What many of us love about yoga practice is the way it makes our bodies feel supple, strong, long, lithe and luscious. And lots of people know that there is the meditation side to yoga practice too. (my favourite T-Shirt sighting of the week proclaimed ‘Heavily Meditated’! As well, yoga has certain precepts which act like a sort of guide to living. When you are not sure about something, it’s good to revisit these precepts and review how they fit with the situation you are experiencing.
I am inspired to revisit these as our fabulous teacher Jo Hemmingway will use these 10 precepts as her guide to the next term of kids yoga classes. Besides the tween and teens classes, we’re offering a third class, for kids aged 5-7. Parents will like how your kids cleaning their own rooms is part of yoga practice. But I also like Jo’s writing because she’s written it so the kids can relate to it. But, as adults can be just big kids on the inside, it’s a nice read.
By Jo Hemmingway, our star kids and teens yoga teacher.
YAMAS
AHIMSA – NON-VIOLENCE – We all know it’s wrong to hit someone, to lash out, to be mean or cruel. We all know it’s not acceptable to bully. But, as with everything in yoga, this must start with our actions towards ourselves. In the first few weeks we will look at self-empowerment via positive self-talk. Non-Violence (AHIMSA) starts with ourselves. Being kind to ourselves – good food, lots of sleep, drinking lots of water, doing the things we love, surrounding ourselves with people we get along with, and generally being kind to ourselves and each other.
SATYA – TRUTHFULNESS – We touched on this last term too. In short – front up, be you, be yourself, don’t worry for one single minute what others are doing – Beauty appears when you begin to be yourself. Be honest.
ASTEYA – NOT TO STEAL – Let your ideas be your own, be creative – be inspired YES but place your own stamp on whatever you do. Keep and embrace your uniqueness. And your own pencils and pencil case!
BRAHMACARYA – RESTRAINT – Don’t over-indulge in external pleasures. We can all learn from observing this one! Too much TV, too much internet, too much in-activity, too much unhealthy food and lifestyle. Everything in moderation.
APARIGRAHA – GREEDLESSNESS – Not to be envious of what others have leading us to be grateful for what WE have.
NIYAMAS
SAUCHA – CLEANLINESS – Not only our personal hygiene, but cleanliness of our surroundings. A clutter free home and workspace is by far more relaxing and productive than a disorganised mess. Autumn is THE PERFECT time to de-clutter and clear out in readiness for winter. Tidy that room!
SANTOSHA – CONTENTMENT – To accept whatever comes our way be it positive or otherwise. In every situation there is an opportunity to learn and grow.
TAPAS – HEAT/HARD WORK – To endure life’s challenges and difficulties. Rather than run or shy away from what makes us uncomfortable we can learn to face it head on and overcome obstacles.
SVADHAYA – STUDY – Again, starting with ourselves, not school text books. We look at our own behaviour, our patterns and habits and see if there is an area we would like to perhaps shift.
ISVARA PRANIDANA – SURRENDER – Simply, for me, to surrender to the ebb and flow of life. To recognise and honour the universe around us and all of its gifts, of which we are ALL a part.