Body + Mind = Love

Oct 26, 2023

I often ask children in my yoga classes, “Who’s your primary health care provider?” They look at me funny, of course, and probably don’t understand what a primary health care provider is. Then I answer my own question. “It’s you.”

Of course, your parents are there to take care of the big stuff, I go on to tell them, but it’s up to you to listen to the needs of your body and respond with care.

I like to plant the seeds of self-care when children are young. One of the best ways to do this is to teach body awareness. What’s really going on when you are digesting that pizza? Why do ALL animals sleep? Evoking curiosity in their own body’s processes increases the chances they will become a more active participant in their own rescue, whether that is the onset of a cold or preventative measures for chronic disease.

When children understand and connect with their bodies, they are more likely to embrace self-love and self-acceptance. Through Yoga postures, children learn to move with intention and grace. Each posture invites them to feel the subtle nuances of their bodies - the stretch of a muscle, the beat of their heart, and the rhythm of their breath. This newfound awareness not only enhances physical coordination but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for the incredible vessel that is their body. It teaches them that their bodies are beautiful, unique, and deserving of love and care.