learning about yoga

The philosophies of yoga promote: self-learning, self-expression, self-acceptance, positive relationships, compassion, commitment to service, leadership, honest communication, use of intuition to guide decisions and attention to the present moment The practice of yoga supports and enhances all aspects of learning. It allows people to experience knowledge through their bodies and incorporate learning through movement, breath and intuition, rather than solely from their mind and outer world.

Using Multiple Intelligences to introduce yoga to your children & teens:

• Approaching a topic from entry points of MI categories your children gravitate towards can help them become more engaged and to understand ideas in greater depth.
• Do you know which of the Multiple Intelligences your child is: strongest in, prefers, struggles with? 
• If not, you can use Mandala's Multiple Intelligences inventory to find out. 
• Mandala's Multiple Intelligences Inventory- pdf
• For more information about Multiple Intelligences, click here

Kinesthetic- All kinds of Hatha Yoga (the physical practice of yoga); learning through movement; make connections between the alignment of each pose and how they can help strengthen, balance and support different aspects of your life

Spatial- Explore Hatha Yoga through in-person or online classes so there is the opportunity to see the movements in action; learn about principles of yoga through documentaries, video clips, text that incorporates pictures 

Logical-Mathematical- Hatha styles of Iyengar and Ashtanga are more structured, alignment-focused forms that may appeal to learners who think sequentially; explore the different meanings behind the number 108 and why it is considered a powerful, spiritual number to some groups of yogis

Musical- Create a playlist or make your own music for a yoga/movement class for yourself or to enjoy with family & friends; discover new styles of music, for example-- Kirtan singing in Sanskrit, MC Yogi shares yoga philosophy through hip-hop and rap-inspired music;  Instruments-- the sitar, harmonium, hang drum; find a local class that offers live music

Interpersonal- Explore yoga through a group class experience; try partner poses- here's a cool video from Jodi Komotor of Next Generation Yoga: click here; attend a yoga festival or conference that has kid's and teen's offerings

Intrapersonal- Learn about and practice meditation; start a journal to help explore feelings, emotions, relationships and to gather your dreams, fears, doubts, hope...

Existential- Explore the different philosophies and principles of yoga through discussion, journaling, research-- you can start here by visiting the mandala teens blog; watch the documentary 'I AM' and Titans of Yoga-- for more info and notes, read the blogs carly's notess #1 & #2

Naturalistic- Practice yoga outside!; discover patterns in nature that are reflected in the yoga poses you learn and movement you make in your own body; participate in the Yoga Energy Activist movement; check out the Green Yoga Association and find out how you can get involved

Linguistic- Learn about the ancient language of Sanskrit-- the roots, symbolism, history; explore yoga concepts through different writings-- stories, poetry, interviews with yoga teachers  

More Resources:

• Mandala Teens Blog-  A place for teens to learn about yoga, find video practices, meditations, journal ideas, crafts, group forums, blogs...

• The documentary Titans of Yoga provides an excellent introduction to the deeper meanings of yoga in an accessible way. Check out the carly's notes blog for more information and a learning guide to use with your teen as you watch the film.