Kevala Yoga

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Yoga as the Cure for Stress

Before reading this article, raise our shoulders up towards your ears, and release them down. Rotate your neck gently, to the back and then to the front. Breathe in through the nose and very slowly exhale through the nose, listening to the sound your breath makes in your throat. Practice this breathing throughout the article. Notice how you feel!

 

With the current states of affairs there is a lot of stress throughout the world.  

There are however, two kinds of stresses, positive stress (eustress) and negative stress (chronic stress).

 

 

 

Positive Stress 

 

When one is stressed the body responds to the ‘fight or flight ‘ syndrome by giving off a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol has positive and negative functions. Short term and positive functions include: increased rapidity when performing tasks; quick bursts of energy; heightened memory functions; increased immunity; lower sensitivity to pain.   This is also evident in sports when the mind has to think and the body has to react fast to conditions presented.

 

 

Negative Stress 

 

Cortisol, however, also has negative impacts. Too much cortisol is what causes chronic stress. Usually the body would regulate itself after this burst of energy with a relaxation response. The body goes into a ‘downtime’. We however do not allow downtime. Negative toxins, attack the body, causing strain in the hips, shoulders, upper back, neck and the head. The body’s immune defense system is lowered and compromised, and the rest of the body becomes susceptible to sickness and even dis-ease.

 

The positive / happy hormone, serotonin, slows down. Which explains one’s mood during times of stress: irritable, uncomfortable, tired and over worked!

Higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol in the blood causes: blood sugar imbalance; decreased bone density; high or spiked blood pressure; immunity lowered; impaired cognitive response, as alertness becomes secondary to the discomfort the body feels; increased abdominal fat – studies have shown that people who secrete higher levels of cortisol are more stressed, over-indulge or do not eat a balanced diet and tend to make poor eating choices.

 

 

How does one Combat Stress? 

 

 A healthy diet along with walking, running, meditation, dancing, are all popular ways to combat stress. Yoga is an important technique and recommended by many health-care specialists. Yoga was designed to loosen and stretch out joints and muscles where stress accumulates, releasing toxins through breath. Yoga practice involves breath control  (Pranayama) and meditation. The practice of yoga has been proven to improve ones sleep patterns. Proper sleep is vital to combat stress. One is also in a better mental position to deal with stress and stressful situations when well rested and calm.

 

 

Yoga Breathing 

 

The practice of pranayama or yoga breathing is important as one focuses on the breath. One breathes in Prana. This is ‘life force’ or energy. One then distributes it throughout the body.  Breathing in and out through the nose, filtering the air that enters and releasing the stale air which has accumulated in the lungs is fundamental. Internal response is required for this act as one is taken in to listen to the flow of the breath. Immediately the nervous system is calmed, focusing the mind on the breath.

 

Breathing in through the nose on a rise and practice a sinking, releasing breath on a decline when doing asanas helps create rhythm.  This allows for a fluid response to pranayama and also links the asanas.

 

 

Yoga asanas 

 

Slow, deep inhalations are necessary to relax into the  . This also allows the body to warm up and maintain the heat, thus making the muscles supple enough to stretch further, which in turn, releases all the built up stress. Yoga asanas are best done when one moves through them with the breath. One then links the breath to the body, uniting. This is the goal of Yoga, to unite, or ‘yoke’ the breath, the body and the soul.

 

The asanas are designed to open, stretch and flex all muscles in the body. With regular practice one is able to sink into the poses with less resistance. The body maintains its muscle memory. The Yoga practitioner is able to go further into the pose, constantly taking each to the next level.

 

After a prolonged relationship with yoga, one’s body feels the need to stretch itself out regularly. One is also healthier, calmer, and able to rest and release stress and also focus the mind. The breath is the water in the flow of asanas. The practice becomes a preventative cure.

 

 

 

Rest / Savasana  

 

 

     ’The stresses of modern civilization are a strain on the nerves for which Savasana is the best antidote.’

                                             (Light on Yoga, B.K.S Iyengar)     

                                                                                                               

 

 

Yoga practice ends with a final relaxation (Corpse Pose) or Savasana. This is important to release the mind and the body totally. One has worked considerably throughout the practice, it then becomes time to release and relax. In ancient times, monks to ease all kinks from their limbs practiced yoga; this would prepare them to sit in meditation for hours. When practicing the final rest at the end of a workout, try to maintain consciousness. It is very easy to slip into a deep sleep when doing this asana. Maintain your breath awareness. The savasana is practiced to truly release stress. One listens to the breath whilst focusing on particular body parts which are stressed. Visualize the stress fading into the ground, like mercury dropping out of the body. Do not practice this pose under bright lights. Final rest is to be done for about 10 to 15 minutes after a workout. It has been said that this pose can be the most difficult, as it is so easy to loose consciousness. When one arises from Savasana one is focused, refreshed and ready to take on tasks.

 

 

 

Meditation 

 

There are various ways to meditate. The Dalai Lama once said that the easiest way to meditate was on nature. The beauty of a flower, for example or the simplicity of the fight of a butterfly shows us how amazing yet fragile our lives are. The idea however, is to be quiet within.  The focus on the breath with its inhalation, exhalation and also its restraint creates a rhythm with nature. One can come into a lotus pose, or a simple crossed legged position, close the eyes and take the attention inward, breathing slowly.

 

 Meditation can be done about 10 to 15 minutes after asana practice. This is the time when the body is stilled and the heart is beating calmly and rhythmically. The mind is able to focus.

 

 

Yoga asanas energizes and calms the body and the mind. In the West, the practice has been used primarily as a workout routine to tone and flex the body. It is however becoming more popular as a practice, which calms the nervous system and brings about a sense of peace and well – being. The practice of yoga requires breath control, which is important in the control of one’s emotions.  Yoga also teaches us about our connectedness to the universe and life around us. The simplicity of all things and too its beauty is important in the practice of meditation.

 

 

Yoga asanas detoxify the body of all stress causing toxins and hormones, which inhibit the back, legs, shoulders and hips. Stress accumulates is dangerous to the body. If this stress does not get released it could cause sickness, dis – ease, headaches, heartaches and constant ill health. Time has to be taken to focus the mind and release built up stress. Yoga helps with optimizing the body’s potential for growth and development. However, one has to take care of the body and mind in order to reap its full benefits. A healthy diet along with Yoga, which practices pranayama, meditation and physical asanas, is an ideal practice.

 

 

    

As a well cut diamond has many facets, each reflecting a different color of light, so does the word yoga, each facet reflecting a different shade of meaning and revealing different aspects of the entire range of human endeavor to win inner peace and happiness.’

                                                   (Light  on Yoga, B.K.S Iyengar)

 

 

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Yoga Breathing – Pranayama

 
 
Yoga breathing is the basic and fundamental practice of yoga.  Breath moves one through yoga poses with focus. Breath helps maintain a quiet peace within oneself and allows each individual engaging in Yoga or any routine, to check in internally. Yoga breathing takes practice, however, once mastered it will serve as a great gift to oneself. The ability to control breath and thus  emotion, thoughts and energy  will set any follower on the path to enlightenment. 
 
 
 
What is Pranayama?
 
In Sanskrit pranayama means ‘the rhythmic control of breath’. It is thus the control of breath through restraint and observation.  When broken up ‘Prana’ means life force or vital energy, ‘-ayama’ is to suspend or restrain. 
 
Many nominate food as the provider of our energy. This is true to a degree. We need the right kind of food to sustain positive energy throughout our day, however, ideas and thoughts also grant us a large amount of energy. If you have a good idea you are able to work all night to achieve its outcome, whilst driven by the idea.
According to Yogi’s,  the third energy source, is breath. Breath, life and energy are rooted together and called  ‘prana.’ Yoga breathing is prana which gives energy to life.
 
 

Pranayama exercises expand consciousness, increases vitality and mental focus.When we shift consciousness of our breathing, we shift the activity to the cerebral cortex, a more evolved part of the brain. Studies done on pranayama exercises, have shown through brain wave activity, that breath control and awareness have physiological, psychological and spiritual effects. Deep conscious breathing whilst expanding the lungs impacts health and cellular processes enormously. This is where we get the ‘feel happy’ mood.
    
 Breath is the bridge to the nervous system. When we control and monitor our breathing, we are able to relax the mind and promote steady thinking. According the Hatha Yoga Pradipika “by restraining respiration (pranayama) the yogi attains steadiness of mind.”
      
 
What is Meditation?
 
Meditation is a practice done to quiet the mind and allow a single focus through breath control. It is not the expulsion of thoughts, it is rather the taming of all stimuli and thought processes and bringing the mind to a single focus.
 
The practice involves breathing and focusing on the breath. This  activity allows all external forces to melt away and thus to clear the mind. When one comes out of the meditative state, one feels rejuvenated and focused.
Meditation does not teach you to avoid all thoughts or pain but rather to observe them objectively and move through the pain with renewed energy. Meditation is also a practice. It seems restricting when first practiced, however, with regular sessions, meditation feels as fresh as a glass of water for the mind.
 
Stress, fear, pain and anxiety cause the body to slow down whilst depleting energy. Meditation helps to relax the mind and body, relieving it of stress and thus renewing focus and clarity.
 
The physiological benefits of meditation are great. Meditation lowers blood pressure. High blood pressure is triggered in part by brain wave activity. Stress related conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, asthma, insomnia are relieved whilst also reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
 
Meditation comes from the Latin word ‘meditor’, meaning healing. ‘Meditor’ comes from the Sanskrit ‘mad-ha’ which means wisdom.
 
Many beginners to yoga are intimidated by the practice of yoga as they assume that one needs to mediate for extended periods of time.
 
 Meditation is usually practiced after the asanas. In ancient days Buddhists would practice yoga asanas to relax the body and relieve any aches and kinks. This prepared the Buddhist to sit for hours on end meditating.  In classes today, however, many would practice yoga / pranayama breathing through savasana at the end of practice. One should ideally begin practicing breathing at least 10 minutes a day. Pranayama and meditation practice are vital for relieving stress and discomfort. It is a great practice for pregnant women, children and the elderly. The younger yogi also benefits greatly from regular quiet time.
 
Lets breathe
 
Deeper meditative practice could be described, however for the purpose of this article we are going to be concentrating on the basic, fundamental pranayama, or  yoga breathing exercise. 
 
Come to a corpse pose (laying down on ones back)
 
First tense then relax each part of the body.
Start by tensing the feet and legs. Start by raising the left leg, flexing the foot. Bend the leg down, and lay flat with toes pointing out. Now repeat this with the right leg. Lifting the leg, tensing and flexing the right foot. Bend the leg down and lay the leg flat relaxing the foot out.
Tense each part of the body, all the muscles. Pulling in the buttocks, then releasing. Flexing the abdomen then releasing. Moving up through the arms. the neck and then finally the head.
Knowing how tension feels then relaxing. The mind will then use ‘autosuggestion’ to send messages to the body to relax.
 
Close your eyes and listen to your breath move its way from the core all the way to the chest and out. It washes over you like a wave from the ocean. Listen to the waves moving. 
 
 Breathe in and out through the nose.
Put your hands on your belly to feel the breath rising and falling. Try to extend the length of the breath. Listen to the breath. Do not strain.
 
Listen to the rhythm of your breath and allow it to travel through out your body. Let the breath come into your body, let the breath travel to your feet, your legs, your pelvic area, your belly, your heart.
Feel the breath moving and releasing. Feel each part of your body melting into the ground deeper and deeper. Your legs are as heavy as trees. Let them sink into the earth. Feel your body sinking deeper.
All your tension is melting away, leaving your body. Tension crawls off you into the ground. You are completely relaxed.
 
Namaste and Blessings
 
 
 

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Yoga for Pregnancy

Yoga for pregnancy is truly wonderful.  Yoga calms, relaxes and focuses the mind, it is a wonderful tool to use during your pregnancy to help truly appreciate and enjoy this blessing! With the approval of your health care provider, a yoga practice together with a light cardio routine, like walking, is a prefect workout not only for mom but also for the unborn baby. A happy calm momma makes a happy baby. Your baby will feel how your body moves. Many women have said that their babies move more during a yoga practice. Yoga also improves circulation, balances and tones ones muscles. Those who practice yoga are able to return into their pre-baby body faster. Yoga keeps you happy and calm and in a better mindset to deal with all the hormonal changes that comes with pregnancy and having a baby. You feel well adjusted and calmer, knowing that the love that you now feel for your child is pure and boundless. Your body feels good, you are well rested, in part, due to your yoga routines and most importantly, your baby is happy!
 
If you are taking a yoga class make sure your instructor knows that you are pregnant. Alternatively take a prenatal yoga class. 
Taking a class is great for socializing. Being  apart of a group of mothers who are experiencing the same joy creates lasting friendships and future play-dates! 
 
Yoga focuses on breathing. Ujjayi or ‘ocean breathing’  is great to practice during pregnancy because its focus is to relax. Sit in crossed legged or lotus pose, comfortably. One could also put a pillow underneath ones buttocks, this could cause less strain on the lower back or alternatively sit against  a wall, helping you prop up higher.  Slowly breath in through the nose, feeling the breath move from your core, opening the chest and lifting. Try slowly counting to five whilst breathing in ..1..2..3..4..5.. lifting your chest as you breathe pulling in all the air. Breathe out through the nose, slowly, counting to 5, contracting the stomach, making the ocean sound in the back of your throat. Repeat this process, relaxing, focusing, warming up the the body. The baby loves your breathing. You feel relaxed and happy. This is the mood you want to create. Practice this breathing when laying down, watching television, walking. This brings your focus into your body and helps you listen to what your body needs. Smile whilst breathing. Thankful!
 
The key to all, or any yoga poses that you practice during pregnancy is to pay attention to your body. Whether you feel discomfort, excessive heat, anxiety, restlessness, pain, dizziness, nausea, hunger or even thirst. Come into a seated pose, breath in deeply and exhale and listen from here. Once you are able to calm your body and focus you can then readjust or modify, or even stop. This is a special time for you to be totally in tune with what is going on inside. You are making a baby for goodness sakes! The parts are being put together inside your body. Your body is already working so hard. Respect it. 
 
Remember also to keep yourself well hydrated before, during and after your yoga practice. Dehydration leads to dizziness and nausea. It is imperative that your drink as much water as possible. You expel water when you sweat, and according to Peg Plumbo CNM, pregnant women have increased water loss through their lungs. By seven months, the blood volume doubles itself and the amniotic fluid replenishes itself about a cup of water an hour. Your kidney’s physiology also changes and thus the filtration of water through the kidney increases. So keep drinking water! Women have also had preterm labor from dehydration. You have to build up your resources and keep comfortable and cool.
 
 
Simple Yoga Poses For Pregnancy

 If when in the First Trimester, you are currently in a Yoga routine or class, keep doing it. Bringing your news to your instructors attention. She is the expert in her field and will then lead you the correct, most comfortable way. Alternatively seek a prenatal or pregnancy yoga class.

Here are some simple positions to practice when pregnant.
 
Cobbler Pose
 
    Sit up straight or against a wall. Sit up on a pillow if this is more comfortable. Try to remove the flesh from under your buttocks (a common request during a class)
    Bring your feet in, soles touching, as if you are a butterfly. Flap your wings, knees. Put gentle pressure on your knees to open your hips. Remembering to breathe.
 
Cat / Cow pose
 
    Come onto your knees and hands.  If this is uncomfortable, fold your mat double so that your knees and wrists are cushioned. Your knees are directly underneath your hips, hip distance apart. Your hands are starfished open, with the creases of your wrists forward. Your hands are placed underneath your shoulders, shoulder distance apart. You are aligned, thus no injury. Breathing in, raising the head, arcing the back down, tailbone up, breathing out, head slowly goes down, back arches up into cat pose repeating, slowly, mindfully. Breathing in slowly, head up, chest down, tailbone up, holding and then breathing out as you drop the head slowly and arching the back up and tailbone in and down, with caution. Repeat. 
 
This position helps relieve back pain. As the center of gravity changes, your back will start to ache from the weight. This position relieves pressure from your feet. This pose  helps to comfort the excess weight you will be experiencing along the vaginal wall as the baby gets heavier, in the third trimester.
 
Squatting
 
    Do this pose against a wall if you are not familiar with squatting.  Relax your shoulders, bending your knees, remembering to breathe. Now lower your tailbone towards the floor, as you’re sitting down on an imaginary chair. Inhale lifting up to standing.
Squatting engages the glutes. You are also opening your pelvic wall. These are both essential to childbirth.  
 
Warrior I
 
 Open, widen your stance on your mat wide. Point your front right toe towards the front top corner of your mat. Your back foot should be perpendicular to the front, with the left big toe in alignment with the right heel. Open your hips towards the front of the mat. Feeling the sensation of your hips opening. Breathe in to this and enjoy. Bend the right knee to a 90 degree angle, directly over the right ankle. You do not want the knee in front of the ankle as this will create injury in both your ankle and knee creating excessive strain on the ankle. Open your arms wide, creating dynamic tension, feeling your fingers pull out towards either side. Relax your shoulders down your back.  Breathing constantly, appreciating. Look out towards both fingers. Do not stay in this position for too long, you do not want to get overheated, remembering always to breathe and check in with your body. To get out of this position, gently bend the  left knee and step the feet closer together, feeling the blood flow through your thighs.  Repeat this position with the left knee bent. Opening up the hips and pelvic area, breathing in and out slowly through the nose.
 
Tree Pose
 
Come to a standing tall mountain pose. With the arms resting at your sides. Shoulders are relaxed and down your back, your legs are not flexed in any way, instead they are comfortable. Inhale through your nose raising your hands up towards the sky, fingers touching, breathing out, coming down into namaste. Breathe in, hands lifting up, smiling, fingers touching and then down again into namaste, whilst breathing out. Turn your right toes out slightly. Bring your left heel up, resting on the right ankle, or the right shin, or alternatively, if comfortable, against the right thigh. Do not push into the thigh. Keep your hips neutral. Inhaling, raising your hands up towards the heavens, thankfully. You may keep your hands here or clasp your fingers together, index fingers pointing up. Your shoulders are relaxed down your back, your focus is taken up and you are comfortable. Breathing slowly, listening to your breath, bringing close attention to how you feel. Smile! Your family tree is growing! You are lifting up out of your ribs opening, giving your baby room to play. Do not stay in this for too long. Gently put your left foot down onto the ground. Arms down as you breathe out. Walking out your legs, letting the blood circulate through your legs. Repeat this position with the right heal up. Remember always to breath and focus.
 
The warriors and tree pose all add to balance and focus. They strengthen the joints and engage and open the hips. This is important for childbirth. Drink water during your practice. Take breaks often. Do not get overheated. If you feel nauseous, dizzy, disorientated stop, slow down. Constantly speak with your OBGYN or health care provider letting them know how you are feeling.
 
 
Bridge Pose
 
    This pose is safest to do in the first trimester. It massages and stretches the colon and the abdominal organs, thus improving digestion. It also massage the female reproductive organs. One should not do this pose in advanced stages of pregnancy.
Come onto your back lifting your knees off the ground. Put the heels of feet close to your buttocks. Very gently with an inhalation, breathe the pelvic bone up towards the ceiling. Advanced pose would come onto the shoulders, pulling the arms underneath the bridge.  Hold this pose for a breath and exhale the bridge down, slowly, with intent, massaging the back vertebrae. Spread your legs out and hold for a breath, bringing circulation back into the lower back. Repeat this pose , pulling in the feet, and then lifting up the torso, slowly. Breathing.  
 
Spinal Bending pose
 
    Lay down on your right side. Legs straight down the side and right arm underneath, cushioning your head. Breathing in, lift your left arm up and grab the left big toe with your  index and middle finger. Breathing in, pulling the left leg up gently straightening the knee. If the knee remains bent, this is fine. One could also hold on to the heel, or shin if this is more comfortable. Try to bring the left leg in towards your body, on an inhalation, and release on the exhalation.  Repeat this pose on the other side, breathing constantly.
This pose stretches out the hamstrings. It stretches the abdominal muscles on the sides of the body, rendering them stronger and flexible. Pressure is also relieved from the feet. Constantly massage the hamstrings and calves. If possible rotate the ankles, bringing circulation.
 
Remember always to rub your belly. Talk to your baby. Massage oil is great for creating elasticity and keeping your belly well lubricated. You want to get a lotion that has Collagen, Elasten and Vitamin E included. Palmer’s Coco Butter Formula for Stretch Marks truly works if you apply it both at night and in the morning after your shower. I would also recommend, mixing the coco butter with a Mother’s Special Blend Skin Toning Oil. Bio-Oil is another great oil which will help with Pregnant bellies! Start rubbing your oil early on in your pregnancy, religiously. The baby loves the touch too!
 
Much Happiness and Blessings to you and your Baby!

 

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Runner’s Yoga, not just for Runners, for Everyone!

A yoga session that is 30 minutes and promises to keep you fit and conditioned?  This session was apparently developed for athletes, professional snowboarders (The Canadian Snowboard team to be exact), marathoners and martial artists. It is a perfect compliment to any workout routine.
 
I am intrigued. Basic Yoga sessions range from 40 to 90minutes long. Session structures vary. My own session consists of sun salutations, followed by warriors and then floor yoga. This has become my regular  routine and it has worked for me.  I do not do this everyday, however,  I have been blessed enough to have the available time at least 4 times a week. I am not a professional athlete either, nor  am I trying to loose weight. I do it because it makes me feel good and I just love the practice of yoga! I would like my practice refined to 30 minutes and able to do it all, mind, body and spirit!
 
 I am really impressed by what I understand of this program. I have asked a girlfriend to start a yoga practice. She has been trying to loose weight and has a real good system which consists of a low carb, high protein diet and a 2 mile walk, which she does every evening. She has managed to loose a considerable amount of weight. I am so proud of her. However, she suffers from headaches and is always stressed! I have asked her on numerous occasions if she stretches and does a Yoga routine? Her response is that she does not have the time! Understandably, my girlfriend has children and runs a daycare from  her home!
 
 Runner’s Yoga  is ideally for people like my girlfriend. People who are serious about their workout but do not have the time to do yoga. It is also for the beginner or the experienced Yogi. The benefits of Yoga in a workout routine could be easily implemented.
 
Runner’s Yoga stretches, balances, aligns and strengthens the whole body. It helps heal injuries, improves ones range of motion, focus and athletic performance. Thus professional athletes add it to their regimen.  One is calmer, stronger and more confident. Happier, because that is what Yoga does. It makes you happy!
 
So where does this programme come from?
Van Clayton Powell, a registered Psychiatric Nurse who has spent years in Asia doing martial arts, yoga, meditation and Ayurveda, has developed this system. He is also the founder of Mind, Body, Fitness INC. He is a respected member in yoga circles. I am impressed. Powell decided to present his routine in a comprehensive set of  step-by-step, second-by-second, breath-by-breath audio visual modules. This routine is for both the beginner and the experienced Yogi!
 
So why not try it out?
 
See if it is worth the hype?
 
Powell uses core breathing. This instantly calms and warms the body.  This technique is used my martial artists and monks. It improves lung function and lowers stress levels and improves focus.
 
He does not use video. Powell is against the idea of having practice done whilst guided by a video. He believes that watching a screen takes away from the focus of the instruction, or the pose. Thus he uses audio and beat and walks you through with each breath. I like the sound of this. I like that one is in the moment listening to the practice, step by step, being guided through. 
 
This is a proprietary yoga routine that can be done anywhere.   Runner’s Yoga will help you loose weight, calm your mind, condition your body , and it is completely accessible. It is a short workout, done everyday and it has a downloadable course. Yes, you can have it now! No waiting!
 
Yoga is truly for everyone.
 

He is so sure that you will love this program, that he gives you 6 free lessons to try it out, at no cost!                                     

You are able to do Yoga anywhere, effectively!

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Yoga for Children

Have you played with young children and watched them get into a perfect downward facing dog and then straight down into a beautiful cobra pose, without a second thought? It is fascinating to watch. Kids are truly natural yogis and yoginis and have been since birth. However, as they grow up, they forget.  So did we!

 

Studies have been done showing that Yoga is a complete approach to ones holistic health. It practices breathing, exercise (at one’s own pace and ability), meditation and relaxation techniques.  A natural approach to health and dietary issues is also practiced.

 

Yoga for children is all that and more! Yoga is a positive, nurturing lifestyle and the sooner we as parents and teachers remind them and expose them to the multiplicity of benefits, the better they would feel about themselves in society. It is a preventative cure!

 

Children are under a lot of stress and demands from school, peers and family. Children are bombarded with homework and assignments.  They need ways to deal with their stress in a positive manner.  Yoga for children is that tool. Yoga helps with focus and relaxation.

Many schools have taken out physical education to cut back on school budgets. This is indeed sad, however, we as parents are able to help and replace that much needed physical attention into our children’s lives. This is a great family activity and also a way for our children to de-stress from daily demands. Instructional children’s yoga DVDS and books can be used at home during free time.

 

 Children have pressures that we did not have when we were their age. There is pressure of weight control.  Yoga will teach our children to be body and health conscious without starving them of having to torture their own self-esteem.

 There are poses in yoga, like the warrior series, which help children with their confidence.  It lets them be the happy warriors of their own lives. Cutting down on anger, pressure, judgment and fear! The tree pose is another great pose for the fast growing bodies. It teaches self-control, relaxation and coordination.

 Hyperactive behaviors have been proven to slow down and visualize. Visualizing scenarios is an introduction to meditation. Let the child breath in and out feeling his or her belly rise and fall, listening to the sounds of nature or alternatively soothing music.

 

I have personally played with the bridge pose with children. This is a great partnering pose. Thus encouraging group activity. Yoga is playful and full of fun, for parents too.

 

Yoga practiced outside is another wonderful way to encourage children to be aware of nature and the music that life brings to each. We are all in union with the world and when children learn this from a young age they have the ability to show compassion to all!

 

Children are pure and perfect. Kevala! Children who practice yoga are pure and perfect in union with our world!

 

If a kid’s yoga class is not available in your area, there are a wide selection of instructional children’s yoga DVDs and books available!

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