Rendezvous with the experts
STRETCH THEM YOUNG.
Yoga as a life discipline is prevalent in almost every adult’s ‘to-do’ list. But what about the Gen Z that could use Yoga as the necessary fuel for growing up? Has the time come to give them a lesson in mind-body harmony? DaminiDalal, an acclaimed yoga instructor, a yoga academician who sports an impressive pedagogy in Yogic studies throws light on the power of Yoga for our children.
- What do you think of the mental, emotional and physical well-being of kids today? Given that their life is overwhelmed with technology and stress unlike earlier times.
Every era is faced with different kinds of stresses. The past had different ordeals, today it’s technology, tomorrow it maybe something else. We have forgotten to empower ourselves as well as our children with the ‘technology’ to face, overcome and adapt to difficult situations.
Kids today have way more than their parents ever had. Somewhere, the value of things, relationships, respect is lost. They cannot comprehend ‘delayed gratification’. It is now or never. Considering this, their emotional states are fragile. The strength to face adversity is minimal.
Mental and emotional health is balanced with physical health. Physical fitness isn’t about running marathons but the endurance to face ups and downs.
- Do you think Yoga as a holistic discipline can benefit kids?
Yoga, when practised in its true forms, can certainly benefit everyone.
When we say Yoga, our minds are attuned to its physical forms of āsanas. Rather, as a holistic applied science, it considers the entire psycho-physical being. Its practices train the mind through its philosophical teachings found in the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. The entire personality undergoes a unique metamorphosis.
When started early in life, it becomes a part of their persona and leaves a lasting impression on how they grow and function as responsible adults.
- How does Yoga impact a child’s well-being?
Yoga, with a holistic approach considers human potential that begins to unfold at an early age. A child’s predispositions are channelized to bring forth their best abilities and change the opposite tendencies for a positive growth.
- What is the ideal age for a child to adopt yoga?
There is no age barrier. The training begins in the womb. Questions of age come in when we think of it as a physical education. If it is āsanas and pranayama, then a minimum age is considered. But its values, concepts are eternal and fundamental.
- What can parents do to inculcate a ‘yogic’ mind-set among kids?
Simple! Practice them first.
- What can schools do to integrate it into their curriculum?
We have lost our gurukul system and we need to revive it. At least, in teaching our philosophical systems. Not with any religious or sectarian motives but, purely as systematic studies of human behaviour, values, relationships, universal cosmological existence and potentials of excellence.
I truly believe that the school is the fountainhead of our future people. If there is the will, ways are aplenty.
- Is there enough awareness of ‘Yoga for kids’ ?If no, what are the challenges?
Schools are based on curriculum. They are materialistic, goal-driven corporate entities. Yoga is part of physical education. Even its philosophical teachings are text book-ridden. The true importance, its deep life-enhancing implications are lost.
We need practicing yogins to teach, not merely those with teacher training certificates.
If schools could associate themselves with reputed Yoga institutions or ashrams and allow their students residential programmes, projects and experiential sessions, a lot can be achieved.
- Can you share some tips that can benefit kids on a daily basis?
- Self- monitor. Make a daily time-table for all activities and stick to it. Of course, there will be variables. So, not to be rigid but firm.
- Insist on family playtime.
- Respect everything and everyone.
- Be grateful.
- Reflect and write five good things daily. This becomes like a bedtime diary.
All these are tried and tested and have given amazing results.
YogacharyaDamini
Author: The Essence of SāmkhyaKarikas, The Yoga Sūtras of MaharshiPatañjali
Email: daminidalal@hotmail.com
Website: damimidalal.com