As we approach the season of spring, we can reflect on our challenges and triumphs over the past few months, and look towards the brighter days and months ahead of us.  At this time of change, it is also a good time to remember the benefits of tuning into the world around us, by taking moments to pause and observe, enjoying the blue skies, the sounds of spring, and life re-emerging around us from the winter. 

Take a moment to be still. Feel connected to, and held by the earth, and breathe into the whole body. Direct the breath to any areas of stress or tension to help release the burdens. Exhale and let it all go. Repeat this exercise as many times as you need, until you feel relaxed. Remember that when you pause in stress, you are better able to respond to what life is giving you.

These mindfulness activities for children and for ourselves invite us to take a moment to pause, and invite comfort, safety and belonging into our hearts and minds. When our minds feel like there is too much going on, we can remember to pause for a few moments and hold this quiet time in your heart.

We have arrived in the year 2023! Let’s welcome it in softly and with kindness. Do you tend to put great expectations on yourself for making New Years resolutions, for starting the year with a bang and a spring in your step? I think we all do. But, this isn’t always the case for many (if not all) of us. And if we overpromise ourselves from the off, it can result with us being less productive or feeling worse that we did before. 

We hope you enjoy this theme centred around “You Are Enough,” from our session at the ReConnect Parent Town Hall. Remember that “You are a work of greatness” every day. You can read this affirmation with the children you support too! Find more mindfulness activities for children including breathing exercises as a part of this theme.

During every stage in life, we all want to feel a sense of support, comfort and safety. With these creative activities we can help encourage a greater understanding of situations and people that make children feel safe.

How to create a calming corner: Nourish your senses, body, and mind by creating a cosy, nurturing, mindful nook in your home. Decorate your space with your favourite cushions, pillows, blankets, an eco-friendly yoga mat, and props like a singing bowl, plants, and succulents. Add aromatherapy to your space with scents like peppermint and lavender in oil diffusers, essential oils, and candles. In partnership with Redfin.

Getting out in nature can help us feel more connected to the world around us, which can in turn help us feel more connected to ourselves. Using mindfulness to bridge the gap, we can help to build brain architecture through exploring nature mantras, observation, breathing techniques and grounding ourselves.

"It felt natural to share the practice of self-loving kindness in the guided Ho'oponopono; the ancient practice of self-forgiveness, acceptance and unconditional love. Very often we feel inadequate and not a good enough parent, guardian or human, and the simple but beautiful meditative words: “I'M SORRY, PLEASE FORGIVE ME, THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU” are to remind us and bring us back to our core practice of love, humility and assurance."

A very special time of year is upon us, that brings families, loved ones and friends together, feelings of gratitude and hope and new beginnings. At least, in a perfect world that’s what the holidays are like. In reality, it’s also the most trying time of year for many and even painful due to life circumstances current and past. It’s why we are focusing a special Christmas Om:Pop series on “Resilience and Healing For the Holidays” with Family Support, Hammersmith & Fulham.

For those interested in trying out some yoga and mindfulness methods at home, here are a few things we did to help promote a sense of calm. You can call upon these methods for those times where stress is amounting to toxic levels and you need to take a moment and recenter, for the benefit of yourself and also to positively model this coping mechanism to your little ones.

At HERE, our goal is to create happy, healthy households worldwide through mindful practice. From stress to mental health issues, families are in critical need of wellbeing support and resources are lacking. One way in which we aim to introduce mindfulness to families is through our Om:Pop… We would love to have your support to bring more Om:Pops to London!

We are so excited to invite you to Om:Pop Family Yoga + Brunch this March! The event will be held in the most beautiful space at Kindred in Hammersmith, London during their opening weekend on the 3rd March and we would love for London families to join us!

Jen from HERE is teaming up with Kelly at More Yoga to provide fun and exciting new Family and Children’s Yoga workshops in North London. Read more about the benefits of family and children’s yoga here.

Ho, ho, ho the mistletoe, Christmas Roast, presents and Santa! There is always a lot of excitement around the holidays and sometimes you need a break. So why not gift your family or friends an experience- the joy of Family Yoga!

For those of you who may be interested in attending or learning more about my new Family Yoga classes at Hot Yoga Peckham, I thought it would be a nice idea to write about my last session so you can get a better idea of what to expect!