June 2008 | Healthy Living

Bhakti Babies

Kid-friendly classes to inspire your little yogi

By Dana Demas

Adults aren’t the only ones who find inner peace and outer strength through yoga. The ancient art also helps kids achieve healthier bodies and minds in an environment that praises camaraderie and creativity — and what child couldn’t benefit from more of that?

Mira Binzen, cofounder of Chicago’s Global Family Yoga, a teacher-training program that focuses on children and families, says, “One of the best benefits of yoga for children is the way it makes them feel about themselves. The practice brings about a greater awareness of what they’re feeling, both their emotions and the sensations in their bodies, which helps with everything — getting along with friends, dealing with emotions as they arise and even choosing the right foods.”

According to research presented at the 2007 Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research (SYTAR), children who practice yoga have more energy, are better at regulating their emotions and managing stress, and have more self-esteem.