Yoga classes are popping up in schools around the world. Studies
have shown that Yoga can reduce students' stress, improve concentration
and grades, and help students form healthy, lifelong habits. As students
learn the benefits that Yoga can provide, they begin to practice the
poses and breathing techniques independently.
Yoga can also be an effective tool for reducing conflicts between students, among students and teachers, and within the teaching and administrative staff. When schools choose a proactive approach to conflict prevention, the students and staff can focus on more important aspects of education.
Philosophy of Yoga
Along with learning Yoga postures and breathing methods, students learn the underlying philosophies. These philosophies are based on the idea that the body, mind, and spirit should be living in harmony with each other. Yogic philosophy includes taking responsibility for your actions, while treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy. Yoga recognizes suffering and pain, but it encourages us to dwell on the positive, not the negative.
People who adhere to the ideals of Yoga, learn to live mindfully, from moment-to-moment. They learn to appreciate the little gifts of joy we are given each day if we pay attention. When conflict occurs, we learn to handle it with integrity and understanding.
Yoga teaches us to strive for a sense of inner peace and calm. Those of us who can achieve that feeling will have a better ability to resolve conflicts, because we are not out to prove ourselves right or better than others. Yoga nurtures self-confidence, which helps us live according to our inner values, not according to what others tell us to do or think. Since these attributes are developing in children and teenagers, Yoga can provide a positive example to follow.
Just Breathe
Sometimes all it takes in the heat of the moment is a nice, deep breath. Deep breathing calms the mind, while bringing clarity to the situation. If we teach kids to stop for a moment before they react, they can learn to think before they act or speak. Deep breathing in Yoga means filling up the entire abdomen, belly, and chest cavity by breathing in through the nose. Then, we slowly let the breath out. After a couple of deep breaths, new air renews circulation and blood flow throughout the entire body.
Teachers can easily take a few minutes during class to teach deep breathing. Students can then use it before a test, after a lecture, or during a conflict with friends or teachers.
Conclusion
Sometimes the most simplistic solutions work. The Yogic method for prevention of conflicts has proven itself for thousands of years. Once a person practices Yoga techniques, self-realization begins to take place. Self-realization leads to mindful and peaceful actions.
Yoga can also be an effective tool for reducing conflicts between students, among students and teachers, and within the teaching and administrative staff. When schools choose a proactive approach to conflict prevention, the students and staff can focus on more important aspects of education.
Philosophy of Yoga
Along with learning Yoga postures and breathing methods, students learn the underlying philosophies. These philosophies are based on the idea that the body, mind, and spirit should be living in harmony with each other. Yogic philosophy includes taking responsibility for your actions, while treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy. Yoga recognizes suffering and pain, but it encourages us to dwell on the positive, not the negative.
People who adhere to the ideals of Yoga, learn to live mindfully, from moment-to-moment. They learn to appreciate the little gifts of joy we are given each day if we pay attention. When conflict occurs, we learn to handle it with integrity and understanding.
Yoga teaches us to strive for a sense of inner peace and calm. Those of us who can achieve that feeling will have a better ability to resolve conflicts, because we are not out to prove ourselves right or better than others. Yoga nurtures self-confidence, which helps us live according to our inner values, not according to what others tell us to do or think. Since these attributes are developing in children and teenagers, Yoga can provide a positive example to follow.
Just Breathe
Sometimes all it takes in the heat of the moment is a nice, deep breath. Deep breathing calms the mind, while bringing clarity to the situation. If we teach kids to stop for a moment before they react, they can learn to think before they act or speak. Deep breathing in Yoga means filling up the entire abdomen, belly, and chest cavity by breathing in through the nose. Then, we slowly let the breath out. After a couple of deep breaths, new air renews circulation and blood flow throughout the entire body.
Teachers can easily take a few minutes during class to teach deep breathing. Students can then use it before a test, after a lecture, or during a conflict with friends or teachers.
Conclusion
Sometimes the most simplistic solutions work. The Yogic method for prevention of conflicts has proven itself for thousands of years. Once a person practices Yoga techniques, self-realization begins to take place. Self-realization leads to mindful and peaceful actions.
