"We need play if we are to behave ourselves. We need play to counteract pressures which place too exclusive an emphasis on winning. We need play to take a break. To get energized. To sharpen our reflexes. To release emotions. To enjoy others. To be spontaneous. To be expressive and creative. To become moral. To experience joy. To reaffirm life".
Play has been recognized by leading development psychologist as one of the most important elements in healthy development!
Why Yoga? Yoga is not only the oldest form of physical fitness in the world, it is also the most available to people of all ages. Children come into the world as natural yogis. Their joints are pliable and their muscles are flexible. Yoga encourages kids to explore their natural flexibility and to become stronger through natural functional physical movement using their own body weight.
Today, children are under a lot of stress. Endless homework and activities, pressure to compete, and family schedules can contribute to anxiety, tension headaches, and nervous stomachaches. Yoga counteracts that stress and gives children tools to cope.
A few benefits of Yoga for Kids:
-Safely and effectively improving strength and flexibility
-Developing Strong, limber healthy bones
-Improving coordination and posture
-Learning to relax - opening up to a peaceful state of mind and body
-Expressing creativity and imagination
-Increasing body awareness - learning the basics of anatomy and health
-Improving concentration, attention and focus
-Improving self-esteem and confidence -everyone can be successful in yoga!
-Learning positive social interaction and playing/learning "with" others
-Breath work oxygenates the blood to improve nerve function and strengthens the central nervous system - calms and relaxes nerves
