Thich Nhat Hanh Jewish Roots The Better Way to Live Alone in the ...

practicing WITH CHILDRENJoyful Purpose of the Heartcontinued from page36had experience in the connection between the mind and the body.Kids especially live in and through their bodies and their abilityto stay centered depends on this connection. As we teach childrenhow to think rationally, they begin to lose this grounding, and Ithink this can cause children—and adults—to become physicallyand mentally ill.During the last day of the training, I was asked to teach a freeyoga class for children with two of my fellow students. We gave aforty-five minute class to seven kids, ages eight to twelve. Whatsurprised me was that the students liked the relaxation part of classbest. These kids really needed the time and space to relax. Theyare often busy all day at school and afterwards with activities, andthen they usually watch TV or use the computer.After the training, I approached the owner of a small exercisestudio where I took classes and asked if I could teach a yoga classfor kids. They were happy to try it. I also decided to offer an after-schoolclass at the local elementary school. That class was sopopular I ended up offering two classes after school, each classfilled with twelve students.After a while I realized that part of the experience for kids washaving a kid-friendly, aesthetically pleasing space. So I decidedto open a yoga studio for kids. In March, 2003 I opened BuddingYogis, Mindful Yoga Studio for Kids.A Mindful BusinessMy practice is to stay open to what the world, my students,and coworkers need; to express my creativity without becomingattached to the outcome; to create a space for myself and the community;and to remember that the connections—interbeing—arewhat matter. The business supports the vision.At long last my dharma name begins to make sense.Now I understand what it means to have—to be—Joyful Purposeof the Heart.Annie Mahon, Joyful Purpose of the Heart, practiceswith the Stillwater Mindfulness Practice Center inSilver Spring, Maryland. She has four wonderful andsometimes stressed-out children of her own.WANTED:Ad Sales ManagerThe Mindfulness Bell needs an experienced advertising salesperson. This volunteer position involves prospecting forappropriate advertisers and working with clients. Help buildthe sangha and spread the dharma worldwide by joining theMindfulness Bell team.Send résumé and questions to mindfulness.bell@yahoo.com.A lotus flower for you!the Mindfulness Bell 39