Elemental Kids: But Why?

Hello Families!  Laura here to explain more why I am talking about creating a mindful lifestyle for the whole Family.

Why is it important?  Why mindfulness? Why Yoga? Why talk about it?  I’m channeling my inner three year old of asking why. WHY. WHY! :) The question of why can be annoying to hear , but asking why provides us with so much to learn and explore.

Why mindfulness?  

First, what is mindfulness? Mindfulness, in my mind and heart, is taking in every moment and feeling without judgment. For more on how to introduce and incorporate mindfulness in your family, go to my post Elemental Kids: Mindful Summer for the Fam.  Now let us get back to WHY MINDFULNESS?  Once I found mindfulness, I am now able to look at each moment of my day in a completely new way.  When a good or bad situation is brought to me, I am able to breathe and embrace each moment.  Even on those days my mind is out of control,  I remember I always have my breath. Now, is this possible for children to grasp this concept?  OH YES! Watch this beautiful video of children discussing the breath.  The video brings tears to my eyes every time because why wouldn’t we want children to feel safe and calm every day? Especially the dark moments of their lives.  Mindfulness is a superpower we all can tap into.  OR this video explains WHY MINDFULNESS in a way that anybody can understand.  Scientist are finding evidence that mindfulness/meditation has a positive impact on our brains.  I’m not a scientist, so here is an article on scientific discovery on mindfulness from Huffington Post.  

Now that you have more information on mindfulness, why not try this approach?  What could you and your families lives look like with mindfulness? I believe it is a risk worth trying!   

Why Yoga? 

What is Yoga?  Yoga means unity or what I like to say is community because yoga has allowed me to bring unity within myself, so that I can build a community around me.. The benefits that yoga provides for children is similar in the benefits yoga provides for adults. Yoga is a recipe incorporating mindfulness, meditation, and poses. These ingredients come together to create a safe place we can ALL come to when we are feeling our worst and even when we are feeling our best.  Yoga isn’t just for when we are broken. Yoga is a lifelong practice of allowing us to always try and be in the present good or bad moments of our lives. Yoga Ed states, “Yoga supports your child’s development physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and academically.” The article reminded me of how beneficial yoga would have been during my childhood. I believe I could have handled my stress and anxiety in a healthier way with yoga.  Now, for my favorite part… the science of yoga. I can’t argue with science. Yoga supports development, sleep, physical fitness, the brain, and reduces stress and anxiety.  I understand there are many out there that just won’t try yoga for many reasons. Now that you have this information,  all I ask is for you and your family to try then see and feel what happens in your mind, body, and heart.  

Why talk about it?

First off because our world needs to talk more, text and social media less (find a balance),and talk about the matters that might make us a little uncomfortable. Here is why: I believe we all have shoved so much into the back of our minds because we are afraid of confrontation or change. I am 100% guilty of being this person who pushes conversations in the back of my head to be stored away and never communicated.  I’m done being that person and I hope you will join me in this discussion and many more.

Just imagine what would you and your families life look like with mindfulness, yoga, and healthy communication.  Remember my Bonus tip from my Back to School Mindset Post you don’t have to make huge changes fast.  Take one moment at a time.

I want to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment and we can continue this conversation together.  

Yoga for All Love for All

Laura