Uplifting youth through mindfulness

Growing up, I have no memory of NOT feeling afraid. Of what? EVERYTHING. Perhaps the old traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church (12 years of parochial school) was the root of that fear, or growing up with an emotionally unavailable father and raised in a home where emotions were harshly judged. Showing signs of emotion was not acceptable and we were strongly encouraged "buck-up and get over it”. We were shamed and made to feel weak and dramatic.  Maybe it was birth order; I’m number five of 6 kids.  It could have been hereditary, nature/nurture, probably - the entire sha-bang! 

IT DOESN'T MATTER!

IT JUST WAS!  I was 39 when my daughter Chloe-Rose was born and vowed things would be different. My education and corporate life adventures had been vast and fulfilling; I was excited to start a new chapter and focus on her, SHE BROUGHT ME UP! 

We traveled together throughout those years embracing art, imagination, innovation, and resourcefulness. We expressed ourselves in vibrant colors, textures, and sounds and embraced how we were feeling at each moment. We spent most of our time outside, no matter the weather, bundling up, or suiting up. Long walks along the seashore and through the parks and playgrounds, story hours, playdates and traveling.

When my beautiful Lia joined the fam this continued. While living in Naples, Italy, I had the opportunity to teach/train in the Montessori Method, Twenty-Seven first graders from 12 different countries on a NATO Base. I began teaching by engaging the philosophies and techniques I had innately used while parenting. The perfect progression was my decision to enter Yoga Teacher Training  (YTT). I had never taken a Yoga class. Even after the training my practice didn't include headstands, handstands or fancy balances.  I fell in love with YOGA as a lifestyle. Yamas and Niyamas. 

My first adventure was a three month volunteering stint at a refugee camp in Greece. These humans were forcibly displaced from various African countries, Iran and Palestine to name a few.  What could I contribute? I gravitated toward the women and children, navigating the language barriers and cultural differences.  It is here that Lil' & Young Yogi was birthed.   Akin to music, I found that Yoga too, is a universal language!  I developed a self-soothing program for childeren that engages all their senses. Demonstrative breathing techniques, sanskrit chanting and mudras, movement and mindfullness and of course, crafting tactile take-away pieces. - the infamous "YOGA NECKLACE"  So here I am, present and thrilled to have the opportuniy to share all this fun with your YOUNG YOGI.  Join me!

lilandyoungyogi@gmail.com  or text, 781-588-7667 for additiional information.