Yoga in school

“Having practised Yoga myself since 1995 and taught Yoga since 2003 I have learned and experienced the amazing rewards it has to offer. Throughout my Yoga teachings and practices I have discovered so many wonderful yogic techniques that have assisted both myself and others in reaching optimum health & fitness.
   The world is changing at a quickening pace, which leaves many behind. There is a move towards a change in consciousness, and society has to be prepared to be more open. There are more and more Yoga teachers and therapists appearing on the scene. Now, more than ever, is an important time for all of us to slow down a little and take conscious action rather than rushing around, and become the change we would like to see in this new world.
   Obesity is increasing at a frightening pace, not only in adults but also in our children. Recent governmental figures show that, one in 10 children in Britain are obese by the age of 5 and one in three 11 year olds are overweight. Our children are becoming fatter and more health challenged due to the unconscious choices made by both parents and children. We need to take action now to counter this trend...
   It was through my own experience and increase in awareness of the state of the world that I decided to start up Yogakidz to help teach children yogic techniques and health awareness. Prevention is far better than cure! At the moment, so many are locked into the ‘cure’ stage, seeking doctors and prescription drugs to ease their ills rather than tackling the root causes. Fortunately, more are also now turning to other means, such as Yoga and complementary therapies.
   The idea behind Yogakidz was to begin health and fitness education at grass roots, showing children how to maintain active good health...”

The article, which is written by Sarah Swindlehurst, continues to describe her work in schools and the benefits it brings to young people in the fight against obesity. Sarah is founder of Yogakidz and eSSence yoga, and her work includes producing a teaching manual for Yoga & children.

Also in the August 2009 issue of Yoga & Health are other articles covering Yoga and children, including a 7-way stretch for children from Nerissa Fields, and Teaching Chiuldren by Emma Despres.