Origins of Yoga Bears and its Philosophical Foundation with Estelle McCluskie
Yoga Bears embodies a passion for holistic well-being that began with Estelle McCluskie´s own exploration of yoga and mindfulness practices. Estelle’s journey with Yoga Bears began as a personal quest to share the transformative benefits of yoga with her children. Inspired by her own yoga practice and the desire to instil mindfulness from a young age, Estelle embarked on a mission to create a program that would resonate with children.
One of the most cherished elements of a Yoga Bears session is the presence of teddy bears as companions. These cuddly friends serve as comforting allies, offering reassurance and support as children explore the depths of their practice. By incorporating teddy bears into the session, Yoga Bears creates a nurturing environment where children feel safe to express themselves and embrace their unique journey.
Central to the Yoga Bears curriculum is the integration of chakras, the energy centres within the body that play a vital role in promoting holistic wellness. By incorporating the principles of chakra alignment into each session, Yoga Bears aims to cultivate a sense of balance, harmony and inner peace.
Through Yoga Bears, children not only learn physical postures and breathing techniques but also develop a deeper understanding of their own emotions and inner working. By fostering a connection between mind, body and spirit, Yoga Bears empowers children to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and kindness.
In essence, Yoga Bears represents more than just a yoga class for children, it’s a journey of self-discovery, empowerment and rounded growth.
The Practice of Yoga Bears
Each Yoga Bears session begins with gentle breathing exercises, inviting children to connect with their breath and cultivate a sense of inner calm. Through guided breath work, children learn to regulate their emotions.
Next, the session transitions into playful movement sequences, inspired by yoga poses tailored to children’s needs. From stretching like a tree to soaring like an eagle, these dynamic activities promote flexibility, strength and body awareness while encouraging creativity and self-expression.
Mindfulness activities such as guided visualizations and relaxation exercises help them tap into their innate sense of inner wisdom. Through these practices, Yoga Bears encourages children to cultivate self-confidence, resilience and a deep appreciation for their own uniqueness.
Yoga Bears aligns seamlessly with children’s natural inclination towards well-being, offering a rounded approach to nurturing mind, body, and spirit. By fostering a sense of comfort, security, and creativity, Yoga Bears inspires children to embark on a journey of self-discovery and embrace the beauty of their own individuality.
Expanding the Reach of Yoga Bears
As society increasingly recognizes the vital role of children’s wellness in academic success and overall development, holistic approaches to education are gaining momentum. Yoga Bears stands at the forefront of this movement, equipping teachers with evidence-based practices and practical strategies to help students thrive emotionally, socially and academically.
One of the key strengths of Yoga Bears training is its accessibility. With options for both in-person and online training, educators from around the globe can participate and benefit from this transformative program.
Rooted in the belief that every child possesses innate wisdom and vitality, Yoga Bears seeks to empower children to embrace their uniqueness and shine brightly in the world.
Whether as participants in classes or as trained educators, individuals have the opportunity to join the Yoga Bears community and contribute to a more compassionate and vibrant world for our children.
Watch the full-length interview in Episode 22!
