Light Leaders Teachers Training

Nicole Peterson from our Light Leaders training March 2010 shares:
I taught my first kids class today, and had the best time. I was honestly not expecting that because I have been in a very, very challenging place in my own life. I am going to be volunteering at Vanowen Park in Van Nuys for the next eight weeks. It is an incredible gift to teach this yoga. I just wanted to quickly share my experience today. I taught 6 wiggly 3rd grade boys. It was so interesting. One boy, who I am sure has never done yoga, took to it like a duck to water, other kids just stared at me, and had trouble keeping their eyes closed. Each of them had their own inner experience, and it was so great to be there with them. I did the releasing negativity set that is in our manual. I was so high after the class. I felt like I took a class myself. I felt so happy because I felt for sure like my higher self was directing the show, and that felt great!

We did the stand/up sitdown game. When we finally got to the yoga, the boys all said: It hurts! It was really funny how kids can be. I really enjoyed it.

I want to mention that your manual is so great and helpful! I followed your explanations on how to introduce chanting and the Adi Mantra. In the middle of class, one boy was continuing to quietly chant the Adi Mantra under his breath.

They liked the final relaxation. Two kids fell asleep. One of the staff said to me if I can teach them how to do that so the kids sleep for a few hours. :-)

To end the class, we did the mirror game and they seemed to enjoy that. I am totally jazzed about this! I was really nervous to teach, but everything flowed beautifully. I also had things coming out of my mouth to encourage them that also encouraged me at the same time.

I am hooked. I feel so happy about this also. I live in a neighborhood where there seems to be a lot of negative influences. We have had some gang related shootings, and I feel so happy that I can make a difference in these kids lives.

Another one of the staff members apologized for the kids misbehaving. I didn't notice that they were. He said some of the kids have problems, and some are medicated. I told him that this yoga is particularly good to help children with emotional issues.

Sorry for the book, but I am sooooo excited and amazed. I finally get things that I learned in both of my teacher training courses (Lightleaders and the 8 month course at Goldenbridge) that went over my head before.