Before you begin this session please read and listen to our Introduction to Yoga with We Be Kids.
This session is based on Aesop's Fable The Wind and the Sun, told by Danny English – the story itself can also to be found in our Storytelling Resources. During this yoga session you can follow along and copy the postures and discover the essence of the story together in one.
The key theme to the story are learning about how kindness can gain better outcomes than force in the long run. In this story the boastful, proud and angry Wind tries to remove a mans coat by being forceful with his power, to prove he is the strongest weather. However with his forceful efforts he achieves the opposite effect, the man pulls his coat tighter and tighter and uses his force against the weather. When the Sun attempts to do the same, but with a gentle kindness, a smile, an open heart and warmth, the man feels a sense of relief and with time removes his coat at his own will as he no longer feels attacked and uncomfortable.
Consider how in our every day situations we use either force or an understanding kindness to carry us through. Observe today and see if you can find examples with your family as they occur through the day of 'force' being used and discuss how these could instead be approached with kindness, a smile, an open heart and warmth?
Demonstrating and role play can help.
Whilst using this yoga resource to inspire learning, know you are helping you and your family's wellbeing like this:
1) Get Active - yoga may not be running a marathon but regular practice will reap many benefits to the physical and mental bodies.
2) Keep Learning - use this session to help your body and mind learn new physical postures, hand mudras (positions) and ways of breathing
3) Be Mindful- Use the relaxation in the session to help you consider the idea of kindness. Be mindful today, observe where and when you use force, notice it, discuss it later and as a family aim to create more kindness in your days by finding happier solutions to getting to the same outcomes.
4) Practice 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 - eg your family, and we look forward to your responses in the comments below.
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