In an age where children are pressured into growing up so quickly, combined with the ever-increasing era of technology, movement is on the decline for many children, resulting in devastating effects like obesity, lack of confidence and stress.
Yoga, meditation and mindfulness is a great practice and ethos for children to combat many of life’s challenges like stress by focusing on breathing and meditation, a natural stress-reliever. Yoga and meditation has been proven to reduce everyday stress and anxiety, as well as promote a general good mood and outlook on life.
What is Yoga, meditation & mindfulness?
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years. The actual term “yoga” originates from an ancient Indian language called Sanskrit. The activity’s purpose is to unite the body, mind ,and spirit. The physical part of yoga is conducted through a series of asanas, or yoga postures or poses. Asanas are practiced to promote strength training and flexibility through stretching. Meditation and mindfulness practice is a beautiful way to stay grounded. It teaches us to train our minds to be in the present moment so that we can savour the good times while better managing the trying ones. It helps us to stay connected with our true essence, building our sense of self-love and worth.
What are the benefits of yoga and meditation for Children?
There are important and numerous benefits of yoga and meditation for children. Unlike most other physical activities for a child, yoga doesn’t only promote good health through physical exercise, but also focuses on improving and helping to grow children’s minds, spirits, emotions, and thoughts. Studies have also linked yoga and meditation to better concentration, increased focus, and boosts of memory. Getting into the daily practice of entering into quiet time and breathing exercises, and postures are enormously beneficial and you’d be surprised how willing children are to participate if you make it fun.
As an adult, to be able to accomplish all of the above is a pretty remarkable feat. Imagine learning these tools as a young child and then being able to use them your entire life! What if an entire generation of children were blessed with this gift? The world will be a much more peaceful and beautiful place! Here at Little Robins Montessori Nursery & Preschool we are going to make that start in creating a better future!
Feel free to read my previous blog on my own personal experience of meditation and how it worked for my 8 year old daughter.
http://tutorialltd.blog/2017/05/26/calming-the-chaos-with-the-magic-of-meditation/
If only parenting came with a manual 