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"Be kinder than necessary; everyone is fighting some kind of battle." For six years, these words have been written on my mirror as a daily reminder that we never truly know what is going on in somebody else's life. I am not perfect, but I strive to take a deep breath, remember these words, and offer more kindness in all my interactions. Especially as someone who works with children.
From the time I was in first grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I spent hours playing school in our 3rd floor attic with real desks, countless resource books, a planner, grade book, and chalkboard (okay, I maybe sometimes wrote on the walls, but they were legitimately the same color as a chalkboard and I just needed more space. Sorry Mom). School was a place I felt safe (despite looking back at probably a decent amount of nervousness and anxiety) because my elementary teachers took the time to build relationships with me.
At the kindergarten conference just today, the keynote speaker asked us to ponder one question "Why do you teach?" Although this is truly a complex question, it boils down to the precise reason I felt safe at school. Building relationships. I teach because I bring a fierce passion for developing a safe space for children to feel successful. Children are my most favorite people; anyone who knows me can tell you that. Children are the reason I do everything that I do! I mean, I am the baby whisperer after all. We enter into this life as such wonder-filled beings; with such capacity for knowing ourselves and believing that this is ALL magical. Then, somehow life happens and we lose sight of this sense of self. Our inner child is more important than many people realize. It is our authentic self. What an amazing feeling when you are truly YOU, am I right?! Children know how to be present without even trying. Yoga is a pathway to being present with our authentic self. The combination...well, it just makes sense.
Over a year ago, I was given the incredible gift of Rainbow Kids Yoga , an international teacher training program. To say attending this 3-day love fest was life-changing is almost an understatement. A million things have happened since, but it was there that the seed of Buddha Belly Kids Yoga was born. A seed that has been blossoming due to the dynamic duo that is myself an Meg Hanisch. Meg deserves an entire novela dedicated to her, but for now I will just say remember when we started a "legit" company?! Oh, and thank you for being you.
Buddha Belly Kids Yoga is dedicated to nurturing kids’ innate desire for movement and play. We explore yoga through poses, movement, and relaxation while encouraging creativity and fun! Our classes balance both structure and spontaneity as we honor each child’s unique energy. From birth to teens, we seek to build awareness and strength in mind, body, and soul as we learn to make sense of our world.
Please, check out our website and find us on social media. http://www.buddhabellykidsyoga.com/
Am I rambling?! You've clearly never met me...
In a nutshell, going to LA in June for the Rainbow Kids Yoga 95 Hour Teacher Training would be more than a dream come true, but it is not possible without your help. The cost of tuition, flight, and housing at this point is not feasible for me. I would be humbled beyond belief if you helped me get there. You'd be receiving a ridiculously amazing hand-written thank you card & you would be making a HUGE impact on the life of each child I work with both in the classroom and out. Our world needs to be kind again. If we can start by teaching children strategies to self-regulate, communicate their feelings, and find an inner peace...well, you be the judge.
Love always,
Erin Bracco
From the time I was in first grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I spent hours playing school in our 3rd floor attic with real desks, countless resource books, a planner, grade book, and chalkboard (okay, I maybe sometimes wrote on the walls, but they were legitimately the same color as a chalkboard and I just needed more space. Sorry Mom). School was a place I felt safe (despite looking back at probably a decent amount of nervousness and anxiety) because my elementary teachers took the time to build relationships with me.
At the kindergarten conference just today, the keynote speaker asked us to ponder one question "Why do you teach?" Although this is truly a complex question, it boils down to the precise reason I felt safe at school. Building relationships. I teach because I bring a fierce passion for developing a safe space for children to feel successful. Children are my most favorite people; anyone who knows me can tell you that. Children are the reason I do everything that I do! I mean, I am the baby whisperer after all. We enter into this life as such wonder-filled beings; with such capacity for knowing ourselves and believing that this is ALL magical. Then, somehow life happens and we lose sight of this sense of self. Our inner child is more important than many people realize. It is our authentic self. What an amazing feeling when you are truly YOU, am I right?! Children know how to be present without even trying. Yoga is a pathway to being present with our authentic self. The combination...well, it just makes sense.
Over a year ago, I was given the incredible gift of Rainbow Kids Yoga , an international teacher training program. To say attending this 3-day love fest was life-changing is almost an understatement. A million things have happened since, but it was there that the seed of Buddha Belly Kids Yoga was born. A seed that has been blossoming due to the dynamic duo that is myself an Meg Hanisch. Meg deserves an entire novela dedicated to her, but for now I will just say remember when we started a "legit" company?! Oh, and thank you for being you.
Buddha Belly Kids Yoga is dedicated to nurturing kids’ innate desire for movement and play. We explore yoga through poses, movement, and relaxation while encouraging creativity and fun! Our classes balance both structure and spontaneity as we honor each child’s unique energy. From birth to teens, we seek to build awareness and strength in mind, body, and soul as we learn to make sense of our world.
Please, check out our website and find us on social media. http://www.buddhabellykidsyoga.com/
Am I rambling?! You've clearly never met me...
In a nutshell, going to LA in June for the Rainbow Kids Yoga 95 Hour Teacher Training would be more than a dream come true, but it is not possible without your help. The cost of tuition, flight, and housing at this point is not feasible for me. I would be humbled beyond belief if you helped me get there. You'd be receiving a ridiculously amazing hand-written thank you card & you would be making a HUGE impact on the life of each child I work with both in the classroom and out. Our world needs to be kind again. If we can start by teaching children strategies to self-regulate, communicate their feelings, and find an inner peace...well, you be the judge.
Love always,
Erin Bracco