"Every day is a gift and my question to you is how can you create a ripple in all that you do?" Jesse Bennet, yoga teacher, children's book author and illustrator, and mom, joins Kristi and Kelly on this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY. Kelly and Kristi's inspiring interview with Jesse reminds all of us that we all have the power to create anything we put our minds to.

Listen in as they discuss:

Find Jesse Bennet on Instagram: @jesse.bennett_

For further reading:

Build Your Child's Kindness Muscles: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/build-your-childs-kindness-muscles/

Affirmations for Children: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/affirmations-for-children/

Affirmations (For the Faint of Heart): https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/affirmations/

Learning Opportunities:

Yoga for Families: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/yoga-for-families

Mindful Parenting: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/mindful-parenting

Relaxation and Meditation for Kids: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/relaxation-meditation-free-workshop

In this mindful moment episode, we will introduce Turtle Time. This calming practice improves focus, and imagination and reminds us that like sea turtles we have the power to go with the flow.

Try it! Pretend to get into your shell, make yourself comfortable then take 3 slow deep breaths. Next, relax your body, allow your muscles to melt, and float in the ocean like a sea turtle.

Whether your inner voice is loud and clear or more of a whisper, listening to it can be a great source of guidance when you need it most. And in order to hear and trust that voice, adults and children alike need to be able to slow down, pause and notice the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that are coming up when making a choice or decision. In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY, Kelly and Kristi discuss intuition and 'turning up the volume' of our inner voice. Listen in as they discuss:

For further reading:

A Sense of Belonging: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-belonging-community/

Yoga Builds Self Esteem: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/self-esteem-yoga-kids-children/

Listening to music is more than an auditory task - it is a full body (and full mind) experience! In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi discuss the power of using music in our homes and classrooms. Join the conversation as they talk about:

-Music's physiological effects on the brain and body

-The link between academics and music

-Rhythm and movement as part of the musical experience

-How music encourages creativity and shifts energy

-Using music to reset an anxious mind

-How music is a full sensory experience

-Mindfully Incorporating music into your home and/or classroom

-Why consistency is key

-Musical brain breaks

BONUS! Get a free download of a popular Kidding Around Yoga song

Put on your listening ears and warm up your dancing muscles because this episode will surely put you in the mood for some tunes!

In this mindful moment episode we will introduce Bunny Breath.

Try it! Sit up tall. Inhale 3 short sips of air through your nose and then one long exhale through your mouth. Repeat 3-5 times.

What fills your heart episode

Benefits: relieves stress, re-energizes the brain, settles nervous energy

Try it! From standing, fold forward and let your head, shoulders, and arms dangle toward the floor. Bend your knees and sway. Let everything be soft.

How are you?

No really, how are you?

Actually taking a mindful moment to examine and name our feelings is rare in our busy lives. But acknowledging feelings, whether negative or positive, is key to mental health and full presence in our lives. We want our kiddos to be Feeling Detectives! Listen in to Kelly and Kristi's discussion in this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY to learn about:

*Why kids might be hesitant to explore their feelings

*Riding the wave of feelings

*Talking to kids about emotions

*The power of saying, "Tell me more about that..."

*Name it to tame it

*Mindfulness tools to explore emotions

*The importance of emotion modeling for parents

Learn more!

Poses to Ease Children's Emotional Pain: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-emotion-mental-health/

Yoga as a Social Emotional Tool: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-social-emotional-play-based-movement/

Creating Space for Children to Regulate their Emotions: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/creating-space-for-children-to-regulate-their-energy-and-emotions/

Dr. Dan Segal's Name it to Tame It: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcDLzppD4Jc

Dr. Sarah Allen: https://www.brainbehaviorbridge.com

In this mindful moment episode we will practice a line drawing meditation.  This practice can bring our awareness to our breath, help us to focus, and feel more calm.  All you need is a piece of paper and a wrting utensil.  Practice along with us and see how your breath can guide your drawing.  

There's SO much for kids to learn in such a short amount of time. It's best to just keep going, powering through lessons and homework, right? NO! Science shows that planned brain breaks are critical to effective instruction. Kelly and Kristi dissect brain breaks in the classroom and in the living room in this episode Mindful Conversation with KAY podcast. Listen in as they discuss:

For further reading:

Edutopia article: https://www.edutopia.org/article/brain-breaks-restore-student-focus-judy-willis

Homework Help: Brain Breaks and the Calm Kit: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-homework-adhd-stress-school/

Brain Breaks for the Classroom: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/brain-breaks-for-the-classroom-kids-yoga-stretch/

Brain Breaks: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/brain-breaks-classroom-school-yoga/

Gimme a Break, a Yoga Break: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/school-yoga-kids-break-classroom/

Yoga Stretches for the Classroom: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-school-classroom-office/

Learning Opportunities:

Classroom Kids Yoga Online Workshop: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/kay-c

Educator Resources: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/educator-courses/