Moms out there all agree- we want to do more yoga! Time, space, and resources can often be limited or non-existent for us to enjoy a daily practice. So I reached out to storyteller Kelly Fancher, whose strong yoga and dance background often make children everywhere come alive with joy and wonder. Through a simple fable, both mother and child can practice yoga together, which is nothing but heaven! Combining time with your child with a yoga practice brings joy to both worlds. ~Rebecca Conroy
As the Greeks say, the human soul speaks in images. The practice of yoga is, in itself, a series of linked images- or asanas- that are derived from nature. It is alive with imagery and creativity which is why I love to incorporate storytelling into my practice with children. Not only does it make it more fun, it engages the child’s imagination. Here is one of my favorite yoga fables from Germany to try at home. The asanas for this story are listed under it. Have fun reading the short tale and doing the poses with your little one(s).
“Diamonds, Rubies and Pearls”
Theme: Our actions matter. Kind words are worth more than we sometimes realize.
Once upon a time, a sweet little girl lived with her mother up in the mountains. One morning her mother asked her, “Precious daughter, would you please go farther up the hill over there to fetch us a pail of water?” “Yes, mother,” she replied and dutifully ran up the hill. When she finally arrived at the top, there was a little old lady sitting by the well. “Young one, the old lady asked. “I am very thirsty, would you please give me a sip of your water?” “Of course! You just sit right down and rest here,” the girl said. The girl drew up the water from the well and gave her a drink.
“Thank you so much my dear sweet child” The old lady said. “Because of your kindness, good luck will come your way. Nothing but diamonds, rubies, and pearls will come from your lips when you speak.”
“What?” gasped the little girl. Instantly, sparkling diamonds, beautiful rubies and pearls came pouring out of her mouth. A huge pile lay in front of her. The girl ran all the way home singing, and a glittering trail of jewels was left in her trail. When she arrived home she told her mother about the old lady and what had happened, and more precious jewels spilled from her mouth.
A neighbor overheard the little girl telling her mother this story and thought to herself, “If this little girl can get the jewels, maybe my daughter can too. Perhaps, even twice as many.” So, she sent her daughter up the hill to fetch some water. At the top, the old lady was waiting there. The old lady asked her for some water. “Go away, you ugly, old woman.” The daughter replied. “Leave me alone. I’m not going to help you ever!” And she went about to get her own water. “Bad luck will always follow you.” The old woman said. “Nothing but snakes and lizards and frogs will fall from your lips when you speak.” “What did you say?” The girl asked. As expected, snakes, lizards and frogs poured from her mouth. The girl dropped her bucket and screamed as she ran back down the hill, with a trail of snakes and lizards and toads behind her.
Yoga Sequence:
The Young Girl- Warrior 1
Her Mother- Warrior 2
Going to up the Mountain to get the Water- Downward facing dog
Old Woman- Warrior 3
Well- standing wide leg forward bend, then wind mills
Drawing up the Water- hands on hips, come up
Diamonds- Dancer pose
Rubies- Camel pose
Pearls- Upward facing bow or bridge
Mean Girl- Standing forward bend
Snakes- Snake pose
Lizards- Upward facing dog
Frogs- Frog pose