition and adapting to change: whether it be a new school, new friend or new family situation, such as a new sibling, an illness, family stress due to job layoffs or separation/divorce.

I emphasize to the students that although these changes are sometimes emotionally stressful or painful, that they also hold the key to personal growth and new experiences. We cannot stop changes from occurring, however we can change the way we react, respond & navigate through during times of upheaval & transition.

Its important to note that along with the lesson of adapting to change its equally as important to teach our children how to create & embrace new experiences & personal challenges  in a positive way as a part of our everyday learning & growing understanding of relationships & the world around us. New experiences can give us new insight, new skills and a new appreciation for ourselves, our abilities & all the things we have, know and want to learn.

By creating change by choice, childre can be empowered to understand how to adapt to those changes they have no control over, making for a smoother transition during the bumpy rides of Life. Striking a balance between adapting to change & creating change through new experiences ensures that we are always able to appreciate what we have, what we are learning at this moment and that we look for the right people to support us & the lessons to be learned in each transitional experience. It also creates a sense of empathy for others going through transitions & changes also.

I strongly encourage you to guide your children to identify the changes in their life and one lesson they can learn from it. Also guide them through ways to support someone who is also going through changes. Sometimes all it takes is to be a really good listener. A notebook or journal is a useful way to help create focus around this idea & brainstorm strategies to use to help adapt during times of transition.

Take 5 minutes each day-whether at dinnertime, before school or before bed, to talk about adapting to/creating new experiences during the month of January. No child is too young-or too old-to begin to learn this skill. Attitudes will transform & opportunities will expand and confidence will grow by leaps and bounds with this simple but important practice.

Our stories & activities this month will reflect the idea of transitions & new beginnings. Our Yoga S.M.Art™ Activity book," Dragonfly Adventures" is designed for parents & educators to to take their children through activities that teach & reinforce this theme. We have found that this beautiful story takes on so many different meanings to children of all abilities, and we hope you & your child will enjoy it as well!

Purchase "Dragonfly Adventures" Yoga S.M.Art Activity Book  Here!

May all of your transitions be smooth ones!

Happy New Year to all!

~Barbara

Synchronicity? (Or just plain coincidence)

Last week, as I was ready to leave for a class, my 11 year old daughter suddenly decided to change her outfit. My response was pure exasperation-we had a long drive in rush hour traffic and we needed to leave now. She had plenty of time to get changed, etc. and she waited until the last minute to do so, and so we left the house a few minutes later than what I had intended. The class was a group of special needs children and it was their last class of the session. I wanted it to be special for them.

We had driven about 6 miles and suddenly were stuck in non-moving traffic. I started to get tense & to re-iterate my  "this is why we needed to leave 5 minutes before we did..."  speech.

As we slowly crawled through the line of cars, I realized that there had been an accident and I immediately softened my demeanor . At first, in the darkness, and distortion of oncoming headlights, it appeared that a fender of an SUV was lying crumpled on the road, however when I got closer to the scene I realized that it was actually what was left of a motorcycle. The driver was lying in the road nearby a parked SUV. There was a man and a woman kneeling beside him. The accident must have just happened moments before.

I instinctively pulled my car to the center island/ lane and instructed my daughter to stay in the car. (She could not actually see what was going on from where the car now was.) I got out with the intent to go & offer some assistance.

As I approached, I could see the serious extent of the young man's injuries, the distraught SUV driver, several more people who had stopped to help and saw the lights of the approaching emergency vehicles. I had to stop before I could get close enough to actually offer assistance, and go move my car as it was now in the way of the medical help this young man needed.

As I got back in my car, I was suddenly and unexpectedly overwhelmed with emotion: having absorbed visually and empathically the confusion, pain and fear of those involved in that moment. The driver of the vehicle was in just as much pain as the young man who was injured. What if the driver of the SUV had driven a bit slower-(or faster) and what if the young man had taken a different route home? I also had to ask myself: had we not been delayed by Lauren's last minute wardrobe change, would we have been involved in this life changing accident? My daughter understood in an instant everything I could not verbalize just then and reached over and patted my hand and said : "Its ok mommy. Good thing we were running late!"

I am again and again humbled & reminded that many times our daily frustrations, perceived inconveniences & troubles can in reality be quite the opposite. Supposed "coincidences" seem more & more like "synchronicities"-meaningful reminders from our universe that there is a much larger force working around and through us that can give us us guidance through symbols & experiences any time we need it. We can use this information to gain perspective & understand our interactions, change our perceptions or to make better choices. We all were at that scene for a purpose at that moment: some to assist and support, and some of us to remember & understand more about what is really important in life.

During the upcoming season of  Peacefulness & Gratitude, it is my hope that everyone I know, don't know & have yet to know, can see every experience-even the 'coincidences' in their life as a part of a bigger picture, and use those experiences to live well, appreciate more and create a better world for themselves & the ones they love.



Have  a Healthy & Safe Holiday.


~Barbara


PS: The young man was seriously injured and has a long way to go to fully recover. Please keep him and everyone affected by this in your best thoughts!