Combined with the popular versatile Stapelstein® elements and the Stapelstein® Mat, yoga becomes an imaginative journey – and a bonding experience that can noticeably change everyday family life.
Gentle steps instead of big leaps
“You must never think of the whole street at once. You must only think of the next step, the next breath, the next broom stroke. Then it brings joy.” This quote from Beppo, the street sweeper from Momo, has accompanied the children's yoga and mindfulness teacher, author, and artist Darline Waschat for a long time. “For a long time, I only saw the whole street – rushed from one to-do to the next. Now I try to live the exact opposite: to accept the moment without wanting to change it.”
This attitude shapes her work – whether in courses, in her illustrations, or books. In her children's yoga offerings, a space is created where children can perceive themselves and their needs – in a playful, creative, and colorful way.
Children's yoga: A treasure for development
Why is it sensible to do yoga with children? Darline explains:
“Children bring a very natural sense of themselves and the moment. That is something very precious – and that is exactly what we want to strengthen in children's yoga. It's about feeling into the body, perceiving: How am I actually doing? What do I need right now? And dealing with it lovingly.”
This self-awareness is a real gift in a world full of distractions. Especially when it is discovered together with parents.
What positive effects does children's yoga have?
“Yoga is not a miracle cure – but it unfolds its effects in very diverse ways. It strengthens coordination, promotes body awareness, and stimulates the imagination. Especially this playful, creative side has a firm place in children's yoga. Because here it can be lively, colorful, and sometimes wild.”
Parent-child yoga: Growing together
“In parent-child yoga, it is especially important to me that parents come to the practice without expectations. It is not about perfect poses or having children sit quietly on their mats. Rather, it is about trying things out together, laughing, closeness, and trust. It’s about perceiving oneself and each other in all the small and big feelings – and feeling accepted – just as you are.”
With the Stapelstein® elements, the yoga practice becomes even more diverse: Creative yoga stories emerge, filling the entire space and imagination.
Small Rituals for Big Impact
Even beyond the mat, Darline shows how easily mindfulness can be integrated into everyday life:
“Mindfulness does not require much – often it’s more about taking away than adding. Even small changes can make a big difference. Examples can be: brushing your teeth with the other hand, conscious handwashing, or slowly enjoying a strawberry with closed eyes. Such playful rituals enhance perception and strengthen the connection to oneself – and to others.”
A Sun Salutation that Touches Children's Hearts
The sun salutation from the book Hanno's Journey into the Yoga Forest, which was created in collaboration between Darline Waschat and Hannah Gorzinski, is a poetic sequence of movements that invites participation through images, language, and action:
- To tickle the sun, you must stretch well
Stretch arms upwards. Stand on tiptoes.
- Stroke the ground to wake the earth
Full forward bend: Try to touch the ground.
- Get ready
Sprinter position: Hands on the ground. Right foot back.
- Be bear-strong
Plank position: Place the left foot next to the right.
- Belly on the ground, greet the day
Cobra: Lift head and upper body.
- Like a dog, push yourself back
Downward-facing dog: Push your bottom upwards.
- Step forward and look towards happiness
Sprinter position: Right foot between the hands.
- Feel the earth awake and delighted
Full forward bend: Try to touch the ground.
- Stretch upwards
Stand up and stretch arms upwards.
- and begin again
Mountain pose: Hands in prayer position in front of the heart.
Children's yoga is an approach to more mindfulness, self-confidence, and connection in everyday life. With creativity, ease, and a lot of color, this shared time becomes a ritual that strengthens both children and parents alike. And sometimes, a single breath is enough to arrive at a small piece of oneself on this journey.
More Inspiration about Darline Waschat
Instagram @darline.glueckinfarbe
Website www.glueck-in-farbe.de
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