Hello listeners! In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi interview fellow KAY teacher Lisa Schreiber, an adult and kids yoga teacher, children's book author, and mom. The interview dives into Lisa's inspiring journey into the world of yoga, her path into teaching yoga, and her inspiration for writing her first book, The Promise of Shabbat: Yoga Poses for Happy Kids. Kelly, Kristi, and Lisa also touch upon the long-debated question: is yoga a religion, each sharing their thoughts on the topic and how they navigate this intersection in their teachings. Tune in to this episode for an enriching discussion on yoga, spirituality, and self-discovery! Purchase Lisa's book on Amazon or reach out to her for a signed copy. Lisa is available for in-person or virtual book readings. And give her a follow on Instagram or Facebook! Podcast mentions: PJ Library For further reading & learning: What OM Means To Me Kids Pranayama with a Jewish Twist

In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi interview the fabulous Juliann Hartley, aka Miss Julieann. Miss Julieann is a board-certified music therapist, nature educator, illustrator, and children's musician. She recently released a new album, The Resilient Child, which features songs about developing support systems, coping skills, emotional expression, and self-worth. In this thoughtful and authentic interview, Julieann shares about her journey and the driving force behind her creation of The Resilient Child. She courageously opens up about her personal battles with a severe neurological infection, offering a glimpse into her own resilience. As she delves into the effects of music on the brain, she unveils powerful strategies for effectively harnessing its potential for positive change. Additionally, Julieann sheds light on the transformative benefits of receiving gratitude, highlighting its profound impact on our well-being. Tune in for a dopamine hit as Kelly, Kristi, and Julieann share stories of gratitude, growth, and inspiration. And if that's not enough, hit play on one of her uplifting songs from Resilient Child. Be sure to connect with Miss Julieann: Web | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Podcast mentions: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Sanoviv Hospital Laura Berkner Band For further reading & learning: Magical Music Hooray for KAY Music

Today we are reminded of the importance and power of giving thanks. In this re-release episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kristi and Kelly dive into the profound impact and significance of expressing gratitude. They shed light on the gratitude practices implemented in their households and classrooms, aimed at helping children acknowledge and appreciate the abundance of blessings that surround them on a daily basis As yoga teachers, classroom teachers, and moms, Kelly and Kristi feel a strong sense of responsibility toward raising children who are grateful. (Don't we all?) They embrace the concept of Aparigraha⁠⁠, a Sanskrit ⁠term that signifies "greedlessness" and "gratitude," a fundamental principle in yoga. However, expressing gratitude goes beyond mere words like "Thank you." The true aim is to foster and ignite sincere appreciation towards the individuals and circumstances that enable us to embrace our identity and cherish our blessings. Tune in for more including: What is gratitude, really? How gratitude practices are actually stress-management tools The role of the Reticular Activating System in attention and focus Practices for modeling gratitude Examples of weaving simple gratitude practices into your daily routine Avoiding the pitfall of toxic positivity --> Check out our favorite song and game: Orange You Grateful! For further learning, visit our blog for more on gratitude. Four Yoga Practices to Teach Gratitude⁠ Practice Daily Gratitude with the Family Gratitude: More than a Feeling

In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi engage in a soul-stirring conversation with Sara Dean, renowned coach, speaker, and host of the acclaimed podcast, Shameless Mom Academy. Together, they dive into the multifaceted layers of Sara's journey, exploring both her personal and professional growth and evolution. With thought-provoking insights and engaging stories, this episode serves as a guiding light and encourages us to find solace in silence, enabling us to attune to our innermost desires, while gently reminding us that change is the only constant in life. This episode is a profound invitation to embrace the transformative power of reconnecting with oneself and navigating life's uncertainties with grace and resilience. Tune in! Connect with Sara: Website | Instgram | Facebook | Spotify Tune in for more: Kelly & Kristi's interview on Shameless Mom Academy Podcast mentions: The Beautiful No: And Other Tales of Trial, Transcendence, and Transformation by Sheri Salata

Kathleen Egan first connected with yoga as a teenager in Australia and has integrated yoga practices into her daily life, growing her personal practice and establishing herself as a Vinyasa (E-RYT200), Children’s (RCYT95) Yoga Teacher and Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F) and YACEP. Kathleen spent her early adulthood working with at-risk children and families where she saw the need for an alternative to traditional therapeutic methods and interventions. Kathleen joins Kristi and Kelly on this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY. Tune in as they explore the profound effects of trauma, learn more about Kathleen's personal journey, and discover how the KAY program can be seen under the lens of trauma-informed teaching. Kathleen's expertise and compassionate approach offer valuable insights into how trauma-informed yoga can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Connect with Kathleen: Website: https://www.key-therapies.com/keyoga-for-kids Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenEganYoga/ Podcast mentions: Trauma Sensitive Yoga: https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/ For further reading & learning: KAY's Trauma-Informed Yoga course: https://learn.kiddingaroundyoga.com/p/trauma-informed-yoga Yoga for Children May Improve Mental Health: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/yoga-for-children-may-improve-mental-health/ Fostering Mental Health in Children: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/mental-health-children-yoga-meditation-breathing/

Show notes for Self-Care: Permission to say no In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kristi delves into the art of self-care and empowers listeners to navigate the hectic pace of life with grace and intention. As we step into the bustling season ahead, Kristi invites us to reflect on the importance of self-care, reminding us that amidst the chaos, it is crucial to prioritize our well-being. Tune in as she shares helpful and simple tips for incorporating self-care into our daily routines and graciously grants us permission to say no, fostering a healthier and more balanced existence. Podcast mentions: Michale Franti For further reading & learning: Self-Care For Busy People: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/self-care-for-busy-people/ Modeling Self-Care: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/modeling-self-care/ A Love Letter … to Yourself: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/a-love-letter-to-yourself/

"Stop crying, it's not that bad", said in the heat of the moment however its impacts may be lifelong. Shame is a complex emotion that often originates from experiences and messages from childhood. Shame can have profound effects on our self-esteem, mental health, and relationships. In this episode, Kelly and Kristi dive deeper into the complex and often misunderstood topic of shame. Tune in as they explore: What shame is and how it differentiates from guilt How it manifests in the body both physically and emotionally The importance of validating a child's emotions The idea of helpful shame versus harmful shame How yoga and mindfulness practices can support self-awareness and self-compassion Shame is an emotion that we often push down deep, but it is through vulnerability and open conversation that we can truly overcome its grip on us. Be sure to join the conversation! And remember, healing starts with us! Learn how to become a more mindful parent with us. For further reading & learning: Yoga Builds Self-Esteem: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/self-esteem-yoga-kids-children/ Compassion Through Yoga: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/compassion-yoga-children-patanjali-sutra/ Loving Kindness For ALl: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/loving-kindness-for-all/

Welcome back to Mindful Conversation with KAY! In this episode, Kelly and Kristi continue the discussion on the physical responses to emotions by diving into the world of tapping and shaking. Did you know that tapping and shaking offer numerous advantages for children, including: Promote blood flow throughout the body, helping children feel more energized and focused. Release muscle tension, promoting relaxation and reducing physical discomfort. Engage the body's sensory system, enhancing children's overall reactions and coordination. Provides a healthy outlet for anxiety, allowing children to release pent-up emotions and find calmness in their bodies. Tune in this week as Kelly and Kristi explore fun and engaging ways to incorporate tapping and shaking through games, music, props, and encouraging conversation! And get your FREE download of our popular song ⁠Yogi Shake⁠ here with code FREEYOGISHAKE! Links to songs and items mentioned in this episode: Every Little Cell Acorn Song Take it to the Mat by Just For Kids Yoga Balance Birds For further reading & learning: Tap Tap Tapping to Health: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/tap-tap-tapping-to-health Every Little Cell in My Body is Happy: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/every-little-cell-body/ Shakin' Things Up: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/shakin-things/

In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY, Kelly & Kristi continue the conversation about physical responses to emotions with a re-release of Episode 31: Somatic Work. Our bodies have evolved with a primal response system to perceived threats, known as the fight, flight, or freeze response. This response is a natural survival mechanism that activates when we encounter danger or stress — whether we choose it or not! By exploring the fight, flight, or freeze response, we can better understand and regulate our emotional experiences. Somatic work is an approach that recognizes the mind-body connection and focuses on integrating physical experiences to release emotions. By paying attention to bodily sensations, we can gain insight into our emotional experiences and initiate healing from within. Tune in as Kelly and Kristi dig into this fascinating topic by exploring questions like: What, exactly, is somatic experiencing? How can we use physical movements to get mentally/emotionally “unstuck”? How can we instill mindful awareness of physical cues in children? How do we become 'Body Detectives'? How can we integrate somatic work into our Kids Yoga and Mindfulness classes? Healing begins within the body, and by cultivating mindfulness and exploring somatic work, we can embark on a transformative journey toward emotional well-being. Join us! This episode is part of a series. Be sure to tune in all month for thoughtful conversations about physical responses to feelings and emotions and helpful ways to manage and process them for both adults and children. For further reading & learning: Tilt Parenting Podcast Peter Levine, PhD Physical Responses to Emotions Social Emotional Learning Pranayama and the Power of Breathing

In this episode of Mindful Conversation with KAY, Kelly & Kristi begin a new month-long series on physical responses. They kick off the conversation by diving deeper into what emotions are, how they manifest in our bodies, the impact they can have on our overall well-being, and the role yoga and mindfulness play in understanding and processing them. Throughout this episode, Kelly and Kristi cover the following thought-provoking topics: The negative 'side effects' of not acknowledging or expressing emotions The importance of accepting and honoring all emotions, both positive and negative Exploring the ways our bodies communicate our emotions Examining the ways in which our emotional states can influence our physical states through sensations, illness, and behaviors Discovering how the practice of mindfulness can help us cultivate awareness of our bodily sensations and deepen our understanding of our emotions. This episode is part of a series. Be sure to tune in all month for thoughtful conversations about physical responses to feelings and emotions and helpful ways to manage and process them for both adults and children. For further reading & learning: Feel Better with KIDS YOGA!: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-emotions-feelings-health Yoga and the Bad Day: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/feelings-yoga-mood-book/ Poses to Ease Children’s Emotional Pain: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/kids-yoga-emotion-mental-health/ The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score