As a new Yoga teacher, you might still find it difficult to explain what Yoga actually is. You would have heard that what we learn on our Yoga mat can actually be taken off the mat and into our daily life. But it might still be difficult to make the link between the physical practice or Yoga and how this can be transformational mentally and outside the Yoga Studio. It was really through teaching Yoga to children and then to Yoga teachers, that I started making more sense of how to explain Yoga to children. As Yoga is a wonderful flexible and malleable blue print or structure that touches every aspect of our physical, mental, emotional ad spiritual life, let’s only take one practical example as to how one Balance Pose Tree Pose, can help children build Resilience, Patience and Acceptance
Tree pose, also known as Vrikshasana in Sanskrit – is a popular yoga posture that involves standing on one leg with the other leg placed on the inner thigh of the standing leg. This pose can help develop physical balance and stability, but it also has a deeper meaning that can help develop resilience, patience and acceptance
Here are some ways in which practicing tree pose can help develop resilience
- Teaches adaptability In Tree pose, the standing leg is rooted firmly into the ground, while the other leg is lifted and placed on the thigh. This requires the body to adapt and adjust to maintain balance. Similarly, in life, we are often faced with unexpected challenges that require us to adapt and adjust to new situations. Practicing tree pose can help teach children how to be adaptable and flexible in the face of challenges. Tree Pose requires a great deal of physical balance, which can take time and patience to develop. Practicing this pose repeatedly teaches individuals to be patient and persistent in their efforts to achieve balance. It helps to develop the ability to concentrate, to focus, and to breathe through discomfort, which are all essential skills that are necessary to build patience and resilience.
- Encourages focus and concentration Tree pose requires focus and concentration to maintain balance. This can help children develop better concentration skills, which can help them stay focused in school and other activities. Improved focus and concentration can also help children develop better problem-solving skills and the ability to think clearly under pressure.
- Builds confidence As children practice tree pose and become more comfortable with it, they can develop a sense of confidence and self-assurance. This can translate into other areas of life, helping children feel more confident and self-assured in social situations, at school, and in other activities. As Balance is by nature templimental, this teaches Yogis that even if you physically strong and used the practising this pose, on some days, or at any moment in time, you may fall out of balance. Learning how to get back in balance with poise and equanimity is the true learning of the pose. This demands patience and acceptance, as well as understanding that it is not ‘always about me’.
- Teaches the value of self-care Tree pose requires a strong and stable foundation, which can only be achieved through proper self-care. By practicing tree pose, children can learn the importance of taking care of themselves, including getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activity.With value of self care, comes acceptance of oneself and others: The Tree Pose requires individuals to accept their physical limitations and work within their capabilities. Practicing this pose helps to develop self-acceptance by allowing individuals to focus on what they can do, rather than what they cannot do. It also fosters acceptance of others, as individuals learn to respect others’ physical limitations and differences. This acceptance can be extended to other aspects of life, helping individuals to become more open-minded and tolerant.
- Connection with nature: The Tree Pose also helps individuals connect with nature and develop an appreciation for the environment. The pose is named after a tree, and the pose itself requires individuals to imagine themselves as trees with roots extending deep into the ground. This visualization helps individuals feel grounded and connected to the earth, which can foster a sense of patience, acceptance, and harmony with the natural world, and as a result produces a soothing effect on the nervous system,
In conclusion, practicing the Tree Pose can help develop patience and acceptance by teaching individuals to be patient through balance, accept themselves and others, and connect with nature. By incorporating this pose into their yoga practice, individuals can develop important life skills that can help them navigate challenges and build a strong foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life. Tree pose can also help develop resilience by teaching adaptability, encouraging focus and concentration, building confidence, and teaching the value of self-care. By incorporating this pose into their yoga practice, children can develop important life skills that can help them navigate challenges and build a strong foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life.
This is an example of how practising a Balance pose on your mat can translate into transferrable mental skills of the mat, as well as help with emotional regulation.
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