Yoga is not about turning yourself into a pretzel. But that concept would truly intrigue and animate many of my young yogis and yoginis.

Yoga encourages children to set achievable goals, a peaceful warrior, or a mighty tree. It also helps to develop perseverance and the self- confidence to work towards accomplishing those intentions.

Movement is a great instrument of learning, this is how children learn best. They can relate to the movements, and the movements enable them to relate to themselves and to each other. Through the various postures and body movements children can improve strength, co ordination, toning and flexibility of both mind and body.

Yoga inspires confidence in children and encourages them to try new things. It brings a sense of self- discovery and physical awareness in a supportive and non-competitive environment.  So much of a child’s world is influenced by a comparative/competitive nature whether it is achieving at school, in sports, or simply a game amongst friends or family. There always seems to be an undercurrent to reach the top. All would be well in this, if life balance was achieved or maintained in the process. However life balance seems to be lost in the competition. A healthy balance can only exist with a sense of awareness and a strong sense of self acceptance. Awareness is something that is discovered by connecting inward. Much of our lives and the lives of our children are outward reaching Children rarely have the opportunity to just be with out having to do. Coming to the mat and taking time out gives children the opportunity to take a step away from the agenda driven day and come to a slower pace. It is here that they are able to truly connect, to find some inner space and within that space a sense of peace. Although they may not be able to label or verbally communicate all of the subtleties of the practice it is expressed in each of their smiling faces and their dancing eyes at the end of class.

One of our greatest lessons at the mat is: practice is progress and not perfection, as perfection is what already exists.

To build your self confidence try Proud Warrior posture. Help build someone else’s confidence and share that posture with another.

Namaste.

Anne Domitrivits is known as the "Angel" instructor for children's yoga at Mountaingoatyoga in Ottawa, Canada.