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Yoga and Children, Part Three

© Jennifer M. Witkowski

Perhaps the most difficult time in a child's life is when they are entering adolescence. Particularly for girls, it is a time when the body they have grown used to metamorphosing into something quite new. Unfortunately, this can be very traumatic for many young women. But it doesn't have to be. With a lot of love, caring, and support, adolescent girls can be taught a self-love that can help them avoid the dangers of eating disorders and addictions which unfortunately plague our society today (more on yoga and eating disorders in an upcoming article).

During puberty and early adolescence, a young woman's body changes. This can be seen as a beautiful development, but unfortunately, our society often looks at the addition of curves to the hips and other places as developing unsightly fat - which couldn't be further from the truth.

One of the best ways for adolescent girls to overcome societal criticisms of their new figures is by engaging in a regular exercise program. Regular exercise increases the flow of endorphins, the body's natural antidepressant. Yoga is particularly suited to building an appreciation of one's new body because it addresses the youth's spiritual needs as well as her physical ones. One of the greatest gifts a yoga practitioner receives is an appreciation of their body as it is. It helps the practitioner to enjoy every muscle, and every curve, for what it is...a reflection of nature's beauty.

Of course, regular yoga practice is also a great calorie burner - so it can help prevent unwanted curves from forming while developing appreciation for those that are natural and good. And so yoga can help the adolescent girl appreciate the changes in her body with a calm peace of mind.

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