Tweens/Teens:
Our kiddos are jumping through hoops to navigate this rocky landscape. They just got through the pandemic, and now they’re in the throes of social media, traumatic climate, war, confusing messaging from political leaders, and now AI. And underneath it all, they are juggling the same challenges that we used to face, too: self-esteem, self-worth, body image, hormones, bullying, self-confidence.
Incredibly, all the components of yoga—-exercise, breathwork, meditation, mindfulness, social connection, philosophy, and specific movements that massage our nervous system—-have incredible impacts on our mental health:
They synthesize, release, and balance out the feel-good, rewarding neurotransmitters and hormones.
They signal to our nervous system, through proprioceptive biofeedback, a feeling that everything will be okay. With repeated experience and self-awareness, we can rebuild how we respond to triggers.
They shift our nervous system out of the fight/flight/fawn response, and into the healthier parasympathetic nervous response.
They promote positive neuroplasticity (positive brain changes), both in the structures and functions of our brain.
Join your Tween or Teen girl for a day of refuge & delicious respite.
FAQ’s for Tween/Teen Class:
Suggested ages: Girls 9 & up, with a grown-up (mom, aunt, neighbour, grandmother).
If you also have a child who is older than 15, and they want to come, then I’m okay with it, as long as they are okay with it.
If the parents, grandparents, aunties, or neighbours want to register with your teen, then I hope they’ll come! It’s pretty special to do something with your tween/teen that makes you feel more connected. Yoga is something that you can continue to do together for years to come!
All-levels means no experience is required.
Tween Itinerary:
9:30-10:00 am Arrive
Arrive at the huge bright School of Dance at 200 Crichton St., HERE. Take off your shoes in the front hall. Our studio is upstairs, in the largest room.
10:00-11:00 am Yoga Class
This refreshing and reassuring yoga class is geared towards this age group (but is still accessible for the grown ups, too). The movement is aimed to cultivate body positivity, comfort in being themselves, and self-esteem.
11:00-11:30 am Neuroscience of Yoga:
This is a very cool part of the day. It really helps for tweens (and for anybody!) to understand the actual biomechanics on the inside of their body/brain. The neuroscience of feeling “comfort” and “discomfort” can seem very mysterious and confusing, since it’s so abstract. However, when we understand the actual science of it, we can see that there isn’t something wrong with us. These sensations of discomfort are simply healthy protective instincts in the body. If we can visualize the science behind these sensations, then we are less scared or self-conscious of these sensations. And then we begin to understand why certain activities (like yoga) make us feel so much better.
11:30am - 12:15pm Chew & Chat:
Either….
1) Pack your own brown bag lunch(es). Note: there is no kitchen/microwave for reheating food.
Or….
2) You can order a fresh, bright, catered lunch that is super healthy and exploding with flavour. I LOVE Vero Daoust’s food because it’s visually stunning, plant-based, and it makes me feel like I’m giving my body a prezzie. I’ll cover the cost of the caterer’s delivery, and you’re welcome to order directly from the caterer right here ($20 + $3 tax = $23 total tax inclu via e-transfer to Vero Daoust: info@naturallyvero.com), according to the set menu that she specially concocted for our group. You can order for your child, or for yourself, or both of you! You can even order extra to take home for dinner if you want.
12:15-12:45 pm Breathwork & Meditation:
The breath and meditation are great ways for tweens/teens to feel good while they learn techniques to help with anxiety and mental health. I sure wish I had learned these tools when I was younger.
12:45-1:45 pm Another Yoga Class
One more delicious yoga class to put all the elements from today back together again - the movement, breath, meditation, and neuroscience.
Tween Yoga is FULL
Using the sliding scale, choose the rate that best suits your situation ($15, $30, etc).
Your registration includes:
2 refreshing yoga classes
Breath & meditation class
Neuroscience of yoga & anxiety class
The warm feeling of hope & community :)
What Do I Bring?
What do I bring?
If you’re not ordering catered lunch, then you’ll need to pack your lunch. Waste-free when possible.
Bring slippers or warm socks, since you’ll have to leave your outdoor shoes inside the front hall downstairs.
A blanket (message me if you need to borrow).
Yoga mat (message me if you need to borrow).
My hopes:
That your tween gives themselves loving tender attention to every corner of their body.
That they all feel welcome and a sense of belonging. We are a warm, inclusive bunch.
That this is a chance for your teen to connect with, really notice, and mindfully be present with themselves (rather then ignoring their feelings).
That your tween begins learning the science behind sensations of “comfort” and discomfort,” and perhaps some tools for self-regulation.
That as a group, we can chat, catch up, have some supportive laughs, and nourish ourselves.
That we all create a new memory together.
Investment:
Using the sliding scale, choose the rate that best suits your situation ($15, $30, etc). Your registration includes:
2 refreshing yoga classes
Breath & meditation class
Neuroscience of yoga & anxiety class
The warm feeling of hope & community :)