Island Parent Resource Guide Vol 35
Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 35 Years: Family Support • Classes & Programs • Health & Wellness • New Parent Resources • Family Fun & Entertainment • Overnight Camps • Family Travel
Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 35 Years: Family Support • Classes & Programs • Health & Wellness • New Parent Resources • Family Fun & Entertainment • Overnight Camps • Family Travel
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swim. All of this had a huge impact on<br />
developing their awareness of being in<br />
their bodies.<br />
Cultivating Embodiment<br />
We can do better to help children today<br />
to develop their mind-body connection.<br />
We can start by making sure that<br />
they get plenty of opportunities to play<br />
actively from a young age, whether it’s<br />
through early years centres, physical activity<br />
and recess in schools, quality sport<br />
programs or simple activities at home.<br />
Any physical activity is good, but some<br />
types of activity are arguably better.<br />
For example, outdoor play is becoming<br />
increasingly recognized as essential in<br />
healthy early child development.<br />
Any activities that demand we practice<br />
mindful individual attention to wholebody<br />
movements and coordination are<br />
also useful, such as gymnastics, dance,<br />
yoga. tai chi and other martial arts.<br />
Sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding<br />
and parkour also rank highly.<br />
These activities emphasize the development<br />
of proprioception, or the ability to<br />
feel our movement and body position as<br />
we move through space.<br />
The simple act of walking through a<br />
forest or swimming at the beach is also<br />
valuable if we apply our mindful attention.<br />
Supporting your family’s mental<br />
health, one session at a time<br />
Therapy for:<br />
• Children<br />
• Teens<br />
• Family and <strong>Parent</strong> Support<br />
• Individuals<br />
vicyfcs.com<br />
Oak Bay Office<br />
303A–1830 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria<br />
Westshore Office<br />
201–630 Goldstream Ave, Langford<br />
There Is Hope for Embodiment<br />
In recent decades, the idea of the mindbody<br />
connection and body-as-self has<br />
steadily gained recognition for its importance.<br />
Now the concept is referenced<br />
in everything from physical education<br />
to personal counselling (see somatic<br />
therapy).<br />
But the sense of embodiment is a<br />
delicate thing. It needs to be cultivated<br />
through real activity and mindful attention,<br />
not just talk.<br />
It’s important that we do this for our<br />
children. To the degree that we help them<br />
to develop their own embodied awareness<br />
from a young age, we do more than<br />
simply develop their ability to move well.<br />
We bring them into a fuller, richer experience<br />
of being alive.<br />
Active for Life is a Canadian not-for-profit<br />
social initiative founded by B2ten. We are a national<br />
initiative created to help parents give their<br />
children the right start in life through the development<br />
of physical literacy. activeforlife.com.<br />
“Awesome<br />
community,<br />
positive vibe!”<br />
Discover the power of music!<br />
Students of any age, any<br />
instrument, and any level<br />
are welcome.<br />
Downtown Victoria<br />
Westhills, Langford<br />
vcm.bc.ca/<br />
course-calendar<br />
<strong>Island</strong><strong>Parent</strong>.ca<br />
Family <strong>Resource</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> <strong>Vol</strong> <strong>35</strong> 31