Yoga in Early Childhood

Personally, I have ventured this Yoga life (after months of hiatus) to be able to incorporate it in my work as an Educator. First, I see it as a medium of getting into the children’s zone of fun and enjoyment. Second, to use it as a means of soothing and calming them when the need arrives. And lastly, to be able to connect with them as one during the practise.

Adults have been practising yoga for many years, and while many people complain that children today are growing up too fast, yoga is something they can never start too young. Introducing the concept and practise of yoga and yogic lifestyle to your children means that you are giving them the very best start in life.

I believe we all have a special place inside us that holds the key to our inner potential, like a treasure chest of precious jewels, and I would like to tap into the children and unlock their own inner powers. Yoga is expressive, and this is what makes it so appealing to children. Childhood is a vibrant time when natural energy and creativity are high, when eyes and minds are open and learning is fun. This makes it the perfect time for children to explore and enjoy their bodies, while putting them in touch with how their minds’ work.

To appreciate peace and quiet, the notion of being rather than doing, and taking time out are valuable life skills that we can all find beneficial. The children’s vibe and everlasting energy can sometimes suck the life out of you; to cultivate quiet time in our busy lives should be a priority. Yoga teaches children to rediscover the joy of stillness and silence and to see that being able to relax is just as important to health and well-being as exercise and activity. The tranquil yoga postures when energy levels are low, or when one is in need of emotional nourishment, or learn how to appease everyday problems with simple postures should be fully enjoyed. Peaceful postures help to conserve energy, rather than drain it out of your system.

As an educator and their yoga master, the children are my allies in connecting to my innocent, child-like behaviour within me, while I be the connector to their realm of balanced life – full of enjoyment (while in poses) and stillness as they calm themselves with breathing techniques and meditation. “When a child learns to walk and falls down 50 times, he never thinks to himself” ‘maybe this isn’t for me?’” I’d like to tap back into that utter resiliency and rekindling my own sense of fun, getting in touch with my inner child. It’s a win-win situation of increasing the motivation on both ends to take an active role of seeing the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

By: ERICA