Sample Programs

Let me tell you my vision for the future...

I walk into any public or school library, in the country or the city, big or small, and see posters advertising yoga programs.
When I inquire, I'm shown to a bright, relaxing room where several times a week (or maybe even several times a day!) members of the community gather together, led by a staff member or volunteer, to move their bodies, old or young, of all sizes, colors, shapes, and abilities, in unison with their breath.
I can observe them visibly relax, reconnect, and renew.
They step off the mat better able to regulate their emotions, make good choices for their bodies, and contribute with open hearts and minds to their communities and families.
I watch with great humility and respect and awe every time I teach a yoga class at the power yoga has to transform the lives of everyone it touches.
I am continually astonished.

"...Let me
keep my mind on what matters, 
which is my work,

which is mostly standing still and learning to be
astonished. "

~Mary Oliver

Sample 13 Minute Desk Yoga Program

Set yourself up for success with these ergonomic tips and tricks for maintaining good posture, steady breathing, and a calm-ish mind during the work day, whether you are at the circulation desk, in the stacks, or stuck in a meeting.

Videographer and editor: Brendan Helmuth

Sample 60 Minute Gentle Adult Yoga Class for a Public Library

Introduction and welcome. Set intention for the class: "Be gentle, patient, and persistent with yourselves. Only do what feels good for your body. Don't worry about what anyone else is doing on their mat. Yoga is not a competitive sport."
Everyone begins in Savasana (corpse pose) with hands on their belly. Attention is drawn to lengthening the breath and a focus on belly breathing. 1-4 breath count.
Prone warm up: eye-directions, wind-relieving pose, four-square, supine twist, tabletop, cat-cow, pigeon, down dog.
Come to Tadasana (mountain), 6 essential movements of the spine.
3 rounds of Classical Sun Salutations at a slow place.
2 balancing poses: tree and eagle, offer modifications.
Standing poses: standing forward bend, triangle, side-angle pose, Warrior I & II, head-to-knee pose.
Vinyasa transition to floor: seated forward bend, slide pose, half lord of the fishes, finish with bridge then knees to chest.
Savasana (corpse pose). Guided deep relaxation. 5 minutes. Come to easy pose. Reminder of intention (gentle, patient, persistent). Namaste.

Sample Yoga Class for Adults

This is a 60 minute class edited down to 20 minutes to give you an idea of how I structure the program and what props I use.

Notice how I focus on alignment and give lots of options for different abilities. I remind students not to compromise the integrity of the pose for the sake of vanity or ego. Safety and injury free practice while also pushing to the esge of our comfort zone is my goal. Gentle, patient and persistent with ourselves.

Many thanks to Brendan Helmuth for the video.

Sample 30 Minute Preschool Yoga Class for Public or School Library

Introduction and rules (return to your mat and sit crisscross-applesauce whenever you hear the bell, keep your hands to yourself, only do what feels good for your body).
3 rounds of Rainbow Power Song by Leah Kalish (Sun Salutation A).
Felt square on head partner game.
Finger plays: Hands in the Air and Worm.
Poses: flowerpot, star (while singing Twinkle Twinkle), donkey, coyote, cat-cow, dog, lion.
Truck race game.
Read Trucks Go by Steve Light.
Closing remarks and Namaste.
Coloring page to do in class or to take home, depending on parent/teacher schedule.

Sample Yoga Class for Elementary Students

This is a 45 minute class edited down to 20 minutes to give you an idea of how I structure the program and what props I use.

I used "animals" as a loose theme. Notice how we begin and end with the breath, on the floor. It creates a framework of calm. I modulate my vocal tone and volume to control the tempo of the class. I model and mentor, they imitate and experiment.

Notice how I don't focus on alignment and I give the students plenty of opportunity for interaction, autonomy and play. They are always in control of their own bodies. I am merely a facilitator, creating a safe space where they can have fun.

Many thanks to Dale Strickland and the Fredericton Public Library for their support.

De-Stress at Your Desk

This handy poster is great to have at your workstation to remind you to get up and moving!

Keep limber and keep working! Feel free to print and share with friends and colleagues.