Dear Yoga Friends,

I hope this message finds you well! In this newsletter you’ll find a list of our upcoming events, and this month’s mindfulness practice.

May’s Mindfulness Practice

Has a friend ever suggested to you to take a breath to reset when you are feeling overwhelmed? Maybe you tried it and found it helpful. Maybe it wasn’t. Maybe you looked at them and thought, what are you talking about, I’m already breathing!

Taking a breath to reset is actually good advice. But it depends on what kind of breath you take. For this to be helpful, it should be a deep belly breath. Not the regular breathe you take while busy. And definitely not the stress breathing pattern where you only breath into your upper chest.

A deep belly breath is done mindfully, sending your breath deep down to your belly. You could rest your hands on your belly to help focus your attention here. Inhales gently expand your belly, and exhales slowly draw your belly back in. Gently repeat several times.

This is the type of breathing your friend meant. If you truly bring your attention to it, this deep belly breath can help you reset and center in the moment.

For extra benefit, you can bring your attention to extending your exhale. Inhale gently expanding your belly, and exhale slowly drawing your belly back in while imaging blowing a bubble. Or imagine blowing dandelion seeds. Or birthday cake candles.

For parents: breathing mindfully isn’t just for grown-ups, kids can benefit from it too. Teach your kids how to breath mindfully while they are calm. And then when they are overwhelmed, it will be easier to help them engage with this mindfulness practice.

Do you have any questions about this mindfulness practice? Feel free to leave me a comment!

Upcoming Schedule:

Columbia, MO

Kitten Yoga on April 26 at 11:00 am at Selfie Love

Puppy Yoga on May 9 at 6:00 pm at Serendipity

Puppy Yoga on May 11 at 2:00 pm at Lizzi and Rocco’s

Puppy Yoga on May 24 at 11:00 am at Battlefield Lavender (Centralia, MO)

St. Louis, MO

Puppy Yoga on May 4 at 12:30 pm at Ciao Chow

Kansas City, MO

Puppy Yoga on May 10 at 11:00 am at Turnsol Books

I hope to see you at these events!