YOGA ISN’T JUST FOR ADULTS
By: Hope ZvaraRYT500, CPT
In my classes with the kids my philosophy is the same as with the adults; “taking the person beyond the limitations of the mind to discover and experience the true inner self”. In addition kids learn parts of the body, self-expression, discipline, and coping mechanisms for daily stresses. I work to help build inter and intrapersonal communication skills invaluable for their entire life; creativity, a heightened focus and attention span, build strong limber bodies both inside and out. Kids yoga helps to develop relaxation and breathing techniques all the while learning to listen to the bodies wants and needs on all levels, something not much emphasized in today society. It’s so awesome to see two to six year olds after thirty to forty-five minutes of Kids yoga ask for relaxation and to see the progression of a two minute relaxation turn into a five then seven minutes of silent, blissful, restorative peace.
Liz Lark author of yoga for kids restates this beautifully, “Children are like canvas, absorbing paint and colors easily, and they will pick up, imitate and learn from all the influences they are exposed to; imbibing knowledge from their parents, teachers, surroundings and friends. They are amazing conduits of energy and positivity, and adults can gain much from observing their intrinsic natures. Yoga provides an ideal meeting place of mutual growth and understanding, allowing adults to grow alongside the children in their worlds.”
When the body is in balance with the mind and spirit, it is likely that all the excess we carry around will begin to fall away; whether it be pounds, disease, mental imbalances or the like. I had a young girl in a previous class say to her mother at home after being told there would be no Kids yoga tomorrow morning reply “Mommy, I don’t like it when there is no Kids yoga, it makes me sad”. This young girl at the time four years old, saw the rewards of the asanas (postures) and things learned in class, where she then brought them home to do with her entire family; a chance not only to create independence for the child but growth together as a family.
Yoga, a practice over 5,000 years old, one helping adults regain the youth of their physical bodies, and allowing them to let go of the mental routine and move into the spiritual bliss of their being. Yoga for kids is well, all of the above.
In today’s society where kids spend less time exercising and more time in front of the television or video games, the need for movement is essential. Kids younger than eight years old are spending on average 2.5 hours per day in front of the television or video games. Since the 1970’s the rate of overweight kids has nearly doubled. Statistics from Kids Health On-line state that 10% of 2-5 year olds are overweight and 15% of 6-19 year olds are as well. At a rate of 1:3 kids are either already overweight or on their way to being.
So what is a parent to do when their child is sometimes getting at minimum 25 minutes of exercise in gym class, sometimes as little as once a week? Not to mention way too much stationary classroom routine and to then go home and sit for 2.5 hours in addition to the eight hour school day.
Aside from the obesity rates and video games it is likely that many kids are simply caught somewhere in this crazy paced world not sure who they are, or where their place is, not knowing how to cope.
Moreover, too many children are being labeled “hyperactive” or “ADD” and then being put on synthetic drugs to only mask the problem with no lifestyle change taking place what so ever. Yoga is a way for both adults and kids to channel energy, both positive and negative; this is especially important for those labeled “hyperactive” who are simply craving sensory and motor stimulus.
Yoga is the complete art of living well, instead of acknowledging the child on merely an intellectual or physical level he or she is embraced as a whole, body, mind and spirit.
Kids enjoy coming to class because they get a chance to be who they are without restriction a chance to let go and find themselves again; whether it be asanas, games, breath techniques, relaxation, meditation or any other mind-body activity we engage in; no matter what your age, yoga is simply the discovery of the self.
At my studio I currently offer a unique blended class: Topsy-Turvy Kids Tumbloga (benefits of both Kids Yoga + Tumbling combine). Call for more information. New session starts June 21st.