Mindfulness can make you a superhero. That was the message at the first Conscious Kids Festival at Unity on the Bay, a church in Miami, this weekend.
"I liked learning about my body," said Ben Schabacker, age 8. During the festival's opening ceremonies, he watched a screening of part of an episode of Avatar: the Last Airbender that explained the body's seven chakras.
Ben and his family participated in a kids' yoga class later in the day, practicing tree pose, cat-cow, and wheel.
"It just made my body feel a lot calmer, and like it just washed away all my stresses and fears," he said.
In the church's courtyard, gluten-free cookies were available for purchase and bubbles floated through the air. The sustained notes of meditation bowls continued to sound throughout the day.
Some attendees wore brightly-colored yoga leggings and face paint; others wore diapers and Crocs.
"We wanted to impact children in a good way and a positive way," said Geri Hernandez, one of the event's organizers. "Mindfulness, being conscious, owning who you are, knowing your power, being confident in yourself is missing in all of our lives."
She said they hope to grow the festival and find a bigger venue for next year.
Proceeds from the festival benefited Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services.
