craftycrowstrawpainting
In a Kids Yoga class, we include all elements of a typical adult yoga class as we teach the science of yoga to children, including pranayama. Yoga Journal says this about pranayama:

“Pranayama, the formal practice of controlling the breath, lies at the heart of yoga. It has a mysterious power to soothe and revitalize a tired body, a flagging spirit, or a wild mind. The ancient sages taught that prana, the vital force circulating through us, can be cultivated and channeled through a panoply of breathing exercises. In the process, the mind is calmed, rejuvenated, and uplifted. Pranayama serves as an important bridge between the outward, active practices of yoga—like asana—and the internal, surrendering practices that lead us into deeper states of meditation.”

Meditation is a powerful way to reduce stress in children. Try this fun activity with your kids to practice deep breathing and create something beautiful together!

Pranayama Painting
This is a fun, easy, inexpensive & non-toxic way to create beautiful art.

Supplies:

  • food coloring
  • a straw for each child
  • piece of paper (we used finger paint or water color paper for best results)

Directions:

  1. Drop a few colors of liquid food coloring on a piece of paper.
  2. Inhale through your nose. Then use the straw to blow the colors to make different designs.
  3. Experiment with what happens when you use long / slow breaths and quick/ hard breaths.  Does it change the design?

Each picture is beautiful and unique.
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** This is a great craft for 4th of July/ Labor Day/Memorial Day. Use red & blue dye to make fireworks.**

Pictures can be used for note cards, gift wrap or simply display as a lovely piece of art.

For a longer conversation about the connection between art, yoga and mindfulness, take a listen to our podcast, Mindful Conversations with KAY!

Like what you read here? There’s so much MORE to explore and learn with Kidding Around Yoga. Check out our website for our live and online teacher trainings, Yoga Alliance-approved 95-hour RCYT trainings, specialty online courses, original music, merchandise, podcast, and beyond! KAY even offers a 6-hour workshop designed to teach school educators and homeschool families how to bring yoga and meditation right into their classrooms (EduKAYand an online course specifically for families to incorporate these practices in their family’s routine (Yoga for Families).

FREE WORKSHOP RECORDING:

Bringing Mindfulness into the Classroom

Watch at your leisure!

FREE WORKSHOP RECORDING:

Relaxation & Meditation for Kids

Watch at your leisure!