Healthier, happier, more resiliant children (Flynn, 2013)...

A beautiful friend of mine asked me to help his child build the child's core strength as per recommendations from an Occupational Therapist. I was more than happy to say "absolutely" and very honored. I can't share yoga enough!! It's my love and passion and to be able to help people is a true blessing.

I purchased a book about a month ago titled Yoga for Children by Lisa Flynn, E-RYT, RCYT. The book is beautifully written and has a wealth of knowledge. The thing I like best is the constant reminder that parents can do yoga with their children and they don't have to be yoga teachers and that doing yoga together as parent and child or as a family strengthens the power of the family unit (p. 27).

I wanted to share some key things from the book that illustrate the importance yoga and how it plays a role in our child's health, happiness and resilience in this crazy busy world:

1. Research on the neuroscience of child development from the National Scientific Council of the Developing Child highlights how excessive stress damages children's developing brain architecture. It leaves them vulnerable to lifelong problems in learning, behavior, and overall health. Evidence is accumulating that yoga and mindfulness practice is one effective way to promote healthy brain development and function, and to foster stress resilience (visit www.yoga4classrooms.com to learn more) (p. 23).
2. Yoga facilitates all kinds of movement, including cross-lateral movement, which is crucial for learning. Cross-lateral movements are those in which arms and legs cross over the midline of the body. The left side of the brain controls the right side and the right side controls the left side. When arms and legs cross the body's midline, both sides are forced to communicate. This integration of both sides of the brain enhances learning. (p. 25).
3. Modern Children -- and adults -- face daily stresses on the mind and body. Problems include an inability to regulate emotions, overeating or mindless eating, decreased ability to use one's imagination, negative body image, lack of compassion, empathy, and respect for the self and others. If you and your child feel overwhelmed, engaging in a yoga routine is a great way to combat the detrimental effects of overscheduling and disconnection (p. 21).

The book provides many breathing exercises and yoga poses that are easy and fun (a must read).

It's wonderful to see (in words) how yoga can be so beneficial. I feel it everyday and see it's affect on my students (especially right after a practice -- one of my favorite moments in teaching). I am blessed and honored to share such an amazing tool and looking forward to sharing it with one more child (and hopefully you can to)!

Below a pic of Hannah when we were doing yoga together in Indonesia  

Travel . Fitness . Yoga -- enjoy yours!