Before you begin this session please read and listen to our Introduction to Yoga with We Be Kids.
This yoga session is inspired by the humble pigeon, one of the UK’s most common birds. Why the Pigeon you may ask, are they not a pest? Well sadly many people do consider the pigeon this way, but you don't have to agree with them! In fact the humble pigeon is due great homage for aiding humanity throughout history (some sources state it is first shown as ‘domesticated’ some 5000yrs ago dated from Mesopatamian clay images) showing the great skills of the pigeon family being harnessed by humans for our benefit. A little research will soon show you how their skills were employed as messenger bringers. But for some of us Pigeons invokes memories of watching Pigeon Street and singing “Feed the birds, tuppence a bag…” in our childhoods and sometimes long beyond.
In this session we enjoy a flowing warm up to prepare the whole body for attempting Pigeon Pose, a posture that is often described as a ‘marmite’ yoga pose - you either love it or you don’t! Take care of your knees and lower back in this session and be reminded to ONLY DO WHAT IS COMFORTABLE and right for YOU and enjoy learning a few things about this beautiful family of birds.
#yoga #family #familyyoga #familyactivity #kidsactivity #childrensyoga #childactivity #wellbeing #positivewellbeing #nature #kindness #pigeon #natureconnection #mentalhealth #forestschool #pigeonpose #selfawareness #fun #movethatbody
Whilst using this yoga resource to inspire learning, know you are helping you and your family's wellbeing:
1) Get Active - yoga may not be running a marathon but regular practice will reap many benefits to the physical and mental bodies. Enjoy moving the body through the different postures warming you up to edging yourself into Pigeon Pose. While not also consider our Crow & building to Crow Pose too!
2) Keep Learning - Many of us take our current perceptions of wildlife as the norm but in fact things haven't always been like this. In today's society the common pigeon is often regarded as a pest in towns and cities and you will see many buildings with spikes aiming to keep the birds away from them to protect the buildings, but life hasn't always been like this. Historically our relationship with the pigeon family has been quite different since we domesticated them and recognised how intelligent these beautiful birds were and harnessed their ability to fly long distances and carry messages for us. Take some time to look up and learn about these amazing creatures in books or online and your view of them may well change! Also check out our other Pigeon activities in Nature Art - Pigeon Paper Craft & Nature Activities - Pigeon Spotting.
3) Be Mindful - Imagine that you are a pigeon and consider how you might feel about how your status has changed over the course of history with humans - how do you feel about it? Think now about how you can change your behaviour towards this wonderful bird family.
4) Practice Kindness- Yoga is a practice that is to be built up over time and practiced with a keen inner ear listening to our bodies every single time however yoga can also be riddled with wanting to make the 'pose'. Be sure that in every practice you listen keenly to how your body is feeling and practice with kindness. In yoga only ever practice with kindness to yourself - EVERY practice is different and our bodies will feel the postures differently every time. Yoga should never hurt. Look after yourself - there is only one of you.
5) Think Community - Practice this session with your community at home and spread the word online.