Above: An experienced youth yoga instructor will lead a free session for tweens and parents next week. This class will take place on a lawn instead of a studio. (images of Alexandra DeCollibus and her students from Sweet Pea Yoga’s Facebook page)
A week from today, the Southborough Library will host a free Family Yoga class for kids ages 6-12 with parents/guardians:
Children and their parents are invited to join Alexandra to learn yoga techniques to help with stress, anxiety, and calming breathing techniques. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel. This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Southborough Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Weather permitting, it will take place on the Library’s lawn. The session will be led by Southborough’s Alexandra DeCollibus.
DeCollibus is the founder of Sweet Pea Yoga. Her website explains:
Alexandra witnessed through years of teaching that kids had a remarkable ability to understand the importance of yoga–an understanding that seemed to go beyond their years–even at a very young age. That the children found joy in practicing yoga was not surprising at all but it was the reverence they held for yoga that was truly exceptional. It was this that inspired Sweet Pea KIDS classes.
Sweet Pea KIDS is different. Alexandra believes in the great capacity children have for developing awareness, concentration, and mindfulness, and this program is designed to support that. In class we are not “playing yoga” but rather we aim to “be yoga” which is to live in a way that invites love, compassion, awareness, patience, and peacefulness in our time together in class and as individuals outside of the classroom. Of course, this isn’t to say we aren’t playful! In fact, the activities the children are introduced to are fun, active, and accessible so kids can readily learn in a joyful, relaxed atmosphere free of competition. Kids are encouraged to express who they are by tailoring their yoga practice to challenge themselves or to try new things. Sweet Pea KIDS empowers the children to know themselves best by trusting them to be responsible for their own well-being and choices.
As for the program at the Library, although participation is free, pre-registration is required through the Southborough Recreation website. The session will take place Thursday, August 12 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
