At all times we are in a process of being more present and authentic to our challenges, accomplishments and diverse experiences in our life. However, it is in childhood that we define the way we look at our reality and decide what skills we draw on to deal with the challenges of learning and to be present to our lives. The child’s tender nervous system is acquiring information in very powerful and subtle ways. The organization of this information is used by different parts of the brain. There is the logical information and there is the inner information. When the child goes to school, s/he learns to organize outside information. The child that has tools for inner connection is able to access, assess and deliver his inner reality.
Happiness is about balance, balancing the inner and the outer world. It is about knowing, trusting and relying on the tools that each of these worlds supply us. Nature is simple and if we understand and function under the same simplicity, then we trust the world, and are secure to deliver our inspirations and to relate more authentically.
Love it is not enough for the well being of children. Children need to be independent creators of their reality. Children need to touch into themselves and to explore their inner resources to deal with their own development and learning challenges.
There are two factors for a stable family:
- the routine of the mother
- the routine of the child
There are two factors for the happiness of the individual:
- balance of time devoted to the outside world
- the quality of time devoted to be with oneself
Yoga’s strength for the child is the alignment of very precise channels of energy or meridians, that is not done in dance classes or swimming. Yoga is a very precise science to promote the growth of these subtle channels that produce a sense of inner strength and well-being. Meditation facilitates a powerful and lasting connection to the quiet within. It gives the child the opportunity to establish equanimity, discernment and a profound relaxation in his/her nervous system.
At this time, a daily practice for children is very important. Through generations we were taught to either suffer, or to avoid suffering. This does not need to be the case for your child. As parents we do our best; however, unconsciously we pass on information from our ancestral lineage. All the emotional unfinished information, all concepts and values about life, is in the DNA of our children. As a mother of two boys, I had the responsibility to give them tools and a new perspective of life that is not about avoiding suffering; but, about how capable they are in facing the unavoidable challenges of life.
Parents usually have excuses about time and child preferences that create impediments to implementing a daily practice. This is usually because the child is leading the emotional direction of the parent. When the parent has the vision, the discipline and the order to supply a solid foundation in parenting, a daily practice for children can easily be implemented. The parent will discover that a daily practice not only balances a child’s moods, but also gives a clearer direction of the needs of the child.
To teach a daily practice is to prioritize your child’s education. The child will do it if there are no negotiations and you model a strong example. I gave priority to my own practice with them observing me, learning and copying me. If you, as a parent, are able to have your children brush their teeth regularly, (not an easy task), then you are able to implement a daily practice.
Play smart – offer the experience to the child and educate yourself how to do it. We are here to support and train you.
I do encourage parents to implement a mindful daily practice with their children after they are 6 years old. They deserve to live free from our own limited conceptions about life and about ourselves. We are here to inspire you about how to lead them in the practice, so that everlasting progress and growth are an inspiring platform for their education and well-being.