In an effort to introduce the world of yoga and meditation to children (or anyone wanting to learn!), the Valley’s 12-year-old Sienna Stark founded YogieFlow.com. As young people navigate this stress-inducing time, Sienna walks us through how the practice of yoga and meditation can be beneficial in their daily lives and how to go about getting started.
Tell us about YogieFlow and what inspired this platform?
I came up with YogieFlow in my yoga teacher training. I was always a little nervous about teaching in person to others, but I would go home and videotape myself to get better and I thought, ‘This is really cool,’ and that is when I decided to share my knowledge with other kids. I decided to make a web-based yoga and meditation platform called YogieFlow. At Yogieflow, your child will have access to tons of videos, with new content added daily. YogieFlow focuses on fundamentals, allowing beginners to build their practice from the ground up, and also teaches your athletes skills for sports so they can crush their sport.
How did you get your start in yoga, and what do you love most about it?
I used to be a competitive gymnast, and I always looked forward to the stretching. I started to practice stretching at home, and then I found out that it was pretty much like yoga. I started practicing daily at home on Youtube and after a little while, my parents got me into a yoga studio. The real reason we practice yoga poses is so we can sit in meditation longer. That is the true meaning of yoga. I love everything about yoga, from stretching to meditating.
How is yoga beneficial for children? What about meditation?
Yoga is amazing for everyone! Yoga helps us improve flexibility, build strength, improve our balance and so much more. Mediation helps reduces stress, control anxiety and helps us with our memory.
What tips do you have for a beginner?
- Focus on connecting your breath to your movement
- Make your practice frequent
- Don’t compare yourself to others
- Do what feels good to your body
- Practice with an online teacher who you connect with
- Most importantly have fun!
What advice do you have for other young people who have a passion and what to make a business out of it?
First, find something you’re good at or you love to do and follow after your dreams! Don’t think that you can’t do something just because you are young.
What do you hope for the future of YogieFlow?
I want to teach more kids, hopefully around the world someday, about the joys and benefits of yoga. I wish for YogieFlow to be worldwide and connect all kids together through yoga.