Yoga and mindfulness teacher to sign books June 2

Yoga and mindfulness teacher Hiba Melhem Stancofski of Lewes will take part in the local author book signing summer series at Browseabout Books from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday June 2, 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 the summer children’s activities at Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach, reading “I Feel Better Now” and practicing yoga with children at 9 a.m.,Thursday, July 20, and Thursday, Aug. 24. 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 the tools of mindfulness and yoga, and how these practices can 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, Washington, D.C., and her faraway homeland of Lebanon. She has plans to visit more schools in Washington, D.C., and Maryland in the fall, maintaining outreach throughout the coming year.

To purchase “I Feel Better Now,” visit Browseabout Books, SoulFire Collective Yoga, Urban Float and Bomshell Boutique in Rehoboth Beach; and Kids’ Ketch and Involution Yoga in Lewes. It is also available online at Amazon.com.

In addition to being a yoga and mindfulness instructor, Stancofski is a reiki level II healer. Her yoga trainings include vinyasa, yoga for cancer, yoga for trauma level 1, and restorative yoga. She has recently co-led a yoga retreat at the Himalayan Institute and is planning more workshops in the future. A member of the Yoga Alliance and a Mindful Schools-certified mindfulness educator, Stancofski is currently training for a yin yoga certification.

Bada lives in Hawaii now, working on his art and projects. He has recently illustrated his second children’s book, “Ivory and Blaze,” 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.