Yoga, the ancient practice of fusing the body and mind, is not just for adults. Practicing yoga can be fun and beneficial for children. The rage of yoga for kids is spreading rapidly throughout the country. Not only are yoga centers adding children’s classes, but schools are including yoga in their after-hour programs and in their physical education curriculum.
In our busy world, children ages two and up are discovering the power of yoga as a way to ease stress and manage their health. Through yoga, kids can focus their vision inward to discover their potential power and beauty, while exercising their growing muscles and building flexibility, strength and stamina.
However, a typical yoga class for kids is very different from traditional adult classes. Since children are active and playful souls, their yoga is, too. Whereas adults are specific, solemn and meditative during their yoga practice, children are noisy, spontaneous, animated and refreshingly non-dogmatic. Adults work at yoga; kids play yoga!
During yoga, children pretend, move, talk and make noises to transform themselves into animals, trees, insects and other self-defined creatures. Each learns about and takes on the role of another being while assuming its persona completely. They do the Cobra Pose as they slither and hiss like snakes. They do Downward Facing Dog Pose as they bark and walk like dogs. They do Tree Pose as they stand tall with branches like trees. Unlike the traditional props that adults use — like blocks, pillows, straps and bolsters — children use puppets, masks, animal figurines, Beanie Babies® and picture books. These props help to educate children about animals, nature, the world they live in, anatomy, and ecology while making their yoga fun.
When children play yoga, they develop strong and limber bodies as well as inner strength based on empowerment and confidence. Children also broaden their imaginations and creativity, while learning about their own bodies and energies. They improve their focus and attention, which carries over to successful academics. In mimicking the movements and sounds of animals and nature, children learn the true meaning of yoga: union, expression and respect for oneself. In essence, a child who practices yoga develops a stronger body, mind, spirit and overall well-being, and best part is the enjoyment derived from practicing yoga.
As the demand for children’s yoga grows, books and videos are more available than ever before. There are recognized teacher-training programs that certify adults to teach yoga to kids. As well, yoga studios designed solely for children are emerging. And the best part is the enjoyment kids get from practicing yoga.
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