Health and wellness is no longer a fad, but a way of life. Raising our children we have to consider not only the foods we feed them and their education but it is vitally important to make sure they gain a sense of balance. JCMK (Jersey City Macaroni Kid) had the opportunity to talk with Jamie Wilson Murray, the driving force behind Mindful Play, yoga for kids.
Q: Tell me how you first got involved in with Mindful Play?
A: As a child I was both curious and anxious. Growing up my mom kept me busy with school and dance lessons but I needed more. As an adult I was introduced to yoga and meditation which grounded me. Being playful and open to learning as we age is essential for continued growth.
I believe having tools helps kids navigate their world and the many pressures standardized tests can bring.
When I choose the name of my kid’s yoga business I gave it a lot of thought. Why am I doing this and what gives it meaning? It needs to be fun and give kids an understanding of the fundamentals of yoga along with learning mindfulness. In 2015 Mindful Play Yoga was born. Attending the first and second National Kid’s Yoga Conference in Washington, D.C. expanded my knowledge and the relationships continue to be an incredible growth experience.
After my kids training I wanted to share my knowledge with my daughter’s classmates at Concordia learning center. This was the beginning and I have taught at:
Jersey City Public Schools, PS3 & PS5
Newark Yoga Movement teaching in Newark Public Schools
Sattva Yoga Jersey City
Hudson County Community College
Jersey City Public Libraries
Hamilton Health and Fitness
Q: What has surprised you most about the need for this program?
A: Kids today as young as 3 years old feel stress. Our world is filled with much technology and kids need to unplug just as much as adults do to feel grounded. Children are tired and often ask for relaxation first. When children connect with their breathing it is transformative. It brings them into the present moment and gives them the opportunity to make healthier choices. Being in the body and out of the head brings children to a calmer place where their best self resides. Giving children these tools empowers them with resources for better decision making. Many of my students go home and teach their family the relaxation techniques that we have studied in class. It’s very gratifying when I hear this from parents.
Q:What do you find most challenging about getting people involved?
A:Kids have many academic after school commitments. Doing this work is an ongoing building of the relationship and finding after school programs or community organizations with funding can be challenging.
Q:What's the best/worst thing to happen since you started Mindful Play?
A:The best is being reminded every time I teach that kids are natural born yogi’s. They are in tune with their bodies and spirits when they are in a supportive environment. Kids are always reminding adults to be in the moment. No real worse thing it’s all been an amazing learning experience.
Q:If you could change one thing about the path you are on, what would it be?
A:Be more patient with myself and the process necessary to build Mindful Play Yoga. Teaching yoga along with play and mindfulness is often introducing people to a new concept which takes time.
Q:What do you wish other people knew about youth and emotional health and wellness overall?
A:When our emotional, physical and overall wellness are out of balance we are not at our best. Children are like sponges they may seem super resilient but they absorb everything both good and bad. Making time each day to get centered and feel grounded is key.
Q:What's your personal philosophy on why this program is beneficial to the community?
A:My philosophy is based on being in the moment which can be challenging and frankly uncomfortable at times. This is what keeps learning fresh and awesome. I come to class with my lesson plan and it can take a number of turns depending on the class energy that day. Our community is diverse and our country is rapidly changing. Yoga helps kids focus and build confidence and body awareness essential to navigate thought the world in a healthy manner.
Benefits of Mindful Play Yoga:
Body awareness and focus
Awareness of breath
Increased strength and flexibility
Increased creative expression
Connection to the environment
Confidence and self-esteem
Flow, connection and integration
Tuning in to oneself, not to an electronic device
Deep relaxation
Playful learning
Q:Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to start this program?
A:After taking many amazing adult yoga training's I was very fortunate to have incredible teachers in New York City in the late 90’s. I took a kids training from Leah Kalish, creator of, Move With Me Yoga Adventures and Yoga Pretzels. The kid’s yoga training inspired me more than I ever imagined it would along with parenting our daughter (now age 10). Furthering my studies I took the Biz of Kids Yoga with Jodi Komitor creator of Next Generation Yoga.
Having tools helps kids navigate their world and the many pressures the standardized testing bring. I would say my daughter continues to influence me as I see how yoga has benefited her.
Q:What do you think you will be in the next few years?
A:I would like to see Mindful Play Yoga serve more students in Hudson County and introduce them to the magic yoga has to offer. Eventually would like to give Mindful Play Yoga wellness workshops to teachers, parents and caregivers.
Q:How do people find out more about the services you offer?
A:I teach at Jersey City Public School PS3 & PS5’s after school programs. Mindful Play classess are also happening at Sattva Yoga in March and April.
Sunday, March 18th I am offering a FREE intro Mindful Play Yoga – Family class at Sattva Yoga Jersey City. To register with Sattva Yoga to reserve your spot http://sattvayogajc.com/kids-family
2pm-2.45pm class recommended for kids 3yrs to 6 yrs & parent/caregiver
3pm-3.45pm class recommended for kids 6 yrs to12yrs & parent/caregiver
Mindful Play Yoga, Family Yoga 4 week Saturday Series March 25, April 1, 8 and 15
To learn more about Mindful Play Yoga:
https://www.facebook.com/mindfulplayyoga/
