1. Strike a pose with the family

“It’s your worst nightmare… trapped in a cottage with your parents and/or in laws, your children, and a gale howling outside. A family holiday seemed like such a good idea, but even Monopoly, that old stalwart, has lost its appeal and you are beginning to wish you had given in to the kids’ pleading and allowed them to bring the Wii. If your mother in law tells the kids to be quiet and read a book one more time, you may just have to smother her! Suddenly inspiration - the thought of just a few minutes peace and quiet in Tree pose seems to drift in from nowhere, and the words of your Yoga teacher follow in quick succession: “The beauty of the practice of Yoga is that it is suitable for all ages and abilities…..”
Can Yoga really be enjoyed and be of benefit to the whole family?
Yes it can. Yoga is accessible and of benefit to everyone irrespective of size, age and ability, works on all the levels in the body (physical, emotional and spiritual) and can be modified to suit everyone. So while the kids with their young supple bodies and no sense of fear can tackle a physically more demanding version of a pose, Gran can do her version of the pose in a chair and Mum and Dad can have a go at their particular modification somewhere between the two extremes. In terms of focus, the kids can use their energy and attention on maintaining their balance and holding the pose quietly and peacefully, while Mum, Dad and Gran focus on their posture and on keeping their abs engaged, backs strong and their breath deep and full.
So here are 6 easy poses to get the whole family going. The 6 poses are an example of the 6 different categories of poses that bend the spine though all its planes giving the spine (and whole body) a good work out, while calming and relaxing the mind. Give them a go - and enjoy!...”
Written by Patricia Ezechie, who is a British Wheel of Yoga (BWY), Sivananda and Birthlight trained teacher, the article continues to give examples of six poses with adaptations suitable for different ages groups.
 

2. Yoga and the family

“’If you are not aware of someone else,then in reality you are not aware of yourself,’ Yogi Bhajan.
  Take a moment to recognise what the family unit means to you. The Oxford Dictionary describes the family as: ‘members of a household, children and parents.’ In today’s society the complete family unit is becoming rare. Parents divorce and re-marry and families separate. Extended families begin to form and quite often pressures can build establishing relationships with people who have been forced together due to circumstances.
‘Do we have to be related to be part of a family unit’?
Many people find their family unit within their groups of friends or with people with whom they share a common interest. But whether we are related or not, the majority of us share our home or work space with at least one other person. It is natural for humans to disagree and have communication breakdowns. Making a commitment as a group to participate in regular Yoga sessions can enhance the bond between each individual and open the door to healthy, happy and harmonious relationships.

Conscious communication
‘Do not utter words in friendship that can be used in animosity,’ Yogi Bhajan...”

The article continues to discuss communication and gives examples of group practices that can help to build communication and harmony between members of the family unit. Written by Indra Singh, who is a Kundalini-trained teacher. Further information from: www.kundaliniYoga.org.uk