The Quiet Strength of Yoga

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When I was first diagnosed with blood cancer, my body and mind felt fragile. I felt ungrounded, like I was spinning out of control. It was on my mat that I found a soft place to land.

I leaned into restorative yoga, gentle breathwork, and meditation, letting these practices wrap around me and move through me. Slowly, with each breath and each moment of stillness, I began to feel safe in my body again.

I leaned into the quiet strength that yoga offers, a strength that isn’t loud or forceful, but steady, resilient, and deeply compassionate.

Through the years, my mat has witnessed my tears, my laughter, my moments of joy, and my struggles. It has been a steady presence, holding space for me through every shift and change. My mat doesn’t judge, it simply invites me to be present and show up exactly as I am.

Now, at the age of 52, I feel strong, not because life has gotten easier, but because my practice has helped to make me resilient. My mat is where I come to check in with myself. It’s where I ask - How am I doing today? Are there aches or newfound strength? Where is my balance - physical, emotional?

And most importantly, can I smile at myself if I wobble?! Can I meet those wobbles with grace and still laugh when I tumble out of a pose!

My mat holds my stories of strength, vulnerability, healing, and growth. It’s where I find clarity, where I reconnect with my breath, and where I remind myself to stay present, no matter what life brings 💗

How Yoga Reminds Us We Are Never Truly Alone

By Amanda Lawford M.A, ERYT-500

Dear friends,

Around the world, countless communities are facing hardships, wildfires in some places, floods in others, and the struggles of families coping with financial uncertainty, and upheaval.

In times of crisis, we are reminded of how deeply interconnected we are. Whether we are close enough to offer a helping hand or watching from afar, our shared humanity ties us together in a way that transcends distance.

Helping Where We Can

For those nearby, connection might mean direct action, lending a hand, sharing a meal, or offering shelter. This is seva, or selfless service, a practice that asks us to give without expecting anything in return. It’s the kind of kindness that strengthens communities and reminds us of the power of compassion.

The Power of Community

Yoga is about connection. In Sanskrit, the word "yoga" means union. Whether it’s through a shared practice, a heartfelt conversation, or simply sitting in silence together, the act of connecting helps us remember we are not alone.

This is why sangha (community) matters. It’s not just the people we see every day but the larger circle of humanity we belong to. Even as we navigate our individual challenges, we are part of something greater.

Connecting from Afar

Yoga reminds us that even from a distance, we can still make a difference. Through ahimsa, the principle of non-harm, we cultivate thoughts and actions rooted in kindness. In metta (loving-kindness meditation), we send out wishes of peace and healing, holding others in our hearts even when we can’t hold their hands.

A Simple Practice of Connection

• Close your eyes and take a deep breath in and exhale slowly. Think of someone or a community you would like to send love and strength to.

• Silently repeat, “May you find peace. May you feel supported. May you be safe.” Imagine these words as a gentle wave, traveling out into the world.

• Even small acts of connection, prayer, meditation, or simple good wishes, carry weight.

During times of uncertainty, we often feel helpless. But yoga teaches us that even when our hands can’t reach, our hearts can. Let us continue to hold space for one another, to serve when we can, and to trust that our collective energy creates a ripple of support that goes far beyond what we can see.

With much love and respect,

Amanda

Why Teaching Yoga to Kids Could Be Your Most Rewarding Career Move

By Amanda Lawford M.A, ERYT-500

Over the past few years, there’s been a noticeable shift towards yoga for kids. More and more parents, schools, and communities are recognizing the many benefits yoga can offer to children, everything from enhancing flexibility and strength to supporting emotional regulation and mindfulness. As a result, the demand for children's yoga teachers is on the rise, and it’s an exciting time to be in this field.

Yoga provides children with a powerful toolkit for managing stress, improving focus, and building physical and emotional resilience. Whether it’s a child learning how to take deep breaths to calm down or engaging in a playful sequence that helps them connect with their body, yoga is a practice that speaks to children in a unique way.

Physical Health and Development

Yoga encourages balance, flexibility, and coordination. For children who are still developing their motor skills, yoga poses help them build strength and body awareness in a fun, non-competitive environment. It also promotes better posture and alignment, which is especially important as children spend more time sitting at desks and using technology.

Emotional Regulation and Resilience

Yoga teaches children how to manage their emotions through breathwork and mindful movement. This is incredibly beneficial in today’s rapidly changing world, where stress can affect even the youngest members of society. By learning techniques for self-regulation, children develop resilience and a greater ability to handle challenges with calmness and confidence.

Focus and Concentration

In a world full of distractions, yoga helps children cultivate focus and attention. The mindful practice of moving through different poses while breathing deeply supports concentration, which can translate into better performance in school and other activities.

Self-Confidence and Self-Awareness

Yoga encourages children to connect with their bodies and listen to their internal cues, nurturing a sense of self-awareness. It gives them the space to embrace their uniqueness and build confidence, which is especially important as they grow and navigate social environments.

Social Skills and Teamwork

Yoga classes for kids often include group activities or partner poses, teaching children the importance of cooperation, patience, and empathy. These lessons help them develop positive relationships with their peers and create a sense of community.

But with this growing recognition comes an increasing need for qualified teachers who can adapt traditional yoga practices to meet the needs of young students. Children’s yoga is not simply a scaled-down version of adult classes, it requires an understanding of developmental stages, creativity in instruction, and the ability to engage kids through fun and playful experiences.

As a result, many teachers are turning to specialized training programs to deepen their knowledge and gain the skills required to teach yoga to children. These programs provide insights into developmental anatomy, age-appropriate sequencing, and the psychology of children. More importantly, they teach instructors how to create an environment where kids can express themselves, release energy, and learn to be present.

In addition to the personal rewards of teaching kids yoga, there’s also the growing career opportunity. As yoga becomes more ingrained in schools, extracurricular activities, and community programs, the need for children’s yoga teachers is only expected to rise.

So, whether you are already a yoga teacher looking to expand your skill set, or someone passionate about working with children, the future for children’s yoga teachers is bright. It’s a chance to help young minds and bodies thrive while building a meaningful career that impacts the next generation in a lasting way.

Ready to inspire the next generation through yoga?

Our Online Children’s Yoga Teacher Training offers both a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education pathway and a fully Certified Teacher Training option, allowing you to deepen your expertise at the level that suits your professional goals.

Learn at your own pace with creative, developmentally appropriate teaching techniques and expert guidance, so you can confidently lead engaging, mindful classes that support children’s wellbeing and growth.

Explore course pathway options below:

75 HR Children's Yoga Certification

Children's Yoga Continuing Education Course

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