Yesterday I held my once a month yoga class for children.  It always brings me so much joy seeing mini yogi’s working to master some poses.  I truly believe that yoga is great for every one of all ages, sizes, or backgrounds.  It is about exploring and learning about yourself and feeling comfortable in your body. 

Children are no different from adults and can learn so much from yoga.  Here are some benefits from children receive from practicing yoga.

•    Yoga is able to teach us about our bodies in a very unique and great way.  When exercising it is easy to learn how to move freely with ease and awareness of our bodies.  Learning about our body is good for kids and adults of all ages.
•    One huge aspect of yoga is breathing and learning to relax, children can benefit immensely from this.  Learning how to breathe and relax at a young age helps children in the long run.  We bring peacefulness and energy to our bodies from breathing.
•    Yoga teaches how to quite the mind and be still.  Learning this skill as a child can lead to making better decisions and staying focused.  In stressful times, quieting the mind is essential in relaxation and decision making.
•    Leaning that we are the boss of our own bodies provides us with the power to know what our bodies can and can’t handle.  In yoga we listen to our bodies and modify or change poses to better suit specific body needs.
•    The most important thing children of all ages can learn from yoga is to take care of our bodies, minds, and spirits.  The physicality of yoga promotes a healthy lifestyle that can stay with children throughout their lives.

Besides all the wonderful things these children are getting out of the yoga class, they have taught me things I would not have learned without their help.  The little things really mean the most, and being with them allows me to realize that on a deeper level.  Children do what feels right for them without judgment. 

Here are some simple life lessons I am so grateful I learned from kids in yoga.

•    It is okay to color outside of lines- meaning to be yourself and not fitting the mold
•    Laugh out loud
•    Ask as many questions as you need to learn
•    Anything is possible, dream big
•    Live in the moment
•    Sharing is caring
•    Sing and hold hands
•    Show affection when you love something
•    Make time for “play time”
•    And smile, it makes others happy

Whenever I get the chance to work with children I look at it as instilling values that can carry with them forever.  I like hearing from the kids that they like to do yoga with their friends at recess or that they do it alone when they get mad.  Yoga has the power to guide young souls in the right direction of the world.

Namaste.



Anita