This week, Waonui began their 4 week introduction to Stand Tall and Breathe Yoga with the amazing Tania. In our collaborative classes we headed over to the hall. When we entered we could hear the music and see yoga mats splayed across the hall floor. It didn’t take long for the tamariki to find a mat and begin following Tania in her actions. We learnt about Warrior 1 position, followed by Warrior 2 and Warrior 3. We were encouraged to call out positive affirmations such as ‘I am strong, I am powerful, I am brave…’ as we moved through the different positions.

Next we learnt about sitting on our sit bones to straighten our spine and how breathing through our nose can give us greater use of our diaphragm. Also, a deeper breath provides us more oxygen into the system.

After that we explored different yoga positions in relation to animals such as a cow, a dog, a cat, a giraffe, a butterfly and a frog. The tamariki had such fun with not only making these shapes with their bodies but using their voices to make the sounds.

When all the fun was finished it was time to calm our bodies and think about our belly breathing. We lay on our back and closed our eyes. Some had their hands on their bellies to feel the air filling up their lungs and diaphragm. We were able to relax and listen to the music. We lasted like this for two and half songs before completing our session with a namaste.

Afterwards the tamariki were demonstrating the moves to their friends at morning tea and lunch and it is safe to say that they are looking forward to their next session.

Kaua e wareware, don’t forget Waonui will be having yoga sessions, mindfulness colouring, singing/ listening to music and quiet manipulation of small parts as a way to start our day for the next few weeks in our spaces beginning 8:45 - 9. You are more than welcome to join us.