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.
© Copyright
2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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