Rituals can play an important role in children’s yoga practice. Here are some reasons why:
Establishing structure: Rituals can help to establish a predictable structure for a children’s yoga class. This can help children feel more comfortable and secure, as they know what to expect. Beginners Yogis will get to understand that there are rules in Yoga and that Yoga is a discipline. Following the same few steps in your Yoga classes will bring comfort and don’t we say that repetition is the mother of all skills. Little children and babies intuitively know this and find repetition soothing.
Encouraging focus: Rituals can help children to focus their attention and bring a sense of mindfulness to the practice. By repeating a ritual, children can learn to tune out distractions and focus on the present moment. In particular, a listening ritual for instance listening to a gong or the ring of Tibetan Bells allows a calm transition time when we practise seating quietly with an intention. The obvious skill might be explained as sharpening our ears but you may gradually explain to the children that we are in fact sharpening one of our senses and channeling our energies effectively through that sense, building concentration and focus as a result.
Building community: Rituals can create a sense of community and belonging within a children’s yoga class. When children participate in a ritual together, they feel connected and united. An example of a ritual that make feel children belonging to the same group may for instance be practising saying Namaste respectfully to the group or another child, without any pressure from the teacher to participate, it should be a choice. Through the ritual of ‘Namaste’ or greeting each other Children understand the concept of mutual respect and kindness, which is inherent to many school values. Another great ritual prior to starting physical movements might be a sharing circle when children get to say how they feel to the group. This can be a powerful way to connect to ourselves and practice acknowledgement of emotions, and noticing how it feels in ourselves. This in itself is a great way to develop emotional maturity.
Enhancing learning: Rituals can help children to remember important concepts and ideas that are being taught in the class. By associating a concept with a ritual, children are more likely to remember it and apply it in their lives. In previous examples we discussed about listening is a tool to sharpen the senses and our focus. Focus is great for learning especially when in a state of calm alertness. Children are very much likely to remember how this state feels from the experience of sitting on their Yoga class. In fact children often quote both Namaste and Listening to the Bells as a favourite practice in class.
Other examples of rituals that can be incorporated into a children’s yoga class include: breathing exercises, chanting, setting an intention, visualisation, and meditation. When used in a thoughtful and intentional way, rituals can help to create a rich and meaningful yoga practice for children.
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