5 fun kids yoga poses for awakening into spring 

The nights are starting to draw out, that chill that’s been in the air these past weeks feels warmer and new growth is appearing in the gardens and parks around the city.  It’s in full swing, here is Spring!

In yoga and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) spring is associated with the Wood element and the Liver and Gallbladder meridians.  During spring we can create flexibility in both body and mind. It’s about sparking ideas and gaining inspiration and vision for the months ahead.

Through yoga postures and breathing techniques we release frustration and let go of any negative emotions that may be holding us back.

For many kids, fatigue is starting to sink in.  It’s been a busy school year with lots of learning, activities and for some exams.  It’s not uncommon during this time of the year for kids to become irritable and cranky.

“School is really busy and my head gets full but when I come to yoga I feel free.” – Bonnie, 7 year old Yogini

“Before yoga today I felt frustrated, now I feel calm” – Justin, 8 year old Yogi

A little yoga play can brighten up the day.  Roll out the yoga mat and give these five fun poses ago. Take it nice and easy.  Remember yoga’s not about pushing your body into the perfect pose.  It’s about moving the body through the breath, relaxing into the pose and seeing where it takes you…

     Gate Pose, Parighasana 

      Kneel on the mat

      Extend the right leg out to the right side

      Rest the right and on the extended right leg

      Reach the left arms up and then arch over to the right

      Stay here for three to five breaths and repeat on the other side

      Eagle Pose variation, Garudasana 

      Sit with both legs straight out in front of the body

      Place the right foot on the floor over the left thigh and as close to the left hip as possible

      Bend the left knee and place the left foot as close to the right hip as possible

      Stretch arms straight out in front of the body

      Cross the left elbow over the inside of the right elbow

      Bend Elbows and bring the palms of the hands together

Relax the shoulders, straighten the spine and stay here for five breaths. Repeat on other side

      Triangle Pose, Trikonasana 

      Stand with legs wide

      Turn the right foot to the right side

      Hold the arms parallel to the ground

      Move the left hips towards the back left hand and the torso forwards towards the right hand

      Tip your straight arms 90 degrees and let the hand rest where it lands on the leg or ankle

      Gaze towards the floor or up to the left hand

Hold here for three to five breaths before switching to the other side

      Reclining Butterfly Pose, Supta Baddha Konasana  

      Lie on the back with legs together

      Bend your knees and place feet on the ground

      Place the hands on the inner thighs and guide the knees towards the floor

      Place the hands on the floor next to the body, palms facing upwards

      Relax the body and close the eyes

      Notice the rise and fall of the belly as the breath enters and leaves the body. Breathe naturally

Remain here for 5-10 minutes

These instructions are guidelines and are best practiced with an experienced kid’s yoga teacher. When practicing yoga please be mindful of your body’s limits and never force or strain.

The benefits of a regular kids yoga and mindfulness practice stretches off the mat and into everyday life.  Children build positive relationships with others, become more resilient and find it easier to concentrate in the classroom.

Many schools now have kids yoga and mindfulness as part of their wellbeing or sports offering.

Inner Child Yoga runs classes for 5-12 year olds at schools, OOSH’s and Sona Yoga in Randwick.

Our mind-body programs empower kids to connect with themselves, love who they are and fully experience the adventure of life.

“Education is not the learning of facts but the training of the mind to think.” ~ Albert Einstein