Have you and your family practised yoga today?

Have you practised yoga today? This means have you practised yoga breathing ( pranayama) postures (asanas), relaxation and meditation? If you went to a gym yoga class you may have touched on the body and mind component of yoga, however you may also have only practised the 'fitness' body component of yoga. Which is a good start and is in no way not still yoga. However a different path is available. When children start yoga, just a few asanas a day is enough along with simple breathing and relaxation techniques.  It is important to practise yoga asanas regularly and if possible, daily. To keep attention for children practise learnt ones from day before then gradually add to them daily.  Then start all over again.  Using stories to practise yoga is a great start and as children progress they will make up their own stories based on favourite asanas and then own sequences based on favourite asanas as they get older, say; 9,10yrs of age. 

They will learn that breathing techniques and relaxation, mindfulness and simple meditations can be part of their whole day, not only during their practise. This will help them to cope with everyday ups and downs on a more calm and aware way.  It doesn't mean they cannot experience a whole range of emotions, it just means they will have better control and understanding of how our body reacts during times when our emotions are aroused. They can then make an appropriate chose of how to react. Asanas for children ( and adults) should never be forced, but done slowly with patience in progress and without force. Forcing our bodies can cause injury.  This will set us back on our wellness path.  Focus on what toucan do and feel good about your own practise. Encourage everyone to focus on themselves. Be like a toddler and focus on yourself without concern with what others can do on the mat that you may not be able to achieve as yet.  You will notice what parts of you are tense and what are relaxed and learn to work on these areas of tension during your day and your practise. Use props as you get older and maybe less flexible to help in reducing tension in certain areas of your body eg. Neck, lower back. Just learning to 'be' is an important aspect of yoga and is all part of the new focus for the early years for children. For example; in the ' being' part of the early years learning framework.  Not rushing, just learning to be happy with who you are and where you and others have come from without judgement.