Yoga and mindfulness teacher to sign books June 9

Yoga and mindfulness teacher Hiba Melhem Stancofski of Lewes will take part in the local author book signing summer series at Browseabout Books from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, June 9, at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach. No registration is needed, and books will be available for purchase.

A 500-hour certified yoga instructor and mindfulness teacher, Stancofski published “I Feel Better Now” in March 2021 amid the pandemic. Illustrated by Lewes-born artist Timothy Bada, the book introduces children to the tools of yoga and mindfulness.

When Alia sees her younger brother Tommy struggling emotionally, physically and mentally during the pandemic, she takes him on an outdoor adventure through Lewes and teaches him simple yet powerful mindfulness techniques to help him feel better.

The tools of mindfulness and yoga can bring more clarity and equanimity to help people cope with difficult emotions such as stress, anxiety and sadness. They can help individuals more easily navigate life’s challenges, struggles and chaos.

Stancofski will also participate in summer children’s activities at Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach, reading “I Feel Better Now” and practicing yoga with children at 9 a.m., Thursdays, July 11 and Aug. 22. Just like Alia and Tommy, everyone can benefit greatly from these practices to help self-regulate emotions and feel better in challenging times.

“I Feel Better Now” was awarded first place in the children’s category for the 2022 Delaware Press Association communication contest, and third place from the National Federation of Press Women in its children’s book fiction category that same year.

Stancofski and Bada both hope the book will raise more awareness in schools and libraries nationwide about using mindfulness and yoga to help people achieve and maintain inner calm, resilience and focus in difficult situations.

Stancofski has visited numerous schools in the past two years to introduce “I Feel Better Now” to students in Delaware, New York, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and her homeland of Lebanon. She said she will maintain this outreach throughout the foreseeable future. “Now more than ever, children need these tools,” said Stancofski. Also a reiki level II healer and a Yoga Alliance and Mindful Schools-certified mindfulness educator, Stancofski is currently training for a certification to teach yoga for children with additional/neurodivergent needs.

Bada lives in Hawaii now, working on his art and projects. He illustrated his second children’s book, “Ivory and Blaze,” last year with local co-authors Christina and Sam Connors.

To reach Stancofski, email hibastancofskiauthor@gmail.com. To reach Bada, email tim.bada@taabdraws.com.

For more information about “I Feel Better Now,” go to hibastancofski.com.