Exciting changes are underway this fall at Bookmans Phoenix. Our favorite storyteller, Mr. Eden will join us for Kids’ Yoga and Storytelling from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoons starting on September 20. We are partnering with Eden and yoga instructor, Shaila Parthasarathi, to extend love of reading, peace and well-being to our local community. Each week highlights a wonderful aspect of youth. Eden and Shaila come to us with many years of experience promoting the arts, healthy living, literacy and community involvement. We are delighted for the opportunity to work with both of them on this new series!
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Both Eden and Shaila traveled the world before settling in the Sonoran Desert. Eden grew up in Pittsburgh where he cultivated an interest for the science of cities. After graduating from Rutgers University in New Jersey with a degree in Urban Studies, Eden returned to Pittsburgh to make a difference in his hometown. “I’ve always been fascinated in civic energy,” he explains. “I love making connections and creating pathways.” Uniting his love for reading and spark for urban activism, Eden worked as a children’s librarian for many years. “As a librarian, I had the opportunity to work with a mobile library, bringing books to families in different housing communities around Pittsburgh. It was a rewarding experience,” says Eden. Not only is Eden steeped in the literary world, he is also a successful visual artist. He brings his love of fine art, music and literature into his storytelling program.
Shaila’s love for yoga was ignited as a child when she first learned about the art from her father. She established her own practice 20 years ago in London after finding an Iyengar teacher. Shaila continued studying classic yoga in the Netherlands and then brought her practice to Arizona. She enjoys teaching and working with those who are new to yoga. Shaila and Eden’s first collaboration with yoga and storytelling for children was at a Bookmans Phoenix Summer Kids’ Event. Their program was met with accolades and we are excited to have them back.
Each Saturday afternoon through October 18, we invite parents and kids to hang out, have a great time and let their imaginations run wild. We’re honored to have Eden and Shaila as our featured Kids’ Yoga and Storytelling team this Fall. We can’t wait to get started!