simplyoga

What is Yoga?

The word "yoga" means "union."  Developed in India over 5,000 years ago, yoga is an ancient science that teaches the importance of allowing the mind, body, and spirit to unite and work in harmony for the creation of a more balanced, responsible human being.  It is a system of health combining vast numbers of exercises or poses that build strength, flexibility, balance, and concentration.  Yoga is becoming more and more popular in the United States as people learn the benefits of this ancient healing art.

Why should children practice Yoga?

Practicing yoga builds a strong foundation for children to grow from in order to become self-assured, clear thinking, fit and responsible people in the world.  The poses strengthen and stretch the body, build coordination and skill, stimulate the nerves and glands, and tone internal organs.  Yoga teaches flexibility of the mind, body, and spirit which fosters positive thinking and a motivation to learn and experience new things.  The balance poses enhance concentration skills, which require focus and clarity of the mind.  These mental skills enable children to learn more easily both in school and outside of school.  Yoga poses develop strength, flexibility and coordination skills that help prevent injury during sports or other physical activities.  Regular yoga practice helps children learn to giggle more and stress less which keeps the spirit bright and healthy! 

Guidelines for Practicing

Yoga:

*  Try not to eat anything at least 1 hour before practice.

*  Keep your feet bare to prevent slipping.

*  Move slowly and concentrate as you go in and out of every pose to prevent injury.

*  Have fun... it's simplyoga!

Resources: 

Fly Like a Butterfly

Shakta Kaur Khalsa

Storytime Yoga

Sydney Solis

Chidren's Book of Yoga

Thia Luby

The Kids' Yoga Deck

Annie Buckley

Coloring Mandalas

Susanne F. Fincher

Angel Bear Yoga Adventure Stories

Christi Eley

Light on Yoga

B.K.S. Iyengar

Anusara Yoga Teacher Training Manual

John Friend

The Power of Now and Stillness Speaks

Eckhart Tolle

A Path With Heart

Jack Kornfield

You Can Heal Your Life

Louise Hay

"Butterfly Pose"

"Upward Plank"

"Yoga makes me feel relaxed.  My favorite part of yoga is the games because they make me feel happy.  I think other kids would like to play games like "Yogini Says."

-- Graham, Age 11

(pictured above practicing "Pose of Dancer")

"Yoga makes me feel energized.  Yoga makes me feel like that even more when I stretch and balance.  The poses make me limber and strong.  I think other kids would like to practice yoga because it strengthens them."

Hyla, Age 9

"Yoga makes me feel relaxed.  Yoga is fun.  Other people should try yoga.  It will calm them down."

Zoe, Age 8

"Yoga makes me feel good.  My favorite poses are the games so I can balance and be strong."

Leah, Age 6

"Yoga makes me feel good.  My favorite thing is stretching.  I think other people will feel good."

Reagan, Age 7