Mindfulness is an ancient practice and is for everyone, including your little ones. 

There are many benefits to practicing mindfulness including strengthening your ability to deal with stress, becoming more aware of your thoughts, observing your actions and seeking a calmer disposition.

It is a vital aspect of being the best version of yourself and is a great idea to introduce the practice into yours and your children's daily routine. This will set them up with a richer toolbox from which they can retrieve the aids they need to navigate life in the happiest and healthiest way possible.

The key to introducing mindfulness to your children is to keep it simple, even for us adults it can seem daunting. It is a not a one-size fits all approach so make it your own which best fits your lifestyle and customise the practice to yours and your little ones needs.

A great start is to give your child a mantra such as "Peace begins with me" this can be said in moments when feelings are heightened (sad,angry,frustrated) if they take to this practice quite well you could then introduce them sitting cross legged and as they say each word touch each finger with their thumb. This brings their attention back to their sensory sensations rather than the emotions they are feeling.

We already know that children tend to emulate their parents so it is important to lead by example and for this practice to be most effective you will also be living out the mindful practices you are encouraging them to do.

Sascha is the founder of ZIG & KO. and has grown up by the seaside and is now a solo mum raising her two little munchkins to enjoy and appreciate the nature that surrounds them, often found exploring the Byron Bay Shire where they currently reside. Sascha first started her yoga journey many moons ago in a small yoga shala in Port Macquarie where she spent most of her childhood when her mum wasn’t backpacking the world with her and her younger brother. “I first began practicing Astanga which I quickly fell in love with and then I wanted to know every style and layer of yoga there was. Yoga has got me through some of my most challenging times, as it slows down my monkey mind, makes me feel grounded and strong all in one.” says Sascha. It was in 2015 through Jai Yoga Arts, Sascha completed her first Vinyasa teacher training and then continued these learnings at Suryalila Retreat Centre in the South of Spain. It wasn’t long after this, whilst living in Palma De Mallorca ZIG & KO. was established, after finding limited options on the market for yoga mats, that were ethically made, created with sustainable materials and also looked aesthetically appealing. Sascha came across cork when travelling through Portugal and founds out how incredible the properties were for producing items such as yoga mats. Once a manufacturer was found that shared in her vision, the first collection was launched. Since then Sascha has relocated back to Australia and had two babies (Ziggy & Koa) and like any mum is continually finding different ways to balance work and live a fulfilled life. 

Facts about Sascha 

- Feels at home diving beneath the surface of the sea.
- At the age of 15 risked becoming homeless after losing her Mother and lived in community. Has now partnered with Lighthouse Foundation Organisation to donate a percentage of sales back into this important work. 
- Mountain Pose is her favourite asana, because “it’s that moment you can appreciate you’ve taken time for yourself in a busy schedule” standing strong, grounding the feet and excitement building before you begin to flow. Helped establish the Seabin Project, now a global company which focuses on removing plastic debris by installing cleaning devices into marinas and ports all around the world. 

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WHY THE NAME - After my boys. Myself and two wildlings Ziggy and Koa reside in the Byron Shire where we spend most of our time exploring the beaches and surrounding waterfalls.

OUR VISION - is to promote change within the consumer industry, by providing the customers transparency and the choice to choose products that have been made with our planet earth in mind ethically.

OUR VALUES - To reduce harm to the planet, to inspire, stay positive, be kind, smile and always listen to our customers.