Yoga for Children – What to Expect

By Faye Martins

The benefits of yoga for children are endless.  Every child should know how to “be.” We figure this is an innate quality of children everywhere and for the large part it is; if you want to become grounded in the present moment just spend some time with a child. Everything for them is in this present moment and that is part of their essential sweetness and perception. However, modern children are becoming distracted and this distraction is leading to a disconnect between today’s youth and the present moment.

Children have a lot on their plates these days between obligations at school, after school activities and homework. Adding to this is the fact that children are becoming connected through technology at an earlier and earlier age. Dinnertime is interrupted multiple times by texting between friends and this is viewed as completely normal. The present moment is constantly lost.

Children are also facing an increasingly inactive lifestyle. Children who are not involved with after school sports are frequently in the same boat as their parents with little time left in the day for physical activity after other obligations are met. Childhood obesity is at an all time high and that lack of physical fitness will only carry over into adulthood, leading to an entire life lacking fitness and health.

The answer to this problem can be found in daily yoga practice. Scheduling a time everyday for children to perform yoga leads to weight loss, improved posture and flexibility, and increased focus and energy. Greater emotional stability is also another benefit from daily yoga practice. While meditation would likely be beneficial for children, yoga is easily approachable since it’s fun and active. If a child is ready for a conscious awakening, through yoga it will come. However, yoga for children won’t force anything. In areas of mental growth, the individual should take the lead and yoga allows children to do so in their own time and at their own pace.

Children are able to do the majority of asanas with no more caution or care than the average adult and beginning these exercises young gives kids a head start with flexibility and endurance. Gymnastics, sports and dance also come more naturally after asana practice.

Children should be given the opportunity to explore creative physical movement on a daily basis and kids of all ages enjoy yoga practice. Yogic exercise teaches kids how to let their mind be still for a while and through that knowledge comes happiness, peace and contentment. What could be better than that?

© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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