Letting The Little Ones Take The Lead
As a kids’ yoga teacher I’ve been privileged to hear some beautiful stories from parents and carers about the ways children bring yoga into their everyday lives.
One particular story has always stayed with me.
This group of children started yoga with me when they were 3 years old, and by this time they were nearly five. As part of our yoga classes, I introduced simple relaxation and meditation practices alongside movement, giving children playful tools to help them pause, breathe and find a sense of calm.
One of the little girls Sarah, was particularly wise beyond her years.
One day, I bumped into her mum on the street and she said “I have to tell you what happened last night…”
The whole family had been sitting around the dinner table – Mum, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Sarah and her 2 older siblings. There was plenty of disharmony, raised voices and conflicting conversations at the table.
And then Sarah took the lead.
She sat very upright in her chair, crossed her legs, placed her hands into Gyan Mudra – thumb and index finger gently touching - and with her eyes softly closed, began chanting the Sa Ta Na Ma meditation aloud.
Her two older siblings stopped quarrelling and began to join in.
Then Mum and Dad joined.
And then Grandma and Grandpa.
Before they knew it, the whole family was participating in the meditation, which continued for several minutes.
When Sarah slowly brought the meditation to an end, everyone followed her lead.
Her Mum said that it was one of those moments that you just had to be there to experience.
Absolutely priceless!
The tension around the table had lifted. Harmony had returned, and the evening continued with laughter, connection and sharing.
What a beautiful reminder of the power of giving children simple tools they can carry with them beyond the yoga mat.
When we introduce children to yoga, breathing, relaxation and meditation through playful and age-appropriate practices, we give them ways to navigate their big feelings and busy moments of childhood.
And sometimes without even realising it, they will reach for those tools when they need them most.
Sarah didn’t need anyone to tell her what to do.
She remembered.
And perhaps most beautifully of all, she reminded the grown-ups around her, too.
Our little ones have so much wisdom inside of them. Sometimes, we just need to give them the space – and the tools – to let it shine.
Slow down…
Stop…
Breathe…
Be still…
And let the little ones take the lead. 😊