All kids can benefit from yoga, whether they are naturally athletic or decidedly not. For kids who do a lot of sports, yoga provides tools for noticing balance in our bodies. For example, over years of doing specific activities, people may find that they are strong in their arms but not their legs, or have strong quadriceps, and weaker inner thighs and hamstrings. Imbalances show up eventually as pain, or sometimes, accidents. How many times have you heard some say: “It was only a little fall, and now my knee (ankle/shoulder/wrist/neck) hurts!”
It is never too late to start yoga (so kids, get your grandparents to come with you!) The benefits are immediate, instantaneous: wherever you are is a perfect place to begin. Children under age 12 are taught yoga for fun, as a way to express joy in movement. Tension is naturally released as the body feels free. After 12, the children can learn sequencing of postures, and be instructed in breath control and meditation.
Yoga helps us to prevent injury by giving us a checklist with each the posture, or asana. As we work through different ones, we notice that we like some, and don’t like others; some we’re good at, others not. If you dislike sitting still, breathing in and out quietly, with a relaxed smile on your face, chances are that this is the very posture you should practice every day. Many people say they don’t like back bending postures because they are afraid of injury. Instead of avoiding backbends, we can work on strengthening and empowering our backs with supportive core and leg strength. We can practice postures that open up our chests so that more breath can circulate in and around our hearts and lungs. One day, we may find that we want to throw our heads back, lift our arms to the sky, and let out a big yell: we are doing a backbend and loving it!
The real gift of yoga is to empower ourselves energetically on the inside. Quiet inner focus and even breathing help to balance our crowded thoughts by creating spaces between them, then resting in those spaces. Postures become more inviting when one’s first priority is safe grounding and even breath. Whatever the body does after that is an exploration of energy, from which we benefit in so many ways – better circulation, fluidity in our movements, ability to concentrate and focus, increased confidence, more joy, and a deeper feeling of vitality.
For kids who aren’t “athletic” and don’t consider themselves active, gentle yoga can beckon with the possibility of deep relaxation in a kind, supportive environment. Quiet movements nourish our bodies, especially if we have chronic pain, or lack confidence in how we think others see us. As we become friends with ourselves on the inside, our wonder and joy of living returns.
It is best to learn some yoga from a teacher rather than from a tape or book. There are many yoga teachers around these days, even in rural areas, and you may feel overwhelmed by the choices of yoga available in your community. Try different teachers and let your own feelings guide you. Drop-ins are often welcome in ongoing yoga programs. For information about a teacher near you, you could check with your local community centre, community papers or flyers, or on-line with www.YogaAtlantic.ca to find qualified teachers. Many offer classes, as well as one-on-one opportunities. Again, discuss your needs with the teacher, and try yoga!
Cathy Guest teaches yoga on the Aspotogan Peninsula all year round. Drop-ins are welcome. Beginners, kids, grannies, skateboarders: try it for yourselves!
