International Lifestyle Magazine Issue 52 | Page 42

Even better, children can begin yoga at any age, just as adults can. No huge investment in equipment is required and it can be carried out anywhere, so really, there is no reason why more schools should not get involved and include yoga in their curriculum. Yoga teacher Helen Clare runs a programme to provide yoga as part of the school day called the Yoga In Education Project for Primary and Secondary Schools in Cornwall, South West England. The sessions focus on:Improving flexibility Improving coordination and balance, leading to improved concentration and consequently behaviour Strengthening muscles and bones, which improves posture and breathing and therefore enhances learning Increasing self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem Relaxation and calming. The reports back so far have been fantastic, with teachers noticing that even the noisiest and disruptive pupils in a class will return calm, relaxed and ready to learn. Take a look here http://www.helenclareyoga. com/yoga-in-education-project/ secondary-schools/ This is, in my opinion, a very simple solution to help the future generations. Children need nurturing and direction and again, in my opinion, education systems need to be aware of this and act. Drugs are not the solution for the children of the future, or simply writing off a child by giving their “bad behaviour” a name, it is about taking an interest, seeing each child as an individual and giving them every opportunity to be their best. Education creates the adults of the future, and we need more schools to move away from the old methods and start to look to the new, healthy, alternatives. Contact Details [email protected] www.helenclareyoga.com/contact/ www.internationallifestylemagazine.com