We have all heard about the benefits of yoga and how it is good for us, but have you realised how truly amazing yoga is for kids and how much this can benefit their future?
We live in a crazy fast paced world filled with so many demands, not just on you but children are also effected. They go to school all day surrounded by an overload of information and pressures, perhaps play competitive sports and are engulfed in technology. There is nothing wrong with these activities, it is the amount of pressure children are put under to keep on performing the way they think they 'should'.
For example, think of a busy day for yourself. You wake up early to go to work, socialise with work peers, surrounded by technology, lots of things on your to-do list causing you pressure and stress. You then finish work and go straight to a extracurricular activity, perhaps sports or a gym. You finally arrive home and how do you feel?
You have accumulated so much of other peoples energy throughout the day, maybe you feel like having a shower to wash it all off.
Will you now take some time to help restore yourself in a healthy way after this busy day, or will you continue to put other pressures on yourself?
How will this effect you mentally?
Now let's flip it and imagine how does your child feel after a busy day?
Do they have an opportunity to unwind in a healthy way?
Without adding more stimulation to their already overstimulated mind.
This is why I believe children who practise yoga will be better prepared for the future. Through yoga we are able to provide them with ways to relax, relieve stress and anxiety, improve emotional regulation, sleep better and physically enhance their overall well-being.
We can give our children a promising future of being able to cope better with mental pressures through using the techniques of yoga and meditation. We can also limit dis-ease in their bodies by using the yoga postures to keep their energy flowing freely without becoming stagnant which can lead to aches and pains.
We cannot force someone to hear a message they are not ready to receive, but we must never underestimate the power of planting a seed.
One of the most rewarding parts I find of teaching yoga to kids is seeing their journey unfold from their first class to how they are in the last class of term. Below are 2 journeys I have been blessed to witness - one of a young boy and the other a young girl.
Student A - Boy
Student A arrived full of beans on his first day at my yoga class. He was so excited and was instantly at ease amongst his peers. During the first class I set the tone, explained some class mottos such as always being kind to one another.
Student A thoroughly enjoyed the physical side to yoga, being able to release some stored up energy whilst also having fun within the poses. Student A also thrived whilst playing the yoga games as he was able to embrace his creative side.
By the time the end of class approaches we begin to slow down and end in a relaxation. During Student A's first class he found this very difficult, as is totally expected. Lot's of wiggles, thoughts going round and round in his head which made him want to talk out loud. By providing Student A with visual mindfulness techniques throughout the term, he was able to settle a lot better and always looked forward to it.
Towards the end of the term, to my amazement Student A was now able to completely lay down on his yoga mat, no visual aids needed, closed his eyes and was able to listen to my voice taking him through a guided relaxation. Every time we concluded the class he was so excited to tell me where his imagination took him throughout the relaxation.
This was such a huge improvement for him, to go from having to sit up and be visually able to focus on something to now being able to lay down, close his eyes, quieten his mind and go on a journey of relaxation.
Student B - Girl
Student B arrived to her first class a little shy, not quite knowing what to expect and not very comfortable amongst her peers she didn't yet know. To help make her feel comfortable I told them all a story about how my yoga journey began at the age of 11 and how it helped me through my school years. I then began to go through the structure of the class so Student B and the others knew what we were going to be doing.
Student B wasn't a huge fan of the physical side of yoga but was a natural at the creative/art side plus the relaxation. As the weeks went on I noticed a breakthrough with her attitude towards the physical side of the yoga poses. Once Student B had familiarised herself within the pose her confidence began to soar.
To help increase her self-esteem, there where times throughout the class I offered her to be the teacher. Just seeing her face all lit up on the yoga mat guiding her peers through a game was one of the most satisfying moments as a yoga teacher. To go from not being 100% sure she could do things, to now knowing she has developed the courage to try anything makes my heart so full.
Not only did she grow as a person within this yoga class but her mum also beamed with pride as she told me how far she has come at school. Whenever Student B felt nervous or afraid she would always repeat one of the affirmations we use in yoga class to help her get through it.
As you can see every child will prefer one aspect of the class over another. My goal is to help children to acknowledge the side they aren't particularly fond of and help them to grow into loving all aspects of themselves.
I am forever grateful that I have been given this opportunity to bring yoga into children's lives and help give them a great mindset for their future.
Sending loving kindness,
Amy. x
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