Growing up I LOVED going to the zoo, and I think most children would agree - it's really cool to see the animals up close! However, as an adult, my feelings have changed... Just last week we celebrated a late mothers day for my mom with a trip to the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Our zoo here is great, they do a lovely job with the animals and seem to give immaculate care and attention, yet they are so far removed from their real habitat and normal daily lives. I have too many mixed emotions about this issue - YES, when animals need a sanctuary of retreat because they are injured or sick, I get it... but when animals are raised in zoos or transferred to zoos and never leave they do not have the opportunity to live the life they are meant to live.
When I was in Australia last year, I listened to the lovely songs of the Kookaburra bird every morning. I saw a pair of them in the zoo last week, who were in such a small cage they will never be able to fly again, it makes me wonder how often they sing their beautiful song. I watched a tiger "catch" it's dinner out of a tire swing. I saw two baby cows with no mama cow near by. I noticed a bald eagle and peregrine falcon in a cage only 12 ft high. I witnessed over 10 seals in a very small containment with scars all over their body. Although we had the MOST fun on this adventure, I can't help but express how my heart was saddened all along the way.
My hope, when you share this new sun dance with your students, is that you will discuss this topic with them and ask questions to get them thinking! They are our future, these children you are working with will be inspired to transform the world around us. So let's encourage them to get out into the real world and explore locally what nature has to offer!
AND if you missed the first post in this series, be sure to have a look as it will give you the background you need to best use our newest addition to the Sun Dance Series.
When I was in Australia last year, I listened to the lovely songs of the Kookaburra bird every morning. I saw a pair of them in the zoo last week, who were in such a small cage they will never be able to fly again, it makes me wonder how often they sing their beautiful song. I watched a tiger "catch" it's dinner out of a tire swing. I saw two baby cows with no mama cow near by. I noticed a bald eagle and peregrine falcon in a cage only 12 ft high. I witnessed over 10 seals in a very small containment with scars all over their body. Although we had the MOST fun on this adventure, I can't help but express how my heart was saddened all along the way.
My hope, when you share this new sun dance with your students, is that you will discuss this topic with them and ask questions to get them thinking! They are our future, these children you are working with will be inspired to transform the world around us. So let's encourage them to get out into the real world and explore locally what nature has to offer!
AND if you missed the first post in this series, be sure to have a look as it will give you the background you need to best use our newest addition to the Sun Dance Series.
Stretch up high, wave to the birds
(Standing in mountain pose, reach arms up & wave)
Hang down low, pet the sheep’s fur
(Forward fold, reaching down for your toes & pretend to pet them)
Feet jump back, just like a zebra
(Bend your knees, place your hands down and jump or step your feet back to plank)
Belly down, just like a snake
(Bending at the elbows, lower your body down to the ground)
Look up at the monkeys
(Press the hands into the ground, to straighten the arms into cobra pose
Now back at the lions
(Knees under hips, curl the toes under & shift into downward dog)
& roar & roar & roar
(Take 3 big breaths in through the nose and out through the nose, filling the belly BIG like a balloon when you breathe in, and roaring like a lion when you breathe out)
Feet jump up, just like a frog
(Hop the feet up, into a frog squat)
Hang down low, pet the sheep’s fur
(Straighten the legs, forward fold & pretend to pet your toes)
Stretch up high, wave again to the birds
(Coming to stand, reach both arms up over head)
Now show me your favorite animal pose!
(Create your own animal pose)
(Standing in mountain pose, reach arms up & wave)
Hang down low, pet the sheep’s fur
(Forward fold, reaching down for your toes & pretend to pet them)
Feet jump back, just like a zebra
(Bend your knees, place your hands down and jump or step your feet back to plank)
Belly down, just like a snake
(Bending at the elbows, lower your body down to the ground)
Look up at the monkeys
(Press the hands into the ground, to straighten the arms into cobra pose
Now back at the lions
(Knees under hips, curl the toes under & shift into downward dog)
& roar & roar & roar
(Take 3 big breaths in through the nose and out through the nose, filling the belly BIG like a balloon when you breathe in, and roaring like a lion when you breathe out)
Feet jump up, just like a frog
(Hop the feet up, into a frog squat)
Hang down low, pet the sheep’s fur
(Straighten the legs, forward fold & pretend to pet your toes)
Stretch up high, wave again to the birds
(Coming to stand, reach both arms up over head)
Now show me your favorite animal pose!
(Create your own animal pose)
I look forward to sharing more of these unique theme-based Sun Dances in the weeks and months to come. Until then, stay true. Be bright, be bold, be you!
Love & Hugs,
Vanessa
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