Yoga for childrens

Childhood used to be the best years of our lives. Being a child used to let me get away with almost anything, Childhood is synonymous with being mischievous and naughty, bunking school lessons, homework, etc. It gives you the license to do all the innocent mistakes and have fun.

However, with the younger generation getting more and more progressive and intelligent, there is a drastic change in the outlook on childhood today. What used to be an excuse for making mistakes once upon a time is today considered to be an opportunity to excel and learn more and more things. Children are more evolved and the expectations from them are increasing.

They are expected to be the best and excel in everything they do. There is huge competition in various spheres of their activities. I have seen a lot of 7-year-olds having a more hectic schedule than us. They have a lot of extra curricular activities and there is a lot of competition spirit in them. I have seen a lot of parents getting upset because their kid didn’t get a 10/10. Teachers give a lot of homework; there are karate lessons, dance classes, sports, mental arithmetic, languages and what not…

With activities and competition increasing children are under continuous pressure and a lot of stress. Children and stress, isn’t it sad?

In such circumstances if you want your child, to be stress free and progressive, let him learn Yoga. I've seen how Yoga helps them to develop better self awareness, self-control, and flexibility. I've also seen how a child can carry these skills beyond class and into their daily routines. Yoga has also been shown to help the hyperactive and attention-deficit child. This child craves movement and sensory stimulus. Yoga helps channel these impulses in a positive way.

Yoga poses that seem to work especially well are the warrior pose and Vrikshasana (tree pose). They help attain calm, confidence and overall balance (mental and physical). The trick is to get beyond just "doing" the posture. Make them think about what the postures mean, to become like the postures -- strong and confident like a warrior and tree.

When it comes to relaxation, some children have a difficult time closing their eyes while others can't get enough. One technique that encourages relaxation is visualization. At first he may focus on belly breathing and listening to relaxing music. Then ask him to imagine that he is at the beach, playing his favorite sport, or doing some other activity that he like. At the end of the relaxation exercise, then encourage the child to share their own experiences.

I won’t be surprised if schools come up with a period on ‘yoga’. It would actually help the child to learn and develop better. It is our duty and religion to teach children the meaning of union of mind, body and spirit. There is such a wealth of knowledge we can offer our children with the practice of Yoga. The simple chanting of OM will also make a lot of difference to their lives.