I just finished my second year as the Yoga instructor for the Montessori School of Celebration, Florida. Time indeed does fly! Every week I teach Kindergarten through seventh grade the many benefits of Yoga and meditation. A stressed-out unfocused child will turn into a stressed-out unfocused adult.

Marsha Wenig wrote in Yoga Journal:

“Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Doing yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Yoga brings that marvelous inner light that all children have to the surface.”

The children really keep me on my toes and everyday is a learning experience. The most difficult part of teaching yoga to younger children is letting them know it is fine to just relax…to be…to let go of the day. The concepts start to form and they begin to understand after several classes. Yoga is a huge departure from the energies of their days. I would have benefited greatly from Yoga when I was in grade school because there were many times when my focus wained. One of the most common comments on my report cards was that “Sean does not use time wisely”. So shameful (-:

Many parents have shared wonderful stories with me about their children teaching them different parts of yoga…from relaxing breathing to the famous Tree balance pose. Anyone will benefit from practicing yoga on a weekly basis…young and old alike.

Sean