Inspired by the traditional art of storytelling and the ancient science of yoga, Mindful Octopus is a philosophically based program committed to bringing peace, love, and happiness to kids, through a modern practice of story, yoga, and art.
Every Mindful Octopus class is creatively designed to teach "The 8 Tentacles". A collection of valuable lessons and exercises for kids to learn and practice, in a fun and safe environment.
STORY
The art of storytelling is key to the Mindful Octopus philosophy. Storytelling allows kids to use their imaginations. Wisdom stories, legends, fables, and myths from all over the world, from every culture and religion, are carefully chosen and researched for their powerful symbols and messages. The stories are the seeds that introduce kids to the yoga ideals of kindness, compassion, contentment, courage, health, happiness, awareness, unity, sacrifice, stillness, gratitude, connection, peace, and love. Kids are encouraged to discover the story within themselves, thus providing the foundation for their personal yoga journey.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is the goal of a Mindful Octopus practice. Mindfulness is a way of being - in the present moment, aware of your actions, thoughts, and feelings. We believe kids are naturally mindful, but often forget things simply because they are not paying attention. Kids will remember things better if they are being mindful, which will help them in all aspects of life. We introduce and teach mindfulness through creative exercises and games designed specifically for kids.
YOGA
Yoga poses are taught, emphasized, and celebrated, throughout the Mindful Octopus practice. The adventure of creating the poses to re-tell the story allows for a greater understanding of the lesson and message of the story within themselves. The physicality of the yoga poses opens and strengthens the mind and body. Yoga increases flexibility, develops strength inside and out, improves balance, reduces stress, and improves concentration, focus, and breathing. Practicing yoga also raises body awareness and self image.
BREATH
Breath focus is a fundamental exercise in a Mindful Octopus practice. When the exercise is done properly, you are aware only of the present, as the focus is on the current breath, rather than the one before it or the next one coming. The exercise has the effect of calming the mind and any anxiety of the body. It is an essential "tentacle" for developing and teaching mindfulness to kids.
MEDITATION
A Mindful Octopus practice is not complete without meditation; which means to listen within and pay attention to what your mind thinks. Mindful Octopus has created special exercises and games for introducing and teaching meditation to kids, using visualization, relaxation, and imagination. Meditation provides kids the opportunity for downtime in our fast paced world.
SELF-REALIZATION
Mindful Octopus believes that kids are pure love. We create a special opportunity for kids to check in with their thoughts and feelings, and ultimately, develop trust in themselves. Trust in one's self is a consequence of knowing one's self. Self confidence and self-realization are key to happiness.
KARMA
We believe that the degree of happiness you will enjoy in your life is the result of how much you have contributed to the happiness of other beings. Caring for others, giving thanks, celebrating other's good deeds and accomplishments, being kind and connected to the whole world, are all examples of activities that generate good karma. Mindful Octopus teaches "the law of karma" as a tentacle of the program. Further, we offer participation in social activism projects to encourage kids to contribute to the happiness of all beings. We teach giving back to ourselves, to each other, and to the Earth.
ART
All Mindful Octopus classes are complimented by art. Kids create art, using different mediums and materials, that represents and expresses what the story means to them personally. The theme and elements of the story are creatively incorporated into the art project. The art provides them with tools for creativity and further self-realization.
