Toddler Yogi

Tuesday we drove into Pittsburgh to meet with Sonia Sumar. Goldie and I were there for little over an hour, but it was an hour that will stay with me the rest of my life.

First, I have to tell you, that woman radiates love. pure love.

I brought Goldie early so she could get acclimated to her new surroundings. We were allowed to sit in the class and watch as Sonia worked with a little boy. We weren't told his diagnosis, but if I had to venture a guess I would say Cerebal Palsy. He looked to be about 5 and was one of the most articulate, intelligent children I have ever met. Sonia guided him through the yoga poses helping him relax his muscles with gentle touch, music and chanting. The two of them talked and chanted together the entire time. I was moved to tears at one point by the connection between the two of them. I tend to be a little emotional, but when I looked around I wasn't the only one with wet eyes in the room.

So, then it was Goldie's turn. This is where Goldie did her part to dispel the myth that people with Ds are happy all the time. She never had a complete crying break down, she just kept whimpering. Sonia respected this and guided me in doing some of the poses with Goldie. I learned she is capable of more than I thought. I also realize now that Yoga is about more than just poses, balance and strength. Its about being at peace with your body and who you are. Being happy in your skin. We could all use that. (I wonder if they have a class for mothers with multiple children)

Then there are the tangible benefits of yoga. Strength and balance. I really think learning the different chants would "count" as speech. I know Sonia used yoga as a form of vision therapy with her daughter. And how about just doing it for fun? I know the little boy I saw was having a good time.

The studio owner took pics for me, I'll post them after she sends them to me. Now, how to convince Hank that this is worth an hours drive plus the costs of the class?

Ohm

Yippeee! Goldie has a spot at a Yoga for the Special Child training. I'm stoked! I've been trying to find someone to work with her for over a year now. There is no one certified in our area and last years training had to be cancelled. Hopefully this go 'round will help us find someone close by to practice yoga with Goldie.

If you haven't hear of Yoga for the Special child there is a book and a website. I thought about becoming certified myself,but the certification course lasts 7 days and that just wasn't doable for our family right now. Nevermind my lack of yoga experience and cash to pay for the course.

Why yoga? Early intervention provides PT until Goldie is 3. After that services are provided through our school system. I've been looking into this and attended an informal Q&A on the transition process. Goldie will not receive individual PT, it will most likely be 15-30 minute sessions and they will be education based. We'd like Goldie to have strength, agility, and stamina. Doing yoga can help with all of these. Yoga is an activity she can enjoy for a lifetime, long after her PT eligibility has run out.

We have a family yoga dvd that I do with the girls. It is inspiring to watch her imitate the different asanas. I've also been looking at a dvd called Happy Me Yoga. But I am most impressed by Sonia Sumar and her story. Her book isn't just about yoga, it tells the story of her daughter, Roberta, who had Down Syndrome. We've started some of the activities she teaches, but are looking for some professional advice and guidance. I'll let you know how it goes!