Yoga & Teens: A Phenomenal Combination

ADHD/ODD/Autism...all are associated with childhood disorders. We throw pills at our children without even knowing if it is truly safe for them as they develop. We watch our teens transition into adults, not understanding balance, moderation, or responsibility. We feel helpless to do anything about our drugged out kids.

Yoga is one answer.

According to the Yoga Sutras, "Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuation of thought." Indeed it is, especially with the more advanced poses. When you are practicing yoga, and it is time to do something as "simple" as Tree Pose, it takes a great deal of focus on keeping in balance. When the mind is focused on holding a pose, all thoughts are drawn together, keeping the body in harmony with the mind in order to avoid falling down.

This is why yoga can be so beneficial for our adolescents. Not only is it good for their health, it's good for learning how to focus. Yoga By Teens (DVD) illustrates the mind-body connection in an appealing Hatha Yoga practice done entirely by three teenagers.

Yoga helps build self-esteem, which is vital for teens, whose hormones are raging, bombarded by messages of false perfection and images no living being can achieve (not even the models who are supposedly ideal).

A cost-effective way to get teens into yoga is to host a "Yoga Party" in your home. Select a DVD that is aimed toward teenagers and teaches yoga. Clear a space for five or six teens to fit comfortably doing poses. Offer juice and fruit for snacks, start the DVD, and leave the room so they can practice on their own without feeling self-concious.

Yoga can provide teens a healthy outlet for a multitude of issues - physical, mental, and spiritual. Yoga is fun, funny, chic, and timeless.

Bring some Yoga home today for your teens...they might not thank you right away, but they will evenutally, and you will know you've done the very best thing for them.

Namaste,

The Transpersonal Psychologist