Growing Self-Esteem through Yoga: Helping Children reach their Greatest Potential

Growing Self Esteem through Yoga Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to recognise your emotions, to have the ability to make healthy choices based on those emotions, and the resilience and intelligence to keep growing in a positive way. Emotional Intelligence is a key factor for a successful and happy life. Emotionally intelligent children communicate effectively with each other, helping them achieve their goals, and at the same time supporting the emotional needs of others. Emotionally intelligent children don't depend on others to solve their problems, and they accept personal responsibility for how they feel. Emotional Intelligence acknowledges that all feelings are valid, even the angry ones; it is what you choose to do with those emotions that builds emotional intelligence. About Yoga Yoga is a combination of postures and lifestyle. There are many postures practised in yoga which support strength and flexibility, but the greatest aspect of yoga is its ability to develop mindfulness and character. The yoga philosophy is to love and accept yourself and others, just as you are. Yoga encourages non- judgment, peace, mindfulness, and caring for others. Each posture in yoga is designed to support the emotional connection to self and others. For instance, your class may be doing yoga, and in the last few minutes move into peaceful pose. There may be a child in your class that does not usually experience peace, but for a few moments experiences peace. He or she has an opportunity to 'wire' peace into their nervous system. Through persistent acknowledgement each time the child demonstrates peace (if only for a moment) the self-belief of peace grows stronger. There will come a time when this child knows what peace is, how to get there, what it feels like, and will acquire the ability to self-regulate to peace.