By Kami Evans, founder of Elahi Yoga and holistic health coach
As the seasons pleasantly change and the weather warms, we tend to think about ways to be more active. With such transitions come great opportunities to experience new activities with your family.
Here are some beginner moves to engage the family in a group yoga practice to enjoy together.
Flower Power. This super-fun pose caters to everyone and doubles as a way to create a bouquet of flowers. In the process, participants grow and develop just as flowers do. For starters, get in a seated position with your back against the wall and your feet pressed together. Hold the bottom of your ankles with your hands while lifting your legs up. The wall supports your back and holding your ankles helps to elevate your legs. The beautiful bouquet forms when the family does the pose in unison.
Stop and Smell the Roses. Staying in the bouquet pose, your family can savor the moment. For added entertainment, encourage everyone to bring their toes to their noses to smell the flowers. Next pretend to smell the flowers of siblings and parents as everyone takes a deep breath in through the nose and then exhales, trying to let the air out for an extra breath. This brings calmness to your floral family.
Butterfly Fly, Fly, Fly. Following a good group exhale, have everyone bring down their legs, removing their hands from their ankles. Once seated, get in butterfly pose with the soles of the feet touching and knees angled outward. Flap your arms slowly while all follow suit to the tune of a butterfly song. Stretch arms up high and outstretch one leg at a time. This is a wonderful hip opener. It works just as well if you need to stay against the wall for support or bring a child on your lap to assist him or her.
Celebrate spring with your family and the leaps and bounds you’ll all make this season.
Our Special Spring Super Food is Blueberries:
What better way to enjoy the weather then with a handful of blueberries. As we have learned, blueberries are filled with antioxidants high in potassium and vitamin C. It’s the perfect snack for an afternoon pick me up for your munchkin and yourself. Have them on their own or mix some into a fruit salad for your entire family. Enjoy them on weekend brunches or even go for a smoothie with either almond milk or coconut water to help boost immune system and make a stronger tummy – for mommy and daddy too.