Beginnings....

I did not plan to teach yoga, It came to me as sudden realization, manifestation of my innermost yearning to heal and improve quality of life of those in need. After my very special daughter Amelia entered this world she gave me new eyes and new sensibility towards kids facing some challenges in life. She’d laid a path in front of me which I was so eagerly looking for. I found my calling which is teaching yoga to kids with special needs. When my dearest yoga teacher told me about the training program Yoga for The Special Child last year – I did not have a second thought, I signed up the same day. After completing the program I started practicing daily with Amelia. My goal was to help her with low muscle tone and motor skills which were significantly delayed, fighting the gravity she had a very hard time to get off the ground in order to walk. She does not always want to cooperate, but I’ve never started the class with expectations what we have or need to accomplish. I connect with her, tuning into her needs follow her movements gently guide her through preparations to real asanas. She is not an infant anymore so we can even accomplish some real asanas like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) which has had quite amazing therapeutic effect on her curved spine, strengthening her weak arms and legs as well as upper back and neck muscles. All the benefits in just one pose! Amelia loves easy version of Yoga Nidrasana (Yogic Sleep Pose or happy baby) and giggles holding her both feet stretching them out. Somebody must have designed that pose especially for the 2 year old like Amelia.

I could not believe that few weeks of yoga practice (focusing on Amelia’s physical challenges) did more than a year in physical therapy! (where she mainly fought it and cried) and every single session brings something new. 

This is just an opening, just the beginning of our journey with yoga. We don't want to travel alone so I hope that more  kids with special needs will join us in our journey.