Soul Journey Guidance

Yesterday, I had the privilege of leading a kids yoga session at a local school, I had about 40 kids, all ages, this is an after school program for kids to stay in a safe place while parents are still at work. So I had grades from kinder through 5th. In the photo with me is one of the dedicated site leads who works with these children daily.

The energy in the room was incredibly high — full of movement, laughter, and, yes, a fair share of challenges. Some kids were flipping, play-fighting, or testing boundaries by stepping into each other’s space. It reminded me of my earlier years as a preschool teacher and SPED aide, where I first learned that this type of energy is exactly why mindful movement and yoga are so valuable.

It’s always a joy when you have a group of 40 children who only need a few gentle reminders, and the session flows from high energy into calmness. But the truth is, that doesn’t always happen — and that’s okay. Yesterday was one of those days where the class needed more support, more redirection, and more patience.

As I was packing up, the staff shared that many of these kids come from backgrounds that are not always easy, which often brings extra behaviors and challenges into the classroom. To me, this only reinforced the importance of having consistent yoga and mindfulness programming. These children need more than a one-time session — they deserve ongoing opportunities to build the tools that will serve them for life.

I’ve seen it firsthand: with consistency, it takes about six months to a year for the seeds we plant in sessions like these to begin to bloom. Over time, kids learn to self-regulate, manage body outbursts, respect personal space, and engage with peers in healthier ways.

This morning, while reflecting with my son, I said, “I must be crazy for choosing to work with the kids most people overlook.” His response was simple but powerful: “Mom, you’re helping the kids.” When I asked if it ever bothered him that I give so much time and energy to others, he said, “Why would I be mad? You’re teaching them not just yoga, but how to play safely, how to move and breathe, and how to find a little peace.”

That perspective reminded me why this work matters so much. Even when a class doesn’t go as planned, it isn’t a setback — it’s part of the process. Each session gives me the opportunity to adjust, bring new approaches, and meet kids exactly where they are. And even if a handful aren’t ready to fully participate, others are quietly absorbing, learning, and growing.

This is the heart of my kids yoga program: creating safe, playful, and healing spaces where children can learn skills that last far beyond the mat. It may not always look perfect, but with time, patience, and love, the seeds planted today will grow into confidence, resilience, and peace for the future.

Here’s to growth — for the children, for the staff who support them, and for all of us who believe in the power of planting seeds.

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