Parents are struggling to find methods for instilling self-confidence within their children. As adults, we know that the repercussions of poor self image can result in anxiety, depression, and a huge list of bad scenarios.

With this in mind, there are a number of positive actions that parents, teachers, physicians, and Yoga teachers can take to build solid foundations, within a given child's character. By seeking solutions, we can give our children a positive view of life. In turn, children will develop into successful adults by building strong relationships and by exceptional performance, within his or her career.

Let's look at the positive aspects for children within a typical Kids Yoga class. Although, Yoga is a vast subject, and there are a number of topics to discuss; children are better off being taught to focus on four components within a Hatha Yoga class.

These four components are posture, breathing, relaxing, and meditation. A child will find all four of these subjects easy to grasp, but all of them are a challenge. For many kids, the relaxation and meditation are easy to understand, but mastering them is another matter.

Now, let's look at how a Yoga class for a child can have a profound and positive impact on his or her self-image. One of the first lessons a child walks away with is self-acceptance. Every child learns to appreciate being the best he or she can possibly be. This is achieved by understanding that other children may excel in one area of Yoga, while other children may be exceptional in a completely different area.

For example: One child may be able to relax or meditate; another child may demonstrate balancing skills in Eagle Pose; while another child is exceptionally strong in the Warrior Series. In this case, it is up to the Yoga teacher to give out praise equally to all the children present in a class.

How can you accomplish this? As teachers, we always praise the exceptional, but since this is a Yoga class you can afford to praise every child who tries his or her best. It is natural for children and adults to seek praise. This is why the world has so much competition for every little event.

However, competition should be "brushed aside" in a Kids Yoga class. The Yoga studio, or ashram, should be a nurturing place for children and adults to master life skills. Yoga literally means "unity," and competition bolsters the ego. Therefore, this is not the way Yoga was designed for children or adults.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Why are doctors referring their patients, who have chronic back pain, to Yoga classes? How many studies have been conducted on back pain and Yoga? Is Yoga a "cure all" for back pain? What kind of Yoga class is best for back pain? Let's look at all of these issues and see if we can clear up some answers.

It is conservatively estimated that more than half of the world adult population suffers from some sort of back pain. Yoga, for back pain, is the most popular subject that teacher interns write about at our Yoga teacher training center.

However, this does not explain why so many doctors, within the United States, refer their patients to Yoga studios as an additional alternative to medication and physical therapy. The truth is that, within the U.S., there have been very few studies, and I only know of one in particular, which was the Group Health Cooperative study, which recently took place in Seattle, Washington.

Therefore, one study is not the answer; especially one study which just happened. The truth is, most of the studies on back pain and Yoga, as a form of therapy, are taking place in India. So, why does your family doctor, chiropractor, or orthopedic doctor, take a leap of faith outside the view of traditional western medicine? To put it simply, doctors read and continually educate themselves. They do not look down the narrow path of medicine that is laid down by bureaucracy.

Yoga is relatively inexpensive, in comparison to prescription medicines, so why bother to do a study? In comparison to the joint ventures, and potential profits involved in pharmaceutical studies, Yoga can't promise a "big pay day." Yet, the fact that physicians, within the United States, are willing to "look outside the box" for answers, speaks volumes in regard to their integrity. Doctors are often accused of being too quick to prescribe medicines, but the public often demands quick and effortless solutions in regard to health care.

Is Yoga really a "cure all" for back pain? In short, the answer is "no." How can I say that? Nothing is a cure all for back pain, but Yoga helps most of the students I work with. No prescription can claim 100% patient satisfaction either. Odds are that most people, with pre-existing back pain, who take up Yoga classes for relief, will reduce the number of pain killers needed. This fact has been stated by my Yoga students over the years.

If you have pre-existing back pain, which style of Yoga should you seek out? Regardless of style, you may want to observe a Yoga class before trying it. You should seek out a gentle style, and you should talk to your prospective Yoga teacher ahead of time.

Stay away from vigorous Yoga classes. If you have back problems, I would advise against taking part in my Vinyasa Yoga class, but I would welcome you "with open arms" in my Restorative Yoga class. Why do I say this? Yoga styles, class formats, lesson plans, and teachers differ.

My suggestion is that you get a private session first, and your Yoga teacher will work with you "first hand." If possible, get a referral from your doctor, or from a friend, who practices Yoga. This will help you avoid the guessing process.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

In a society where the line between helping and harming is sometimes blurred, it is crucial that as Yoga therapists and Yoga professionals, the perimeters are set firm.

It is a common thread to give a universal ideal of what Yoga therapy, or even Yoga instructing, is or is not; it is impossible. To a Yoga professional, the term, "Yoga" is one thing. To someone unaware of Yoga, who simply read upon its definition, from a myriad of sources, some which are more or less reliable from the others - may glean something else. A judge could summarize Yoga therapy as a therapy which should be licensed. The list of definitions and implications is long, tedious, and often, conflicting.

One line of reasoning, that is not to be conflicted, is the very real legal obligations and boundaries anyone who uses Yoga with others, in an exchange of payment, should be made aware.

Who are you serving?

First of all, it is important to properly designate names to those who seek our services. Are they our patients? No. Under the law, a patient is only one who is a person under medical or psychiatric care. A client is a possible delineation, but the term, "client," under a legal sense, means that the person sought a professional in exchange for advice or help.

A consumer exchanges money for goods or services. A student is one who receives knowledge or instruction. Most of us would fall under the teacher/student role for safe legal keeping. It is suggested that if you have written paperwork, or a web site, you note that people who seek you are students, not clients or patients. You may, perhaps, want to state that you have student-clients, and then for the sake of brevity, refer to them afterwards as clients.

Consumer Rights

Consumers have a list of rights, and even if you do not consider yourself a business man or business woman, you need to be business and legal savvy; although you may not be thinking in this realm. The list of consumer rights include, but are not limited to: Safety, Information, Unsolicited Goods or Services, Pricing, Misleading Conduct and Guarantees.

The items listed are of primary concern to the Yoga instructor, or Yoga therapist, because they are all silent and dormant legal issues that could erupt at any moment.

Michele M. Paiva, 500 RYT Editorial Board: International Yoga Therapists Association Owner: Twisted Guru http://www.twistedguru.com/ Michele Paiva is a former News Anchor, journalist, and legal advocate.

"Out of sight, Out of Mind" or "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

These are two very different, but very true quotes. In our lives, each one of these rings a sense of truth. What, and who, do we tend to forget about when we are not sharing the same space; and what, and who, do we crave when we are in different places? Although these are two very different situations, they can result in the same lesson. If one would take time to sit and learn what their heart yearns for, (whether it be love, attention, gratitude, trust, respect), and also sit and reflect on what they deprive themselves of, because of lack of propinquity or the avoidance of feeling a heavy heart, I believe that through both, you will find in truth what you really desire. Both take time and effort, remembrance, reflection, and dedication.

In our relationships, when we are not in the presence of our beloved, do we clutter our lives in avoidance of feeling an uncomfortable emotion, or do we acknowledge how important that person is to our lives, and how much we yearn for their nearness?

For me, in my Yoga practice, I can always watch my fluctuating relationship with the constant state of grace (or spirit, soul, or what have you). When I am off my sticky mat, or not sitting in meditation, I find myself wondering from my inherent state of grace, and I also find myself yearning to be back in the arms of grace when I feel absent from it.

There are countless ways to apply these quotes to our lives; each way will be a different experience, but at the same time, illustrate the same deeper truth.