Last Updated on April 13, 2017 by Marie Bautista
Urban Ashram Manila, in collaboration with Firetree Press, launched the first local kids yoga book entitled Amazing Me. Written and illustrated by long-time yoga teacher Nica Hechanova, Amazing Me is a unique and spirited book that allows kids, within the age of four to nine years old, to transform their bodies into the forms of the harmonious elements they find in nature. Made alive with playful illustrations, the easy-to-read prose enables kids to realize, on their own terms, how to connect to the natural world, interact meaningfully, and achieve internal serenity.
The book launch took place at the Bonifacio High Street branch of Urban Ashram Manila on the 27th of June 2015. Accompanying the release of her book, Nica Hechanova led a free family and kids yoga session to allow kids to experience firsthand the freedom and expression found in yoga. This followed a compelling presentation about the long-term benefits of starting yoga at a young age by family and child psychologist, Michele Alignay. Visit any Urban Ashram Manila Studio or order online at http://www.amazingmeyoga.com/ to avail of a copy. Shipping is available locally and internationally.
Nica Hechanova’s kind-hearted and encouraging voice permeates throughout Amazing Me. She is a Rainbow Kids Yoga certified teacher with more than eight years of experience of teaching yoga to children. She also pioneered the kids yoga class program in Urban Ashram Manila. The publishing of Amazing Me is the pinnacle of Hechanova’s career as an artist and yogi. “Resources for kids yoga are very rare,” said Hechanova. “No one locally has ventured into this and I thought it would be a great idea to pursue it and be the first Filipino kids yoga book author. I told myself that this is something I can do.” It is a long-term dream she has finally fulfilled. Through this book, she is able to expose the sense of mindfulness and appreciation that yoga promotes. Amazing Me spreads joy and happiness creating a global community of compassion and kindness.
About Kids Yoga Philippines:
Established in 2012 by UAM Founding Teacher JP Cox, Kids Yoga Philippines is the pioneering yogalearning center for kids within the age of three to twelve years old. Kids Yoga Philippines is known for their focused and fun, play-based program as they use resourceful ways to teach yoga to kids. They provide a safe and supportive environment, utilizing tools like games, imaginative activities, and expressive storytelling.
Their ultimate mission is to make kids happy and feel good about themselves through the values they learn from yoga. Yoga is a physical, mental, spiritual discipline that complements any sport endeavor and enhances overall health. More than that, it prompts kids to have healthier choices in the future. Through the movements and breathing yoga develops, the kids that have gone through this yoga program have developed a more advanced awareness of their present body and mind. Starting this habit at a young age lays the foundation for a lifelong practice of emotional stability that would help them better navigate through life’s challenges. Most importantly, through yoga, kids learn to be confident, patient, kind, and learn how to build a sense of community. 
Start them young. Imagine the possibilities.