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Yoga - A short introduction
Originating in India, Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that has been evolving for the last 5,000 years or so. The term yoga means, “to unite or join.” This reference pertains to the joining of the mind, body and spirit. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation, make a person healthier in body, mind and spirit. Yoga’s many benefits include
- Better flexibility and strength
- Improved posture
- Greater body awareness
- Better breathing
- Increased self-control
- Better coordination
Yoga for kids
Although Yoga has enjoyed popularity with adults for many years, it is only recently that we have come to understand how helpful it can be for children in their formative years.
Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Doing yoga, children play, exercise, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Yoga brings the inner light that all children have to the surface. It brings balance and harmony to both body and mind, and gives children tools that can keep them healthy, not just during childhood, but also throughout their adult lives. It helps increase their self-awareness, builds their self-esteem and strengthens their bodies.
When children imitate the movements and sounds of nature, they have a chance to get inside another being and imagine taking on its qualities. The physical movements introduce kids to yoga's true meaning: union, expression, and honor for oneself and one's part in the delicate web of life.
Some practical considerations
You’ll be surprised how much difference a few minutes of Yoga everyday can make. Starting your day with yoga prepares you for the day ahead but you can choose anytime that’s convenient for you. However, it's not advised that you practice yoga right before a meal, or before bedtime. For kids, the best way is to start simply and build gradually. Select exercises that are gentle and tell children to make any adaptations they need to to avoid pain or discomfort.
Facilitating Children to do the poses
Children need to discover the world on their own. As they perform the various animal and nature asanas, if you think they're big enough for it, try and engage their minds to deepen their awareness. When they're snakes, invite them to really imagine that they're just a long spine with no arms and legs. Could you still run or climb a tree? In Tree Pose, ask them to imagine being a giant oak, with roots growing out of the bottoms of their feet. Could you stay in the same position for 50 years? If you were to be chopped down, would that be OK? Would it hurt?
When they stretch like a dog, balance like a flamingo, or stand strong and tall like a mountain, they are making a connection between the macrocosm of their environment and the microcosm of their bodies. The importance of reverence for all life and the principle of interdependence becomes apparent. Children begin to understand that we are all made of the same "stuff." We're just in different forms. Encourage such thinking and hopefully our kids would not only grow up into healthier adults, but also adults who're responsible and sensitive to their environment!
All in all, yoga is a wonderful activity
for children!
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