Other Yoga Benefits: Behavioral Self-Regulation, Social Skills, and Universal Awareness

Once a child learns how to modulate his/her performance by using a technique to quiet, focus and calm himself, he is on his way to improving his ability to interact and succeed in society. Yoga provides these skills! One of the first skills to develop with a regular yoga practice is breathing. A child will learn to breath more slowly and deeply when they become anxious. This act of breathing will help a child self-regulate. Children may also chant familiar mantras to ease anxiety while others will remove themselves from a stressful environment, if possible, and do yoga poses. To be able to self-regulate focus, mood, or general expression is a critical skill for children to obtain.

Yoga can improve many things in a child's life, including social skills. Learning respect for self and others is monumental in effectively engaging with another person. The ability to take turns, listen, observe body space and initiate kindness are mutual aspects of a yoga class. Another aspect is successful social interaction! Mixing children with differing needs can design a setting where one child's social strength can support another child's social weakness. Mixing children of different abilities can provide various experiences of nurturing one another and proving role models. The respectful and accepting nature of a yoga class can support and maintain friendships. The level of support provided to one another is truly heart opening.

Yoga means "union". Yoga is based on unity and respect of all. The principles of yoga honor all people and teach people to treat others as they would like to be treated. They stimulate the unity within oneself as well as unity with all. Harmonizing with chants until two voices become one is an excellent experience to support the power of connection among people. The world comes into focus for the child and he/she feels a stronger desire to know what is happening in the world. This concept is referred to as Universal Awareness.

Yoga is a non-competitive,creative, and fun way to engage children while addressing their physical, cognitive, social, sensory, and emotional needs. Dragonfly Yoga is a yoga based, creative arts, interactive storytelling program for children of all abilities. For more information go to our website:

• http://dragonflyyogakids.com