sandeyeYOGA OPINION: Yoga for children
September 12th 2008 15:23
I have recently read many references concerning teaching yoga to children at various online sources. I must agree that it seems a very good idea. It was during TV Yoga classes that my mother indulged in that I had my first taste of Yoga - although I did not take it seriously at that time. Perhaps, had my mother encouraged me to practice properly rather than getting angry whilst trying to ignore my intrusions to her own practice, we may both have benefited at that time.
Luckily, the seeds of interest and acceptance had been sown during my childhood, though. Hopefully, my own son will likewise consider Yoga sometime in his future. He tried it a couple of times, and has since witnessed my regular and devoted practice. I even turned our former lounge/guest room into a Yoga room! Whilst he currently sighs, shakes his head and observes 'mother doing that eastern stuff again.' perhaps in time he will learn of its many values.
The idea of offering Yoga classes to children is not entirely new. I have formerly written up a couple of interviews right here at Yogatap.com, which involve services for or including Yoga for children. I have read of many people being taught Yoga from their early days within Indian communities. The recent interest in teaching Yoga to children in the Western world can only be a good thing, in my opinion.
Perhaps, one day soon, Yoga will be an option for school classes worldwide. I would much rather have taken a Yoga class than swimming, road-running or athletics during my own schooldays! It would also have benefited me far more to have learned basic Asana, meditation and Pranayama practices, than how to jump a hurdle or throw a javelin - neither of which had any benefit whatsoever to me in my post-school life! The modern Western school social life, exam stresses and peer pressure could only benefit from yoga classes, I am certain.
Luckily, the seeds of interest and acceptance had been sown during my childhood, though. Hopefully, my own son will likewise consider Yoga sometime in his future. He tried it a couple of times, and has since witnessed my regular and devoted practice. I even turned our former lounge/guest room into a Yoga room! Whilst he currently sighs, shakes his head and observes 'mother doing that eastern stuff again.' perhaps in time he will learn of its many values.
The idea of offering Yoga classes to children is not entirely new. I have formerly written up a couple of interviews right here at Yogatap.com, which involve services for or including Yoga for children. I have read of many people being taught Yoga from their early days within Indian communities. The recent interest in teaching Yoga to children in the Western world can only be a good thing, in my opinion.
Perhaps, one day soon, Yoga will be an option for school classes worldwide. I would much rather have taken a Yoga class than swimming, road-running or athletics during my own schooldays! It would also have benefited me far more to have learned basic Asana, meditation and Pranayama practices, than how to jump a hurdle or throw a javelin - neither of which had any benefit whatsoever to me in my post-school life! The modern Western school social life, exam stresses and peer pressure could only benefit from yoga classes, I am certain.
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