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 new Yoga Alliance continuing education approved Online Children’s Yoga Teacher Training equips you with the tools to teach fun, engaging, and mindful classes.

Learn at your own pace with creative techniques, and expert guidance to help children in your community thrive.

Click here for more information

Children's Yoga Teacher Training

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Breathe In Calm, Breathe Out Stress

By Amanda Lawford, E RYT-500

Ever noticed how you tend to hold your breath when you’re stressed? Or maybe you take shallow, quick breaths when you're anxious? Most of us don’t pay much attention to how we breathe, but the truth is, our breath is one of the most powerful tools we have for calming our minds, relaxing our bodies, and improving overall health. And the best part? You’ve got this tool with you all the time!

What is Breathwork?

First things first, what exactly is breathwork? It’s a practice that involves consciously controlling your breathing patterns to influence your mental, emotional, and physical state. Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is! But don’t let the simplicity fool you, breathwork can have profound effects on how you feel and function.

There are many different breathwork techniques, from slow, deep breathing to more intense, rhythmic styles, but they all share one goal, using your breath to bring balance to your body and mind.

Stress Reduction (Breathe Out the Tension!)

We all know stress can wreak havoc on our bodies and minds. But did you know that breathwork is like a magic button for stress relief? When you take slow, deep breaths, it signals to your brain that you are safe, allowing your nervous system to relax. This calms your heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and eases muscle tension. So, the next time you're feeling frazzled, take a few deep breaths, it's like giving your body an instant "chill out" message.

Boosted Mental Clarity (Bye-Bye Brain Fog)

Ever have one of those days where you just can’t focus, and your brain feels like it’s swimming in a fog? Breathwork can help! By focusing on your breath, you flood your body with fresh oxygen, which helps clear mental clutter and improve concentration. Many people find that after a short breathwork session, their thoughts are sharper and their minds are clearer. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain!

Improved Emotional Balance (Find Your Calm)

Breathwork doesn’t just relax your body; it also helps with emotional regulation. Whether you're feeling anxious, angry, or overwhelmed, breathwork gives you a tool to center yourself. It creates space between your emotions and reactions, helping you respond calmly instead of reacting impulsively. So when life throws you curveballs, you can handle them with grace.

Better Sleep (Sweet Dreams, Guaranteed)

If you struggle with falling or staying asleep, breathwork can be a game-changer. Certain breathing techniques, such as deep belly breathing or slow-paced breathing, activate your parasympathetic nervous system (the one responsible for rest and relaxation). This helps your body wind down and prepares you for a good night’s sleep. A few minutes of breathwork before bed can help you drift off faster and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep.

Enhanced Physical Health (Because Your Body Loves Oxygen)

Breathing properly improves your overall health by increasing your lung capacity and boosting circulation. Deep breathing helps oxygenate your blood, which energizes your cells and organs. Plus, it can even improve digestion by massaging your internal organs as your diaphragm moves up and down. Who knew breathing could be so good for your entire body?

Mindful Presence (Live in the Now)

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded by distractions, practicing breathwork can help you stay present. When you focus on your breath, it anchors you to the current moment. This mindfulness helps you let go of worries about the past or future and encourages you to fully experience life as it’s happening right here, right now.

A Simple Breathwork Practice to Try

Ready to give breathwork a go? Here’s a super simple breathing technique you can try anytime, anywhere.

1. Find a Quiet Space

   Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

   
   

2. Inhale Deeply

   Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of 4, filling your lungs completely.

   
   

3. Hold the Breath

   Hold your breath for a count of 4.

   
   

4. Exhale Slowly

   Gently exhale through your mouth for a count of 6, letting go of any tension.

   
   

5. Repeat

   Continue this cycle for a few minutes, focusing on the sound and feel of your breath.

   
   

That’s it! Just a few minutes of this mindful breathing can leave you feeling more relaxed and grounded.

The Power of Breath is Always with You

The best thing about breathwork? It’s always accessible. Whether you’re at work, stuck in traffic, or winding down before bed, your breath is a constant companion. With just a little practice, you can tap into its power to bring calm, clarity, and balance to your life - one breath at a time.

So, next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, remember to pause, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to reset. Your breath has the power to transform how you feel, use it to your advantage!

Hope you enjoyed this little breathwork journey! Why not take a few deep breaths right now and see how it feels? You might just find that a moment of mindful breathing is all it takes to shift your day in a positive direction.

Want to learn more about breathwork?

Click here

Breathwork Practitioner / Teacher Training YACEP

Amanda Lawford M.A, E-RYT 500