The philosophy of yoga is known for thousands of years. In yoga, the goal when we exercise is to free our body, emotions and mind from tensions.
The children exercise joyfully in yoga, because it’s in their nature to discover new ways of expression through their body. Even in the infant age of 4 years old they can do yoga. It plays an important role in the correct development of children, while it can help specially children who face learning problems, sleep and speech disturbances or have to face asthma and hideous.
Particularly Hatha yoga, which derives from the observation of nature, plants and animals, one can easily find names that excite our fantasy, such as lion, mountain, tree, turtle, sun…So the week child for ex. identifies his/herself to that and feels strong like a lion, the insecure child to a big mountain and the one that faces learning problems gains self-esteem through experiences.
What yoga can do for children in the first place is to enhance flexibility and coordination, ensure better self-control and increase body awareness. Breathing exercises then help children and teens to stay centered and remain calm during difficult situations that affect them during the day. There is also a therapeutic dimension in yoga for kids, as great improvement has been seen in the behavior of children suffering from hyperactivity or attention-deficit disorder.
Through yoga practice, the body energies can be channeled in a positive way, so that children develop confidence, balance and calm. Lots of yoga teachers specialized in working with children and teens, emphasize the importance of showing their students how to go beyond the postures as such. Visualization and relaxation are used as supportive strategies in yoga for kid’s sessions, and results seem to be really great.
One other positive aspect worth mentioning is the chance yoga gives to children and teens to face life’s challenges with a little more ease. The sense of inner fulfillment and contentment can be more easily achieved when you learn to grow both inside and outside from an early age. Instead of opposition and negative attitudes, yoga for kids opens the door to compassion and cooperation. Yoga also becomes a great way to better connect with the natural world around.
