A fun yoga story for children AND teachers: Mula and the Fly

July 12th 2022

About Lauren Hoffmeier Lauren was raised in the heart of New York City with a performance background in opera and musical theatre. She is a trained yoga teacher and the author of Mula and the Fly, a fun picture book series that provides parents and teachers with a soft introduction to yoga. The fun characters and engaging stories promote a happy and healthy lifestyle to encourage positive mental wellbeing during early development. BOOKS BY LAUREN

When a tiger has better balance than you do, it may be time to refresh your fitness routine! In her humorous series about a sleepy tiger and mischievous fly, Lauren shows us that we can all practice mindfulness through even the tiniest of steps. Read our exclusive Q&A to find out more. 

It’s quite a leap from a yoga instructor to a children’s author! Tell us a little about your journey

A leap indeed! Well, having spent so many years in the theatre, it is clear that creativity has become the wobbly path I choose to roam. The journey from theatre to yoga to author started when I was studying to become a yoga teacher and was pestered by a little fly. This fly buzzed and zigged and zagged around me as though to say, “Ha! You can’t catch me,” no matter how hard I tried to swat it away.

Now, for all the theatre buffs out there this became a classic moment right out of the comedy of commedia dell’arte. But this was not the theatre. This was supposed to be a peaceful moment in a peaceful yoga studio. Still, rather than ignore the fly I turned this disjointed moment of fly-swatting into what is now the Mula and the Fly series.

What positive impacts have you seen yoga have for children?

Well, let’s start with the basics: what is yoga? Yoga is the practice of balance, and the bedrock of achieving that balance is through the breath. As I say to my mini-yogis, it helps us calm our “busy busy” thoughts, such as the ones that make us feel sad or angry or scared. Teaching intentional breathing to children informs them how to take that mindful pause in those anxious moments in order to feel comfortable in their own skin. It is so clear that children feel present and excited to learn when they know they’re being seen for who they are. Not only does the practice of yoga help children with their physical mobility, it teaches them compassion, spatial awareness, self-regulation, calms their stress and anxiety, and helps them focus.

How important is mindfulness at school?

I’m a firm believer in the phrase “practice what you preach,” because children lead by example. I practice simple mindful tools in my day-to-day life because they help with my focus and stress reduction. If we can offer simple, non-invasive, and free tools for children to help reduce their stress, it creates a healthy environment for learning. Kids get so excited when they practice yoga and mindfulness, and it’s not rocket science as to why. It’s because they feel good in their bodies. Giving a child permission to stretch, to breathe, and to feel good inspires them to keep going by putting one foot in front of the other. 

What are your tips for teachers when using your book with their class? 

Have fun! The best way to read is to jump right into Mula’s jungle world. There are so many spots in the book (or “prompts,” you could say) for kids to get involved. When Mula tries to swat the Fly, have the kids try to “swat” the Fly.  Clap altogether on the count of three to “catch” the Fly. And best of all, breathe along with Mula when the Fly teaches her to listen to her heart. Whenever I give readings, I have the kids place their hands on their heart, close their eyes, and try to feel the rhythm of their heart beat. Does it change as they breathe? Does it slow down? Speed up? You can even ask the kids about their experience and you might be surprised by some of the responses you get back. 

Is the book something teachers can enjoy too?

Absolutely! This book was written to be fun and educational for all readers. These books introduce readers to the basic practice of yoga and mindfulness through humour and fun, and teachers and parents will enjoy that as well because the benefits of mindfulness and yoga extend to the following:

• Reduces stress
• Improves relationships and communication skills
• Improves learning skills
• Improves focus and attention
• Improves impulse-control and self-regulation
• Improves mental wellbeing
• It’s absolutely FREE

Mula learns a lot from the Fly – what message does this give to children? 

The Fly is a character that represents the inner-teacher. Mula learns a lot from the Fly because the Fly reminds her that everything she needs to know is in her heart … as long as she takes the time to listen. The Fly simply gives her a little nudge.

DISCOVER

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