Yoga and Movement in the Bodymind Teaching Approach

At Bodymind Teaching, yoga is more than a subject—it’s a foundational practice woven into the flow of the day to support regulation, learning, and self-awareness. Rather than offering stand-alone yoga classes, we use movement intentionally as part of our integrative, awareness-based approach to learning.

Asana (yoga postures), breathwork, and energy-based techniques are integrated into classroom rhythms in three distinct and developmentally supportive ways:

I. BrainBoost Yoga: Starting the Day with Intention

Morning Ritual • Designed Sequence • 10–15 Minutes

BrainBoost Yoga is a short, repeatable morning sequence designed to prime the body and brain for learning. It draws from yoga postures, cross-lateral movement, breathwork, acupressure, and energy-based techniques inspired by practices like qigong. This daily ritual supports focus, grounding, and nervous system regulation—helping students arrive fully in the present moment.

BrainBoost is:

  • Integrated into individual classrooms or small groups

  • Adaptable for various age ranges and learning profiles

  • Teacher-guided or eventually co-led by students

This is not a yoga class—it’s a bodymind regulation tool that sets the tone for a calm, centered, and engaged school day.

II. Bodymind BrainBreaks: Yoga-Based Movement for Focus and Regulation

2–5 Minutes • Responsive • Energy-Aware

Bodymind BrainBreaks are short, targeted movement sequences that support self-regulation during extended periods of academic focus. These breaks are rooted in yoga, breathwork, and mindful movement, and are designed to help students shift their internal state and re-enter learning with greater clarity and ease.

Each BrainBreak lasts 2 to 5 minutes and can be used:

  • As a whole-class transition between subjects or activities

  • As an individualized support when a student needs a reset

  • As a student-directed strategy, once introduced and internalized

There are different types of BrainBreaks based on the regulatory need:

  • To increase energy (when students feel sluggish or unfocused)

  • To bring down energy (when students are overstimulated or restless)

  • To refocus attention (when students are distracted or scattered)

Over time, Bodymind BrainBreaks become a vital part of each student’s regulation toolkit—a set of practical, embodied tools they can draw on with independence and confidence.

III. Bodymind Grounding Practice: A Weekly Anchor for Body, Breath, and Growth

40–60 Minutes • Weekly Rhythm • Developmental Integration

The Bodymind Grounding Practice is a dedicated weekly session that offers students a structured, reflective space to reconnect with their bodies, breath, and inner awareness. It serves as an anchor in the rhythm of the school week—providing time for deep regulation, growth, and integration.

Lasting 40 to 60 minutes, depending on developmental stage, the Bodymind Grounding Practice helps students:

  • Engage in a consistent and evolving asana-based practice

  • Build strength, balance, and breath awareness

  • Deepen emotional literacy and self-regulation

  • Track growth across the arc of the school year—or even from year to year

This is not a performance-based class. It is a practice space: a time for students to listen inward, regulate through movement and breath, and restore their internal rhythm. Over time, it becomes a trusted weekly ritual and a core element of the Bodymind Teaching approach. 

Honoring Origins, Welcoming All

While yoga is not a religion, it has deep roots in several ancient spiritual traditions—most notably the Dharmic religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. At Bodymind Teaching, we honor these origins with deep respect while offering yoga in a way that is secular, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.

For us, yoga is not about religious belief—it’s about cultivating awareness, regulation, and connection through the body. We use English names for postures, and we choose not to include chanting or devotional language. Our goal is to make the practice accessible and meaningful for all students, regardless of their background or belief system.

In addition to yoga, our approach draws from the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—including practices like qi gong and acupressure—which complement our movement-based and energetic approach to regulation and learning.

Families from all backgrounds are welcome. Students are never asked to engage in practices that conflict with their personal or spiritual values. The universal benefits of yoga—focus, calm, resilience, and presence—belong to everyone.