It was through the inspiration and guidance of Sydney Solis that I created my storytelling, yoga, and art program, Mindful Octopus. Mindful Octopus is a philosophically based program, based in Laguna Beach, California.
Living in an artistic community, with such a rich history in the arts, naturally inspired me to incorporate art, as a complement to all of my classes. Kids create art, using different mediums and materials, that represents and expresses what the story means to them personally. The art provides kids with a unique meditative exercise that celebrates and nurtures their creavity and imagination.
I carefully choose the art project, for every story, to ensure that it transforms into a tangible object that the kids can use, as a tool, to help them re-tell the story, remember the message of the story, and through its creation, further benefit their physical and mental developments. Art is the ultimate mindful practice!
I have been noticing that many yoga studios have chosen to “moonlight” as an art gallery. The relationship between yoga and art is a beautiful union. Mindful Octopus classes are held in an art gallery, The Artists Republic for Tomorrow. The gallery is an inspired space to hold storytelling yoga classes for kids.
Recently, I was interviewed by a local, online, art magazine. In the interview I share my thoughts on my partnership with the AR4T gallery. Here are excerpts from the article:
DN: What is the most frequently asked question about Mindful Octopus?
SBS: People often wonder if kids can practice yoga. Can kids really do garudasana or understand pranayama? My answer is always an enthusiastic, “Yes!” It is adults who have made is so complicated. Mindful Octopus is a creatively unique program that introduces and celebrates yoga in its’ originality – true yoga. Kids learn the yoga ideals of kindness, compassion, happiness, courage, gratitude, unity, peace, and love, through the ancient art of storytelling. Folktales, myths, and legends provide the foundation for the yoga practice. Kids use their imaginations and creativity to help re-tell the stories using yoga poses; thus enabling them to discover the characters and characteristics within themselves. Meditation, mindfulness, and breath work are introduced and practiced using fun games, props, and everyone’s favorite – art!
I created Mindful Octopus with the intention, goal, and mission to bring peace, love, and happiness to kids, through a modern practice of storytelling, yoga, and art. I believe, that in today’s World, kids need this, now more than ever!
DN: Why is an art gallery a good setting for kids’ yoga sessions?
SBS: A contemporary art gallery is an inspired space to hold kids’ yoga and storytelling. The art provides kids with the spark to ignite their imaginations, the focus to go within, and the creativity to follow their dreams. Exposure to art, as a child, remains with them throughout their lives. It helps shape their culture and style. It provides them with a space to ask questions; and the knowledge of understanding that art is a personal expression – just like yoga.
DN: What’s your personal background with art?
SBS: I was born to an artist Mom and a art loving Dad. When I was a baby, my Mom was the curator of our local art museum. Instead of day care or a nanny, the museum was my babysitter. My Mom loves to tell me stories of how she would let me crawl around the exhibits and how I would always stop, stare, and often clap, at the paintings I loved the most. Years later, my Mom opened a functional art gallery in Norfolk, VA. The gallery was a huge part of my family’s life. It became a community of like minded people who inspired, supported, and loved each other. To me, that is the essence and the beauty of art. It is what drew me to Laguna Beach, CA. It is what continues to inspire me today.
I am honored to have this space in the Storytime Yoga Magazine to share my thoughts, experiences, and inspirations for incorporating art into storytelling yoga classes for kids. In my monthly column, I will also share step by step instructions for many of the art projects from Mindful Octopus. It is my hope that they may inspire you to incorporate art into your classes, home, or schools.
If you should ever have any questions, or would like to comment or connect with me further, please email me at sam@mindfuloctopus.com.
From my mat to yours, peace and love,
Samantha Breit
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