The same way I end a lot of our classes has a new meaning now. “Yeah and not get the coronavirus,” one student yelled into the computer.

Here’s the truth: Our kids know what’s happening. 

Their lives have drastically changed. They aren’t going to school, they can’t visit or play with friends, many can’t hug or see grandparents, cousins or family. Many of our nervous systems are functioning from the fight, flight or freeze response, and so are our kids.

The best thing we can do right now is to acknowledge and talk about it. 

Acknowledge our kid’s feelings, experiences, and fears. Listen to what they have been telling themselves and what they perceive as their reality. Validate those ideas, beliefs, and concerns. “I hear how that is scary/disappointing/upsetting.” “I would be upset too if I couldn’t_______.” Talk about it. What is the coronavirus? Why are we home? How are you as caregivers feeling about everything?

As I checked in with the kids before class, “How’s everyone doing today? How does it feel to have a class on our computer?” Many of them raised their thumbs up, sideways or down. They began sharing about how they missed being in a class together. We talked about the changes and what those changes felt like, and then we showed up in our bodies. When we are scared, nervous, anxious, etc. where do we feel those emotions or thoughts in our bodies? Sometimes the answer is we don’t feel them in our body, and that’s ok! What a great moment to share how we might start to notice that.

Our classes provide a safe and inclusive space for kids to share these types of things. 

I’ve had people say, “but it’s always so fun, playful, and loud how do you accomplish those goals?” 

The truth is kids learn and process through play. Scientifically proven through numerous studies, kids are more open and willing to share when they feel safe, the majority of the time that safeness may be felt while playing and having fun.

Our mission at Complete Harmony is for youth to connect with themselves, others and the world around them. 

In the midst of a pandemic that is consistently forcing our world and daily habits to change, being in our house can be overstimulating at times. We may feel like we have a lack of connection with others since we can’t see them, talk to them, or hug them. 

One nine-year-old shared that, “I think I will be forgotten, I think my friends won’t know who I am, and I’ll be friendless.” Our concept of a connection with the world looks so different now too. Some kids know that the world is staying inside to protect our community, our healthcare workers, and other nations. We can make an impact, even in scary situations.

So why yoga, why now? 

"All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we're giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That's one of the things that connects us as neighbors--in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver."

- Fred Rogers