simplyoga

          Of course they are!  This ancient practice is not just for adults.  Walk into any kids’ yoga class and a smile will come from within and plant itself right across your face no matter what kind of day you’ve had.  Children are such natural little yogis; their world is filled with the present moment and a sense of awe.   It’s very easy and natural for them to open their hearts and surrender to the practice. 

          Teaching yoga to children starting at a young age encourages them to stay connected to an inner light as their worlds get busier and more filled with life’s pressures.  Yoga is another tool for them to use throughout their lives for health, relaxation, exercise, and stress relief.   Children’s flexibility, strength, coordination and body awareness are all enhanced through practice of the physical poses (asanas), and mentally, their focus, attention span, and calmness increases.  When practiced in a group setting, such as a kids’ yoga class, children have the opportunity to connect with others in a non-competitive environment that fosters cooperation and compassion. 

          If you are interested in practicing yoga with your children, start by keeping out your yoga mat and just doing your normal practice in the same room as them.  Eventually, they will be curious enough to toddle over and ask what it’s all about.  When sharing poses with them, try to be playful and encourage them to act out the sounds of the cow or cat as you show them the pose.  During meditation, invite them to sit quietly and see how long they can be still.  This will be difficult at first, but just like adults… with practice, it becomes natural.  Children love to ring a bell or chime to begin/end their “still” time.   When relaxing in savasana, ask your children how it feels to practice yoga and share with them what practicing yoga does for you.  Marsha Wenig of Yoga Kids says, “Guide your children while simultaneously opening your heart and letting them guide you. They’ll no doubt invite you into a boundless world of wonder and exploration.”

Namaste’

Marnie Krajicek

 Srinidhi and Aditya practicing

"Downward Facing and Upward Facing Dog"

Graham and Aditya practing "Double Dog"

"Yoga is fun and it makes me feel energized.  Yoga is good.  My favorite part is playing games because it is hard and I like hard things.  I think other kids should do yoga because it is good for them and can make them thoughtful." 

  -- Aditya, Age 6

Srinidhi practicing "Plank Pose"

"Yoga is a challenging and fun past time.  I think yoga is awesome!  My favorite pose is the "Pretzel" because of it's twists and turns.  I think kids should practice yoga because they will soon feel calm. 

-- Srinidhi, Age 9

 Michael practicing "Triangle Pose"

"I really like yoga.  Yoga makes me feel good.  My favorite pose is Tree Pose.  Others should do yoga so they can get strong."

-- Michael, Age 5

"Yoga makes me feel awesome!  My favorite day of yoga is game day."

--Giancarlo, Age 6