Kids can Meditate!
Below, we briefly explain why kids should meditate and the benefits GSY holds for them. If you have anything more to add or have any questions, please mention it in comments.
In Focus
It is often thought that because meditation requires focus, it is not meant for kids. This cannot be further from the truth! While many kids may not be able to sit still for 15 minutes, a 5 minute meditation can be done quite easily. When kids begin to enjoy this quiet time, it can be gradually increased.
Why Should Kids Meditate?
Kids are often advised by adults to enjoy their childhood because it is the only time in life when one is not burdened by thoughts of the future. However, this is only partially true. Certainly, kids are not mature enough to think about the consequences of their actions or what the future holds for them but they have their own sets of problems: academic performance, peer pressure, treatment from adults, societal environment and expectations, body image, and much more. These stresses adversely affect a child’s behavior, food habits, physical growth, health, performance in school and their interactions with other children.
Guru Siyag’s Yoga (GSY) can alleviate the negative effect these problems have on kids, and also cultivate their latent abilities and talents. GSY can be easily included in children’s daily activities in school and at home.
Guru Siyag’s Yoga (GSY) can alleviate the negative effect these problems have on kids, and also cultivate their latent abilities and talents. GSY can be easily included in children’s daily activities in school and at home.
GSY Benefits for Kids
Reduces Stress: It is popularly, and incorrectly, assumed that meditation means becoming thought-less. It in fact means quieting the mind. Let us understand this with an example: dirt is added to a glass of clean water and stirred thoroughly. The dirt swirls around the glass for a while and then gradually begins to settle down at the bottom. After a while the clean water is visible again. Much in the same way, when one meditates thoughts swirl around the mind for a while. The practitioner continues to focus on chanting the mantra. Soon thoughts settle down and the mind is quiet. When the mind becomes quiet, it has a calming effect on the entire body and stress is immediately reduced.
Improved Academic Performance: Reduced stress in turn increases alertness and sharpens focus. Students who practice GSY report an increase in their ability to grasp even the most complex subjects with ease. Increased concentration also means they are able to memorize and retain lessons quickly.
Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Every few days we come across cases of students who are crippled by fear of academic failure or peer pressure, and commit suicide. If their schools or colleges included a 15-minute break time for meditation, such tragic events could be averted. Students who practice GSY are better able to deal with stress and anxiety. Meditating before an exam, and even before studying, helps calm the mind and body down, and focus on the task at hand. GSY strengthens emotional equilibrium – in the face of conforming to peer trends, kids are able to calmly evaluate the situation, and instead of being depressed or emotional, they are able to make rational, self-preserving decisions.
Out-of-the-box ideas: Creative thinking receives a big boost through GSY. Kids are able to come up with novel ideas and concepts.
Happier State of Mind: GSY Meditation has a positive impact on the kid’s overall personality. They feel happier and self-assured. Many children describe feeling a growth in their optimism, confidence and their ability to face challenges and learning new skills. A happy state of mind also points to kids feeling less threatened by their peers and a disinterest in aggressive behavior. They are better able to empathize with people around them which in turn results in improved social skills and inter-personal relationships.
Promotes Evolved Thinking: By growing more empathetic, kids begin to grow more perceptive toward others’ needs, and also respond to them in an appropriate manner. In many instances, children give up a prized possession or savings to help the less fortunate. In others, children recognize bullying and are able to stand up against it.
Thank you for informative & really needed post about Meditation for Kids.
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