HAPPY NEW YEAR

 "Don't cry because it's over ~ smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

First off, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.  I LOVE the holidays, however, I am ready to get back to a normal (I am laughing as I write "normal") schedule. The kids and I have had a blast, but tomorrow school starts and so does spring/summer yoga planning. Writing down playful ideas, creative games along with arts/crafts to make the kiddos bend, stretch and twist without noticing. Sounds fun, huh.

I hope with the new year, I engage and share more on PHY blog. It seems, that I get so caught up in creating yoga classes and sharing, that I forget to update everyone with Peaceful Hearts Yoga news and wellness actives. Can we say, New Years resolution?

Namaste ~

ProjectSTAAR - Prep for Success!

My son is in 3rd grade; which means he will be taking the STAAR test. The STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness), is a series of state-mandated standardized tests used in Texas public primary and secondary schools to assess a student's achievements and knowledge learned in the grade level. Personally, I think the overflow of high stakes tests are damaging the ultimate success of the individual student and our educational system. However, they are not going away any time soon, so I like to look for the positive and make the most of the situation. 

With that being said, here I am preparing yoga classes for STAAR preparation.  My focus is to create classes that incorporates the standard/core subjects (reading, writing, math, science & social studies) with relaxation skills, enjoyment and breath of light into the world of yoga poses and philosophies. The object of each class will be to educate our 3rd-8th graders in the community how to prep for success. 

The word test (minor or major grade) only brings stress and anxiety for the student, teacher and his/her parent. It doesn't have to be that way. I will be updating the Peaceful Hearts Yoga blog with STAAR preparation tips & strategies as well as how to use the tools of yoga to foster happier, healthier successful students. Tools that students will be able to take with them everywhere they go...including adulthood. :)

Affirmation: I am successful and proud of myself

Moshup the Indian Giant

I love Indian history, even if some stories are considered folktales/myths. I think that is what makes the story more intriguing. The link below includes a full lesson plan on Moshup, the Indian Giant. This is a great lesson plan for ages 4-12 years old.

As history teaches us, the Wampanoag tribe were the first to greet the Pilgrims. Moshup was a hero to the Wampanoag tribe and tried to teach them self-reliance. He also warned them of the Europeans that were soon to arrive...

Moshup the Indian Giant Lesson Plan

I love learning new things and I love yoga, so when they are combined into one lesson...I am a HAPPY YOGI!!

Namaste ~

Yoga...Baseball...What?

In the spirit of the Baseball World Series Giants vs. Tigers, I am excited to post this inspiring video of famous Cy-Young award winner Giants pitcher Barry Zito. 

I showed this video to my son Alex who is a huge Giants fan. He also started his pitching career this season. One of the first things my husband told Alex was he needed to work on his balance, he needed to do yoga because a pitcher needs to have excellent balance to be successful.

"My dialy regimen usually includes groin and hip openers like Pigeon, Frog and Warrior poses because they're kind of like the positions I find myself in when I am pitching" Zito says.

With that being said, Alex trys to stretch and practice his balance asanas in the evenings before bed.   

Barry Zito started practicing yoga in 1998. 

He still contiues to practice yoga whether it is in a studio, his house or on the baseball field.

GO GIANTS!!

GO YOGA!!

Formally...

My name is Casey Schmidt and I LOVE teaching yoga to kids. It isn't a career or a job, it is a journey with many fun and adventurous paths thus far. I am the proud owner of Peaceful Hearts Yoga, formally Once Upon a Pose, Yoga for Kids.

While I am grateful for all the wonderful adventures with Once Upon a Pose, Yoga for Kids, I have decided to change the name to Peaceful Hearts Yoga. There was an issue presented to me a couple months ago; thus requiring the change. At first I was sad and thought what bad luck. That evening, I was reading a book to my daughter when it hit me. "Maybe good luck and bad luck are all mixed up - you never know what will happen next." This is a quote from beautiful book Zen Shorts.

With that being said, I was going to move forward with a positive attitude. I was on a quest for a name that comes from the heart. I wanted something that when you read or said it, you thought of peace, love, gratitude, happiness...everything I believe in and promote.

What is important to have every day? A peaceful heart. A peaceful heart is not only what you start with and end with in yoga, but it is what you should start and end with everyday. And that is how Peaceful Hearts Yoga came to be.

Philosophy:
"Great compassion makes a peaceful heart. A peaceful heart makes a peaceful person. A peaceful person makes a peaceful family. A peaceful family makes a peaceful community. A peaceful community makes a peaceful nation. A peaceful nation makes a peaceful world." Maha Ghosananda

In today's society, many children are moving at a faster pace; thus putting stress on their young bodies and spirit. Peaceful Hearts Yoga believes that in the mist of all the hustle and bustle, if a child has a peaceful heart, he/she will be able to remain calm and step forward with confidence.

"If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry real war against war, we shall have to begin with children." M. Gandhi

Let a peaceful heart be contagious, contact me today and start spreading peace through yoga.

Namaste ~

Special Note: Although the name has changed, I am still 100% committed to sharing the amazing gift of yoga with the youth in the community and spreading awareness of healthily choices on and off the mat.