Yoga is a unique ancient healing art from the East, a non-competitive form of exercise, that can be safely practiced by children of any level, whether highly athletic or just beginning Parents and teachers are recently becoming aware of the benefits of yoga for children. During a child's formative years, it is important to build self-esteem, self-awareness and strengthen the mind and body. Yoga teaches children about how their bodies work, from which they may develop a common sense of the body as a foundation for well being throughout their lives. Children practicing yoga learn to channel their boundless energy into positive activities. The child's mind, over-stimulated by television, video games and the hectic pace of today's lifestyle, benefits greatly. Children practicing yoga have greater self-awareness and self-esteem. Most importantly, children practicing yoga develop a respect, appreciation and desire to take time for healing the body, mind and spirit. The result is a stronger body, increased self-confidence, calm mind and uplifted spirit.

The word "yoga" means union, a joining together. The ancient science of yoga, developed in India over 5,000 years ago, was created to teach the joining together of mind and body which serves to create harmonious, balanced, responsible human beings. Yoga is not a religion. It is a scientific system of exercises or poses "asanas" designed to strengthen bones, stretch muscles, massage internal organs, increase blood flow, and develop flexibility of the joints, tendons and ligaments. Yoga also has a regulating affect on all the systems of the body, including the nervous system, the endocrine system, the circulatory system, the respiratory system and the lymphatic system, producing optimum and natural functioning of each system. Overall, the result for both adults and children is a pervading feeling of peace, of wholeness and a general sense of well-being.

The stretching and relaxation aspects of yoga are a perfect way for young children to begin enjoying movement and exercise. Every child succeeds as each child can improve and do what is right for his or her own body. The variety of yoga asanas that imitate animals or things found in nature, like the tree pose or the cobra pose, stimulate a child's sense of adventure and imagination. Four categories of poses enhance physical and neurological skills. There are seated, standing, lying down and upside down poses. Within each category are also backbending poses, twisting poses, balance poses and forward bending poses. Each pose has numerous health benefits. The balance poses work to enhance concentration and focus, helping children to learn more easily. The strength, flexibility and coordination skills, deleloped through Yoga, can reduce risk of injury in other sport activities. Through the practice of weight bearing yoga postures, growing bones are strengthened and the range of motion in the joints is increased. Because Yoga helps to regulate the hormone glands naturally, the emotional roller coaster children often experience at adolesence is slowed down, bringing about a holistic state of well being. Through the practice of rest, meditation and relaxation, a child is given the chance to experience and appreciate the time and space to be quiet.

Benefits of Yoga for Children*

- Develops focus and concentration

- Develops balance and mental equilibrium

- Improves performance in all areas of life, including school work

- Develops discipline and a love of learning

- Increases flexibility, coordination and strength

- Assists with the performance of other sport activities

- Cultivates conscious awareness

- Increases self-awareness and self-confidence

- Relieves stress and provides a greater sense of general well-being

- Teaches children to be gentle with themselves and others

Indigo Yogatm is a fun and playful yoga class designed specifically for children, ages 3 -10, and their families. The unique ancient healing techniques of yoga are taught in a safe, interactive, creative and loving environment where children can heal, learn and grow. Indigo Yogatm is a non-competitive form of exercise that can be safely practiced by children of any level, whether highly athletic or just beginning. Every child succeeds as each child can improve and do what is right for his or her own body. Indigo Yogatm works on all levels: the mental, emotional and physical by using breath awareness, guided meditations, yoga asana practice and positive affirmation work to help a Child experience the whole Self. Pamela Hollander, the creator of Indigo Yoga, is a life-long practitioner of Hatha Yoga, and is now studying Ashtanga Yoga. She is currently a teacher of Hatha and Ashtanga yoga to adults and children, in addition to her work in Spiritual Psychology and hands-on healing. On-going classes for children are held weekly at the Ashtanga Yoga Center in Encinitas, CA.
For more information contact:

Pamela at Indigo Yogatm

559 Arden Drive, Encinitas, CA • (760) 633-3098