At Home With OM

By: Felicia Holtz, MA Ed. RYT 500

The smallest alignment can lead to the greatest revelation.  As part of an online continued education program in Grounded Kids Yoga, I was invited to teach a class, Horton hears and Om,  based on the story of “Horton Hears a Who,” themed around aligning for listening and using a clear centered voice.   I found myself entranced by the opportunity to use music and movement to bring this centered, felt experience to life for families. 

In our relationships and our work, we can always use the reminder to listen.  It is very empowering to feel heard.  As a teacher, parent, sister and friend, I find that fine-tuning these skills allow for easier relationships.  Alongside the ability to hear others lays hearing ones own true and clear voice.   This voice is unique, has its own perfect noise and is a gift to find and share.

Over the past few years, I have been increasingly aware of working with my own voice through teaching, singing and the study of Nada Yoga, the yoga of sound vibration.  Listening to the birds and music can be a fast path for many to a blissful feeling of unity and connection that a yoga practice provides.  

So, I’ve been carrying this elephant on my back for a few months now!  We have quite a relationship! In my family life, I try to align my breath and body for deeper listening.  When teaching, or when something important comes up that I need to use my own clear voice, I think of the physical alignment of my body, pulling into center, with an extra check in for an open throat and ear alignment.  I have noticed that when I am practicing off of the mat, there is greater ease in my ability to hear other people’s needs and my own.  When I forget, not so easy!

In planning this Musical Family Yoga Workshop, I asked my friend and recording artist Kira Willey if she’d join me in playing with Horton and write a song about voice.  Kira wrote the song “Every Voice.”  It is an incredibly catchy and meaningful song that will be featured on her third CD release.  I madly love the song and her voice.  I am sure that people will leave the workshop humming its tune and well aligned for all of the work in hearing and speaking off of our mats. Recommended for graders six years and over through grandparents. I look forward to sharing this workshop with you.  Come visit, you will absolutely DIG it!

Join us for Horton Hears an Om

DIG YOGA, LAMBERTVILLE, NJ 

SATURDAY, MAY 3 from 3-5PM

$20 per family