Yoga-Snack: Back to Back

February 10, 2010 by Eve Costarelli 2 Comments

Today I led two Yoga-Snacks back to back. I love the dedication of the classes that I teach to my yoga program. Their commitment to me is deep and has allowed us all to reap the benefits of this in-school yoga program.

We started class with a few warm ups: 3 large Belly Breaths, 3 Bumble Bee Breaths (ears covered and humming on the exhale), one giant Volcano Breath (with a huge open mouthed sigh at the end), Bumpy Camel, Washing Machine (while saying “Whish” Whoosh”), Dryer and then a simple Spinal Twist to end.

Standing, we did 3 Sun Salutations. On our final rise up, we “sat” in Chair Pose and then brought our arms parallel to the floor, creating a Lightning Bolt, and held it for the count of 5.

From there, we did Warrior I (I am a warrior; I am brave; I am strong; I am happy; I am ME!); Warrior II; straightened our front leg and did Triangle; used our leg strength to stand and then we jumped our legs together. Holding one leg (I chose to use the leg that had been at the back of our Warrior-to-Triangle series), Dancer’s Pose. We then repeated the whole sequence from Chair Pose through Dancer’s Pose on the other side.

Sitting back down in Easy Pose, we did our new “I am Ha-Ha-He-He-Ho-Ho” meditation. And I have to say the few kids that were still in grumble mode, switched out and everyone joined in and by the end , everyone was smiling and having a good time, but not fooling around.

We ended with Savasana. I had them notice that an in-breath feels cool, while the out-breath feels warm. We then allowed ourselves to be blanketed by snow, covering us, encasing us, heavy on our bodies, causing us to be still and relaxed (the warm breath kept the snow from forming on our noses and mouths, therefore allowing us to continue to breath). Total stillness and calmness enveloped the room.

Wiggling fingers and toes, rolling wrists and ankles, we shook the snow off. Then rubbing hands together and covering our eyes with our warm hands, we reopened our eyes and then rolled to one side (preferably the right side) and curled up like a baby for a moment. Sitting back in Easy Pose, covering our heart with our hands, we said Namaste!

Namaste my little Yogis and Yoginis!