We say yes!
We know anger and aggression are sparked by certain things. We know it happens in schools, on playgrounds, and on street corners. But is there something we can do to help kids learn how to peacefully resolve situations?
Anger and aggression are reactions, which often manifest when emotions are uncontrolled. Years of research has found that yoga calms the body and the mind, but can it also help kids manage their emotions? Again, we say yes! It begins with becoming aware of our emotions and responding to them instead of reacting. A regular practice of asana, breathwork, and meditation can restore balance and harmony to the whole system.
An asana practice strengthens and tones the body, releasing
restless energy as well as feel good hormones. Conscious controlled breathing
while practicing helps us turn inward, we focus on the breath and our thoughts
and emotions settle down. Guided meditations are great for kids too, a simple
5-minute imaginative journey can encourage self-control. [Guided meditations coming soon :)]
These
studies have found that kids that practice yoga are more focused, they think
more clearly and make good choices. They have fewer behavioral problems, are
more focused and engaged in school, and their personal lives are enriched as
well. Yoga may not
be the only way to reduce anger and aggression in kids, but it is one way.
Let’s do this!!
Practice this sequence with
your child when both of you are calm. Once you are both comfortable with the
postures it will be easier to move into the practice when anger and aggression
show up. If your child wants to talk calmly about their emotions after the
session allow them to, if they don’t that’s okay too.
1.Wide-legged forward fold pose
Stand tall, feet
parallel, arms alongside the body. Step your feet out wide. Inhale and lengthen
the spine, exhale and fold forward bringing the hands to the shins or perhaps
the floor. Allow the head to hang. Stay in the pose for 3 breaths. Inhale, bend
your knees and slowly return to standing. Pause.
2. Downward-Facing Dog pose
Begin on all fours.
Hands under shoulders and knees under hips. Spread your fingers wide. Inhale to
prepare and exhale as you straighten your legs, lifting the hips high. Let the
heels be heavy. Stay in the pose for 3 breaths.
3. Plank pose
From Downward-Facing Dog
shift forward. Arms are straight and shoulders are over the hands. Legs are
straight and the toes are curled. You body is in a straight line from your head
to your heels. Stay in the pose for 3 breaths.
4. Child’s pose
From Plank pose lower
the knees to the ground and shift the hips to sit back on your heels. Arms are
stretched out in front and your forehead comes to the ground. Stay in the pose
for 3 breaths.
5. Rest pose
Lie on your back with
your arms and legs stretched out. Close your eyes. Rest, relax, and breathe.
and then...
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visit us at www.ayogastorytellingadventure.com
XOXO
