Jenn Stone visits the Jay-Niles Memorial Library July 15 to hold a family yoga event with a jungle theme as part of the summer reading program at the library in North Jay. Submitted Photo

JAY — Children and families gathered at Jay-Niles Memorial Library July 15 for a unique event that combined yoga, music, and mindfulness as part of the library’s summer reading program for children. The session, led by Jenn Stone, a licensed social worker and founder of Family Focused Yoga, provided an interactive and joyful experience for the participants.

The event featured a “Jungle Yoga” theme, designed to immerse the children in a vibrant atmosphere of movement and rhythm. “The energy of the music, infused in yoga, connects us with the primal essence of nature,” Stone said to explain the inspiration behind the session. “It’s about allowing ourselves to be carried away by the rhythm and surrendering to the flow of movement.”

“My recent visit to the Jay-Niles Memorial Library was a delightful experience, especially as part of the summer reading program with its adventure theme,” she said.

Approximately 31 participants, mostly children aged 5-10, along with their parents, joined the session. “My goal for Family-Focused Yoga is to foster health, communication and positive bonding,” Stone said, emphasizing the importance of family involvement. “It was heartwarming to see all the smiles, hear the laughter and share this special time together.”

Stone said she integrated literature, movement and music into the session during her library visit.  The class revolved around a jungle adventure, with a playlist of upbeat drumming and African vibes to create an immersive atmosphere. Unlike a typical yoga class, the sessions include a lot of free movement and body exploration, she said.

Stone described the approach: “We played a game where the music would stop, and everyone would freeze in a cat pose, pretending to be leopards,” she said. “This encourages children to be imaginative and playful.” She also incorporated a book by Giselle Shardlow that combined counting with animal yoga poses.

There was a mindful listening game, using a bongo drum. Stone played different beats and guided the participants to move their bodies to the patterns of the beats slow, fast. “This activity helped them practice mindful listening and develop a sense of rhythm and coordination,” she explained

In addition to the physical activities, mindfulness practices were also a key component of the event. “After movement activities, we pause to feel our breath and discuss the power of breathing, especially when faced with big emotions,” Stone explained. This is a way to help the children understand how to use their breath as a tool for emotional regulation, she said.

The session concluded with a guided relaxation story about a boy on a lion ride, helping the children wind down and use their imaginations to visualize a calming adventure.

Stone expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to lead the session. “Integrating yoga and mindfulness into the library visit provided an enriching experience for the children and their families,” she said. “It was wonderful to see everyone engaged, moving, and connecting in a positive and supportive environment.”

Stone’s background as a licensed social worker with a master’s degree in educational psychology has shaped her approach to teaching yoga and mindfulness. “Yoga and mindfulness place a significant emphasis on the breath, which plays a crucial role in regulating the nervous system,” she said. “Through my experiences and ongoing education, I’ve seen firsthand how these practices can help children develop the skills to manage stress, anxiety and other strong emotions.”

For the past two years, Stone has served as the enrichment coordinator for the 21st Century’s after school and summer program, where she has focused on mindfulness and yoga as social-emotional learning tools. She said witnessing the transformative impact of these practices on young hearts has ignited a profound passion within her.

Jenn Stone of Family Focused Yoga shares a photo of a past event, with Celia Orff, with her children Brayden & Olivia taking part in family yoga. Submitted Photo

“Many parents have shared with me that they have noticed remarkable improvements in their children’s ability to regulate their emotions from this program,” Stone said. During these classes, students learned techniques to calm themselves during moments of anxiety or frustration, leading to a more positive and constructive way of problem-solving, she said.

In her journey, Stone said she has also gained extensive knowledge around trauma-informed yoga and specific techniques for managing anxiety, and recently earned a certification in Sound Healing.

“My motivation to pursue certification in Sound Healing stemmed from a deep interest in exploring holistic approaches to well-being and enhancing the benefits of yoga and mindfulness practices,” she said. “Sound healing has a profound impact on the mind and body, using vibrations and frequencies to promote relaxation, reduce stress and facilitate emotional healing.”

She uses music to lift mood and energy, encourage fun and silly movement and promote relaxation. Learning more about the effects of sound has allowed Stone to expand what she offers in class.

“The highlight for me was seeing the joy and connection among the families,” Stone said reflecting on her recent visit to the Jay-Niles Memorial Library.

Stone is presently volunteering with the Healthy Community Coalition [HCC] with a community program focused on youth. The next upcoming community event called “Maine Youth Matters” will take place Aug. 22 at Saint Joseph Parish in Farmington from 5-6 p.m. Stone said this event aims to bring together local businesses and community members to discuss youth and how to provide them with resources and support to help them succeed. This is not a yoga event, just a discussion.

The next yoga event will be held 3 p.m. July 24 at Kineowatha Park for the summer reading program sponsored by the Wilton Free Public Library. Stone will also have a booth and activities at the 59th annual Farmington Summer Fest July 27 in downtown Farmington.

Check out Stone’s website for more information.