Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices originated in ancient India. There is a broad variety of yoga schools but the essence is unique: the combination of physical exercise, meditation, spiritual core and its ultimate goal: moksha (liberation). Based on asanas or postures, yoga is a form of exercise that has been considered as an alternative medicine and increasingly recommended to promote relaxation, reduce stress and some medical conditions. As yoga has became more popular in schools and gyms, also the controversy. Many people link this art to religion, particularly Hinduism and even some persons remain skeptical of its advantages. But despite the controversy yoga is simply beneficial, even for children who can encounter a healthy way of managing emotional, physical and social conflicts dedicating a few minutes to this art daily.
Some experts say that yoga helps to build self-esteem and self-respect, since a child practicing it has the opportunity to play and focus without worrying about being wrong, also kids learn important values such as non-harming, truthfulness, moderation, cleanliness, gratitude and self-discipline. At the physical level, kids can improve flexibility but also gain strength because they learn to use their muscles in new ways, it’s amazing to experience how a seemingly easy posture requires strength, concentration, focus, and flexibility, no matter if it is done standing, sitting or lying down.
Balance and coordination are also important elements of yoga. So, if a child has some problems to stay balanced, the meditation and breathing that require the movements can be used to improve the gross and fine motor coordination. The child is encouraged to focus in the effort, in consequence he takes this skill to other areas in school and may get better performance and better grades. That boots self esteem and confidence which inevitably leads the child to feel good about his accomplishments. In a modern world that changes and moves very fast children are always under constant pressure, but yoga teach them how to act bravely but compassionate, to know love and happiness and to find inner pace. No matter what age your kid starts practicing yoga, it is always beneficial, the recommendation is to follow the instructions of expert teachers who know the proper techniques to make the postures. The final word belongs to your kids, let them try all the alternatives that can lead them to a higher quality of life and to a better knowledge of themselves.
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