KindaYoga developed out of passion and need.
Teaching yoga to children under eight years used to not be recommended. Children, were children and would run around and play, being active and creative.
Today's world has brought a change to the way children grow up, even in their early years. Many children in modern settings are less active, have reduced creativity and attention span, while eating and drinking more challenges than nourishment.
For KindaYoga, Chris Kummer N.D. teamed up with Leonie McLachlan, a childcare specialist from Sydney, Australia. Chris is a yoga teacher and naturopath who was introduced to yoga practice as a child.
When seeing young children of three or four years unable to even touch their toes, and displaying symptoms of chronic health problems, it was time to act.
Leonie and Chris devised a teaching system to introduce yoga to Leonie's pre-school and kindergarten.
They expected some success, but were surprised by how much the children benefitted from the practices physically, mentally and emotionally.
Quickly other kindergartens and pre-schools in Sydney wanted to introduce the daily yoga classes as well.
Turning the shortage of skilled teachers into an easily accessible resource, KindaYoga videos were created. For children - with children is an important characteristic of KindaYoga. Valuable stories and cartoon characters, engage the audience and allow them to relate to the action.
The key element setting KindaYoga apart is the focus on appealing to the quieting part of the nervous system. This 'parasympathetic nervous system' regulates many internal functions. When we are stressed or 'hyper', this part of our nervous system is restricted or prevented from functioning. We can learn practices that teach our nervous system to function better. KindaYoga is a tool for teaching your parasympathitic nervous system to function better.
Chris's knowledge of the body and natural medicine through many years of yoga practice combines with Leonie's deep understanding of children and storytelling. Together they created a stand-alone tool for parents, caregivers and, of course, kindergartens and pre-schools to practice yoga with children, without having to be a yoga teacher.
KindaYoga is non-religious, and can be practiced by anyone. We all breathe, we all move - at least somewhat. That is all it takes. Now follow along to the best of your abilities and Stay Happy!
KindaYoga DVDs, those round things made of plastic, are avaialble from kindayoga.com. They are only compatible with Australian region DVD players!