Taking children on a jungle trip with yoga

The idea of introducing Yoga at a very young age helps enhance the development and growth of children right from the start! Yoga gives children a very strong base at a physical, mental and emotional level, working on their overall well being.

Children from the age of 5 or maybe even earlier can benefit from appropriate but simple exposure to Yogic Techniques. Preschool students delight in simple animal postures, breathing techniques, games like the Wheelbarrow, Nauka Sanchalanasana with the song "row, row, row your boat", or becoming tiny trees that are standing tall or swaying in the breeze (Tadasan and Triyaka Tadasan). Another favourite with them is the Journey to the Jungle, based on a story which combines different animal postures. Then we slowly introduce more structured postures and breathing techniques over time. 

What does this do for them? Stretching delights and creates joy on their innocent faces, a break from the notebooks which is much needed. Hand exercises enhance their motor skills and capability in writing. Internally, it aids the health of the Pineal Gland, which balances and delays the development of the Pituitary Gland associated with the puberty stage. This allows the child time to gain the maturity to deal with the onslaught of confusing adolescent emotions. Certain Yogic techniques can be applied with slow learners or kids who are hyper-active or attention-deficient. 

The benefits are innumerable, but what is our goal with the little ones? Joy and just joy! The trainer has to be sensitive to the child and work with wisdom. The idea is to improve the child's progress! And going forward as the child grows, and Yoga remains integrated into a student's life, it can aid frustration and stress, and fructify the inner potential within. 

Yoga is a beautiful journey.....let them start young!