Easing Into Yoga
By Ellen Wood, Yoga Teacher
In January we eased into our yoga practice by revisiting familiar songs, asanas, and meditations to provide consistency and predictability to transition back into the school routine. With the advent of snow, we mimicked the water cycle and the molecular formation of a six pointed snowflake crystal through asana. We also read stories such as Under and Over by Kate Messner, moving our body with story to become various winter animals. In many cases, the children's classroom curriculum is incorporated to deepen learning and provide a holistic lens of study. For example, in 5-2 as they studied Newton's law of gravity, we looked at equal and opposite reactions as we pushed into the floor and rose into various poses.
Studies show that yoga supports development in a number of ways. One of the first skills to develop in therapeutic yoga is self regulation. The breath is perhaps the most accessible key tool for self regulation. Long and deep breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system: the mechanism in our bodies that allows us to relax and become more aware of our feelings and actions. Sensory integration skills are also promoted by the practice of therapeutic yoga. Yoga postures provide proprioceptive (impact into the joints and the muscles around the joints) as well as vestibular input (movement through space). For example, when we roll on our backs and massage our spine in yoga, vestibular input is given, and when the feet meet our mat, or in even more weight bearing poses such as table or downward dog, proprioceptive information is provided. Both of these stimulations calm the nervous system.
We look forward to February as we continue to strengthen and improve our practice and learn new skills to add to our toolbox.
