Meet Wendy
Wendy Tweedale, MS, RYT-500 & Prenatal Yoga
Yoga and children; two of my greatest loves.
I was thinking about and looking for ways to support the growing need to improve the physical and emotional health of all children, and yoga seemed like one obvious answer.
We often tell kids to “calm down” or “sit still and focus,” but we rarely show them how.
My goal is to integrate yoga into kids’ lives in order for them to enjoy a healthy activity that can also be super fun and challenging, while also helping them learn to slow down.
I have a M.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania and have worked in special education in the public schools for the past 13 years.
I’ve been practicing yoga for over 20 years and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we are all capable of way more than we believe. I’m 500hr certified and completed my 200hr training at Down Under School of Yoga in Brookline, MA. I also completed my 300hr training at a studio in Boston. I received my prenatal yoga teacher certification from Lily Dwyer Begg.
We often tell kids to “calm down” or “sit still and focus,” but we rarely show them how.
Give kids the tools for self-care.
The Benefits of Yoga for Children
What is drishti?
Drishti in yoga is a soft, focused gaze. When the eyes are controlled from wandering, it’s easier to concentrate and move into the different poses. This attention and awareness can carry over into your everyday life. In other words, focusing the eyes helps to focus the mind.
Yoga has so many benefits. Kids’ lives can be busy, fast, and frantic; exploring different yoga poses while focusing on breathing helps to slow things down by bringing awareness into the present moment.
By really noticing what you’re feeling, taking your time, and being fully engaged in what is happening, that’s being mindful. When kids are equipped with mindfulness strategies, they’re better able to self regulate big emotions that can often feel so overwhelming. It makes a child feel good to be able to self-calm and manage their own stress or anxiety in a safe, positive way.
Kids are naturally curious and earnest; they truly want to do and be their best! In class, we’ll learn many poses and focus on breathing in a peaceful, non-competitive environment. These postures help to increase strength and flexibility in both the body and the mind. Other benefits are enhanced coordination, balance, and stability. Over time, each child will feel more self confident and aware of the mind/body connection. Classes will end with a few minutes of quiet relaxation.
When children are given the space to do all of this, they thrive. I look forward to seeing your child!