Our children live in the same fast-paced world we do. The ultimate goal in yoga with children is to give them the tools to cultivate a sense of feeling safe & strong. Yoga & Mindfulness practices encourage children to foster self care physically, mentally and emotionally by cultivating self-awareness, coping strategies, self-respect and self acceptance while promoting resilience, balance, confidence and positive self-perceptions.

Many children and teens with disabilities have difficulty participating in sports and activities that are open to their typically developing peers. Because yoga can be adjusted to meet each student where he or she is, it can provide an activity for children who otherwise might not have one.  For some students with special needs, yoga is their only physical activity.  When invited into a situation where students can feel more successful, yoga becomes a tool for building self-esteem and unlimited personal growth.  There are endless possibilities of how we can offer yoga and mindfulness techniques to our children and teens with special needs. While this training focuses on sharing yoga and mindfulness with children and teens with special needs, it is important to note, that many of the tools and techniques learned will also be appropriate to share with adults with special needs. 

As the distractions of the external world increase, it can become challenging for many children to connect with their authentic, peaceful selves. In fact, it is our belief, that without having the time and space for reflection and connection, children (and adults) can forget that they have the ability to do so at all. To be  successful, creative learners and compassionate, respectful and self-aware human beings, children must be given opportunities to draw their awareness back away from what can sometimes be an overwhelming, chaotic world. In doing so, children are brought into the present moment, a place where they can pause, truly hear and feel, reflect and learn–mindfulness.Giving kids the tools to find their center balance are crucial to increased health and well-being. A few deep breaths, physical movement or stretching to reconnect the body/mind, opportunities to connect and share, and moments for quiet introspection, are aquick and easy way to reset the nervous system to calm and focus. It is also in this place that children develop the ability to know, understand and appreciate their true nature. Children can be empowered to go within and know the gifts of inner wisdom: confidence, joy, compassion and contentedness.Yoga can give kids the tools they need towards finding positive and constructive outlets to manage stress and other challenges they are facing.

BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR YOUTH ATHLETES 

Knowledge and communication are of the utmost importance in order for athletes and those who support them to understand the sport-specific benefits of yoga and mindfulness for sustainability of the practice.  The practice of yoga is more than a workout.  For an athlete, it is learning to tap into the power of physical strength and flexibility, systematic breathing, and focus regardless of age.  

BODY: the athlete needs the physical body to perform the tasks at hand 

BREATH: provides oxygen to fuel the body; breath control and breath capacity are crucial for top performance.  

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BRAIN: a broad term and at minimum involves strategic thinking such as memorizing plays or choreography, mindfulness, and focus during times of stress. 

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• Increased balance, flexibility, and range of motion

• Improve breath control, capacity and use

• Enhance endurance by increasing breath capacity, circulation, efficiency of motion

• Aids digestion

• Strength

• Increased circulation possibly leading to decreased recovery time

• Body awareness

• Community and team building

• Teaching proper alignment leads to proper body mechanics leading to Injury prevention

• Rest and recover decreasing lactic acid while increasing circulation

• Balances energy and focus

• Reduces performance anxiety

• Build core strength

• May improve/balance response and reaction time

• Physical state influences mood and mental capacity