This post is an amalgamation of two posts shared on my social media that relate directly to my experience of teaching kids’ yoga in schools this year.

Today is the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination, I am sending slow, deep breaths and lots of love and encouragement to:

📝 those writing exams

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 the parents and guardians of those writing exams

This year I had the opportunity to teach yoga at three Primary Schools in Central and South Trinidad as part of their programme to de-stress before today's exam. I admire the work done by staff and students alike and am thankful to their guidance officer for her thinking to include yoga as part of their programme.

🔸At each school I was warmly welcomed by staff and students alike

🔸Students were so willing to participate, shared how they felt about the session, and asked if I would be able to visit again. Our sessions included centering, pranayama, postures and relaxation. I shared techniques that the children could use whilst studying (to manage body and mind) and in preparation for the exam (to manage anxiety before and self during exam)

🔸I met the principals and SEA teachers who shared how they try to incorporate ways to help students manage the anxiety and stress of school, life, and upcoming exams

🔸Over the course of the week I received hugs, smiles, and sincere thanks

This time spent has reminded me of my own experiences. From age ten onwards the practice of yoga has helped me to manage the physical, emotional and mental stress that comes with school, exams and expectations. I have been supported by my community and my teachers in ways that I did not recognise as a young person but can now reflect on and be thankful for.

I give thanks for this opportunity to share what I have learnt, to support others as I have been supported and to cocreate stronger communities through this practice of yoga. There is a lot going on in the world, both at home and internationally. After being with these groups and seeing how they are all trying in their own spaces, I feel hopeful that we can move through these times with Grace. Let us do what we can to make the spaces we inhabit comfortable, caring, supportive and welcoming. Let us help each other to manage and to grow.

Peace,