Flying Free

07

My sister just had a birthday and every year she pushes herself to do something daring and new. This year we gifted her a few minutes of free flying at IFLY. It’s a place which gives you the opportunity to skydive indoors! It’s much safer than jumping out of plane and lots of people go to IFLY to develop skills that usually require jumping from a plane. Either way it’s where the dream of flight becomes a reality.

img_4868img_4623Indoor skydiving happens with the simulation of true free fall conditions in a vertical wind tunnel. It’s bodyflight, one of the most exciting growing sports in the world. Of course we couldn’t just let my sister go by herself so my 10 year-old little adventurer volunteered to experience it with her aunt.

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They both took a quick class on how to position their bodies while in flight. They got a great little outfit, a helmet and off they went! They patiently waited to take their turn in the tunnel. As they waited they got to see lots of people being thrashed around trying to fly. Some did great, others not so much. I could tell they were both kind of nervous and excited.

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When it was their turn, they did not hesitate, they bit the bullet and jumped right in. I was pleasantly surprised that both my girls flew wonderfully.img_4810

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In the end the experience was new, fun and great bonding for both aunt and niece. Both are amazing people, always ready for adventure. Both are strong, brave and daring. Both are my hero’s.

img_4925It’s always nice to expose our children to new and wonderful experiences, especially ones that will help them bond with family. My sister is a wonderful role model to my child. She is a strong, intelligent, loving and independent woman with a heart of gold. She is one of the many family members I am fortunate to have in her life. With role models like her my daughter will soar high in her life.

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Thanks sis, I hope this year brings you all that you desire.

Yoga for Kids!

 

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If you’ve ever tried Yoga, you have already felt the benefits of it. Why not try it for your children? My ten-year old has been taking yoga from the very beginning. I first exposed her to it when she was just an infant. We took Mommy and me yoga together. Since then, she has been practicing yoga on and off for years. I also practice meditation with her.img_9735

I recently signed her up for a series of yoga classes that my friend teaches right in my town. Both Yoga and mindfulness have been shown to improve physical and mental health in children.

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Yoga can be fun and beneficial for kids. It improves balance, strength and endurance.  In fact, research has already shown that yoga can improve focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance, classroom behavior and can even reduce anxiety and stress in kids.

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Another benefit of yoga is self-awareness. Through this practice kids begin to listen to their internal cues and emotions. By shifting self-awareness inward, a buffer forms between the yoga student and the many negative outside influences that promote poor body images.

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Thousands of schools across the country are now offering yoga. If your school hasn’t implemented the practice yet, you can always find one in your neighborhood. So go ahead and look for it at a studio near you. You will see for yourself just how great it can be for you and your child!

Namaste