Back in August I had the opportunity to go to Yogapeutics in Austin, Texas for Aerial Yoga and Mindfulness training. It was three days of yoga and aerial yoga, play, lots of core work and an abundance of information, ideas and knowledge. I got to share three days with a small group of women all eager to learn and share in this experience. There were so many aspects of this course that I cannot wait to implement into class and it would take me days to tell you all about everything I learned.
From the very first time I watched this YouTube Video on what Lindsey was doing at Yogapeutics, I knew we had to try this! After that, things started to fall into place; the space next door opened up and we crossed paths with an experienced aerial yoga teacher who spent years teaching art and was passionate about sharing in the creativity that aerial yoga presents.
Lindsey Lieneck, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist who has integrated her yoga teaching practice and aerial yoga practice into creating an amazing program of aerial yoga and mindfulness. Lucky for us, Lindsey is passionate about sharing her program and training others to share aerial yoga and mindfulness with children all over the world. If you have a few minutes, check out Lindsey’s site, Yogapeutics.
Using the hammocks has been one of the most incredible sensory tools out there. Using a sensory integrative approach to therapy, we love suspended equipment. The hammocks provide vestibular and proprioceptive input, facilitate motor planning core and upper body strengthening and provide endless opportunities for play, fun and movement. For more info see this post.
Mindfulness. This is a powerful and important concept for all. We can describe this concept to the kids as paying attention with kindness. Paying attention to ourselves, others and our environment.
The MindUp curriculum was something we explored prior to and during the training. The Hawn Foundation’s mission is to “transform children’s lives by providing vital social and emotional learning programs to reduce stress and aggressive behavior, improve focus and academic performance and increase resiliency for success in school and in life”. The MindUP curriculum was designed to “teach social and emotional learning skills that link cognitive neuroscience, positive psychology and mindful awareness training utilizing a brain centric approach”. It provides a framework for teaching children about their brains and how they work, how we can use strategies based in neuroscience to increase concentration and self regulation.
Lindsey also introduced us to Carol Dweck’s work on Mindset. This is a concept we all incorporate into our interventions already but now have the framework and research to enhance and explain it. We provide intervention to children and their families based on the foundation that our skills and abilities can change. Our bodies, minds and brains are capable of growth and change, therefore improving function and participation in daily life. Carol Dweck outlines fixed and growth mindsets, or beliefs about ourselves and our qualities and abilities. “Growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way—in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments – everyone can change and grow through application and experience.” When you have 10 minutes, watch her TED talk on the Power of Believing You Can Improve
At Sensational Development we are dedicated to enhancing participation and function in daily life. We promote living a sensory rich life and challenging ourselves to grow and change. Our mindful movement programs are another way we can do just that! We are so excited to get these semesters rolling and see where the children take us as well!