Thanks to its solid principles, Educational Yoga represents the perfect tool for fostering the development physical, emotional e cognitive of children and young people.
The growing amount of research increasingly underscores how this age-old discipline can extremely efficiently promote the well-being of the youngest.
In this article we describe in detail what the principles of Educational Yoga are!
Table of Contents
What is Educational Yoga
Before we look at what the principles of Educational Yoga, let us briefly explain what it is and what its benefits are!
Lo Yoga Educational represents a method pedagogical innovative e revolutionary, which combines the ancient wisdoms of yoga with the most recent findings in the fields pedagogical, psychological e biomedical. The principles of this discipline are rooted in Oki Do Yoga.
Adapted to be at the same time fun e stimulating, Educational Yoga is designed to meet the characteristics individual of each child and adolescent (discover the Educational Yoga Projects for Children and Teens).
Through this practice, younger people are guided in the discovery of the different elements that make up their personality, bringing them closer to the spheres ofpersonal identity, of the process of growth, of theharmony and movement, as well as the subtle correlation between mental and physical flexibility.
The result is a deep sense of well-being that stems from an increased self-awareness and the development of key life skills.
L’main objective of Educational Yoga is to integrate e orient the traditional educational paths – both school-based and non-school-based – to foster a more balanced growth of children and adolescents. This growth is centered on respect of the aspects cognitive, physical e spiritual of young people, with the aim of improving relationships with themselves and with others.
The principles of Educational Yoga
The metaphor of the tree is particularly useful in effectively illustrating the structure of educational yoga.
1) At the base, we find the roots, namely the principles of educational yoga: like the roots of a tree, these are vital to provide nourishment, solidity e stability and ensure a growth balanced e harmonious.
2) Moving upward, the trunk, the eight steps of Educational Yoga.
3) Finally, the canopy, the playful activities: it includes all those games and exercises aimed at releasing tension.
The structure of Educational Yoga rests on the process principle – awareness – action: through the principle I get in touch with my inner self., therefore I increase awareness which I finally bring into theaction.
Given their importance, let’s look in detail at what the principles of Educational Yoga are!
The principle of motivation
The principle of motivation is based on the idea thatlearning is most effective when it responds to a real need perceived by the individual. This concept is particularly relevant when teaching children e adolescents.
For the children, the learning process is facilitated by an approach playful (discover theimportance of play in children’s yoga!). For them, game is a natural medium for explore e interact with the world. Therefore, the integration of elements playful during teaching makes the experience both engaging and educational. Through play, children can learn aspects of yoga in a way that satisfy their curiosity and their need for movement and expression.
For adolescents, on the other hand, motivation often stems from the need to belong to a group and the need to establish meaningful relationships. In this context, Educational Yoga can be structured to encourage teamwork and the building of social ties. Le group practices and the activities that promote collaboration can be particularly effective.
For both children and adolescents, physical contact plays a crucial role. Techniques such as “massage yoga” can be used to teach the importance of contact consensual, respectful e healing. This not only strengthens the mind-body connection, but it also teaches young people the importance of respect for themselves and others.
The principle of practice
Among the principles of Educational Yoga we find the principle of practice. This principle is based on importance inherent in doing practice firsthand and regularly for thelearning and development of skills.
Through the experimentation personal e constant training, Educational Yoga and its benefits can be fully received by younger people and become an integral part of their daily routine.
The practice is also a means of teaching them perseverance and patience. In an era characterized by immediate gratification e countless distractions, Educational Yoga offers young people the opportunity to develop the ability to focus on a long-term goal, recognizing the value and satisfaction that comes from continuous effort and gradual improvement.
The principle of breath-awareness
This principle teaches children and adolescents the importance of being aware of one’s breath, an aspect crucial for the development of greater self-awareness and control of emotions.
Through practices of breathing guided, students learn to use the breath as a tool to calm the mind, reduce stress e manage emotions more effectively.
This kind of awareness helps young people to recognize and regulate their emotional responses, while developing a greater ability to concentrate e mental presence.
The principle of alternation
The principle of alternation focuses on the balance between tension e relaxation: there can be no relaxation without previous tension, e vice versa.
This principle teaches children and adolescents the importance of balance between effort e rest both in the yogic practices and in life daily.
In yoga, this is manifested through the asanas, where the muscle tension required to hold a pose is followed by a controlled relaxation. This cycle of tension and relaxation not only increases physical strength and flexibility, but also helps to develop greater awareness of one’s body.
By applying this principle, students learn to recognize and manage their own energy, understanding the importance of balancing activity with rest. This is fundamental for general welfare, as it teaches young people to recognize their own limitations and to find a healthy balance in their lives.
The principle of respect
The principle of respect emphasizes theimportance of respect for oneself and others. This concept is fundamental for development of healthy relationships and for the building a respectful and supportive community.
In Educational Yoga, self-respect begins with the awareness and acceptance of one’s body and of one’s one’s own emotions. Students are encouraged to self-compassion and to recognize their own limitations; this helps them to develop greater self-confidence.
In parallel, respect for others is promoted through the teaching ofempathy and cooperation. The group practices of Educational Yoga encourage students to work together, a support each other and to understand and respect individual differences.
This mutual attention fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, where each student can feel valued and listened to.
The principle of good values
The principle of good values emphasizes the importance of manifesting values through action, not limiting itself merely enunciating them verbally.
This principle teaches children and adolescents that values such as.integrity, honesty, responsibility and compassion are demonstrated concretely through their own daily actions.
Through practical examples and real-life situations, Yoga Education teachers demonstrate to students how values are not just abstract concepts, but essential guides for actions and daily choices.
The principle of inner listening
The principle of listening is to understand the importance of listening to the inner wisdom that resides within everyone. This principle teaches children and adolescents To connect with one’s inner self, recognizing and valuing one’s intuition e knowledge inner.
In the practice of Educational Yoga, inner listening is encouraged through meditation techniques, reflection e awareness of the present moment. These practices help students to quiet the mind, a set aside external distractions and to focus on one’s inner world. In this space of quiet e introspection, can emerge deep insights and understandings.
The practice of inner listening is described as a “well of eternal wisdom, an inner – and eternal – source of guidance and inspiration. Students are encouraged to trust of this inner wisdom, thereby developing a greater self-esteem e confidence in one’s own abilities.
The principle of the centrality of the family
The principle of centrality is based on the role crucial that the family plays in the growth e in the education of children and adolescents: it is the first and most influential educational context in the life of a young individual.
Incorporating Yoga Educational into the life family means creating a home environment that supports and reflects the principles of respect, empathy, awareness e personal growth.
In addition, this principle also emphasizes the importance of other educational settings, such as the school and community. Collaboration between the family and these different environments can create a holistic approach to education, in which the values and the lessons learned are reinforced e expanded in different social and educational contexts.
The principle of gratitude
The principle of gratitude emphasizes gratitude as essential source of true happiness. This principle teaches children and adolescents to Cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving e appreciation for the experiences and the people in their lives, recognizing the value and the beauty even in the small things.
Cultivating gratitude helps develop a sense of abundance and contentment, counteracting tendencies toward negativity anddissatisfaction. Students learn to see the world and their experiences with positive eyes, strengthening their emotional and mental well-being.
By incorporating the principle of gratitude, Educational Yoga promotes not only the personal happiness, but also empathy and kindness toward others, creating a more compassionate and connected community.
The principle of personal preparation of the educator
This principle is based on the idea that to effectively guide students, l’educator must first embark on his or her own own path of growth and learning.
This is done through the concept of Kenkyo and Mikkyo.
The Kenkyo (Japanese for “humility”) implies that teachers of Educational Yoga should actively seek professional learning opportunities, whether through formal training and throughobservation andlearning from the experiences of other teachers.
Mikkyo (Japanese for “secret teachings”), or thepersonal experience, means that the educator should also be iengaged in constant personal practice. This includes not only the physical practice of yoga, but also the personal reflection, the meditation and thedeepening of philosophical principles e spiritual of yoga.
The principle of empathy
The principle of empathy teaches that only theacting allows one to feel the richness of the empathic relationship, rather than words alone.
This teaches children and adolescents the importance of developing a deep understanding of emotions, both their own and those of others, e manifest this awareness through actions that demonstrate empathy e respect.
The principle of rootedness and stability
This principle of Educational Yoga teaches children and adolescents theimportance of developing a sense of inner security through the search for their own centrality.
In Educational Yoga, the stability physical is promoted through thetraining of postural skills and balance. Students learn to maintain physical positions with strength e control, developing a greater awareness of one’s body and its ability to remain stable.
In parallel, the stability mental is encouraged through meditation, breathing and concentration practices. Students learn how to calming the mind, reduce stress e develop emotional balance. This contributes to the creation of greater internal security thanks to which students feel centered and in full control of their emotions and their reactions.
The concept of “centrality” emphasizes the importance of finding a point of balance and of internal reference point: this helps students successfully navigate the tumultuous sea composed of the challenges of daily life, facing difficulties with calmness and determination.
The principle of transformation
Among the principles of educational yoga, we also find the principle of transformation, which teaches children and adolescents to see difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning.
In this way, they are encouraged to transform challenges, obstacles e adversities into opportunities to develop strength, resilience and wisdom.
The enemy can become a friend and the poison medicine: students learn to see the complex or negative situations as opportunities for develop understanding, compassion e resilience.
Difficulties are no longer seen as obstacles insurmountable, but as part of the path of growth.
Bottom line.
Now you know the principles of Educational Yoga!
If you aspire to become a yoga teacher, the Educational Yoga Course, recognized by the MIUR, represents the ideal choice for your training path: visit the page dedicated to the courses to become a teacher of Educational Yoga or read our guide how to become a teacher of Yoga for children!
If this topic interests you, learn about the benefits of yoga online.
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Get to know the authors!
A certified instructor of Oki do Yoga, with a master’s degree in “Yoga Studies” from the University of Venice, she is an adjunct lecturer of the advanced training course “Educational Yoga at School” at the University of Padua.
Co-Founder and President of Ssd “Educational Yoga.”
Holding a Ph.D. in Pedagogical, Educational and Training Sciences from the University of Padua. The doctoral thesis focused on the training of trainers in Educational Yoga.
Docent of the advanced training course “Yoga Educativo a scuola.” the Advanced Training Course at UniPd was conceived by the founders of Yoga Educativo, together with Director Prof. Luca Agostinetto.
Co-founder and vice president of Ssd “Educational Yoga.”
