The Yamas are the first of the 8 limbs of asthanga yoga. The meaning of yama is right living or ethical rules. You can think about it as taking the reins of your life. Yamas are typically what NOT to do, but for kids, we always flip that to recognize what we ought to do to be ethical.
The first Yama is ahimsa, which means “non-violence” or “non-harming”. By acting in a safe, calm, and kind way, we can support our loved ones and wider communities by not harming them — and ourselves in becoming better, kinder versions of ourselves.
How can we practice ahimsa towards our students in a kids yoga class? It is important to provide multiple forms of inclusion—including visuals, auditory supports, and catering to the needs of each child in a kind way. By allowing children with special needs and various learning styles chances to succeed in learning, we prevent them from feeling bad about themselves for having difficulty with the material (not to mention offering them a greater chance at academic success for everyone!).
By truly listening to kids, we are practicing ahimsa. For one, when we listen we can learn things about how to serve and interact with them in ways that will support them, rather than be hurtful to them. And by listening to them intently, we reduce the risk that they can experience feelings of inadequacy or feeling unseen, unheard, uncared for. When we listen to people, with attentiveness and care, it sends the message that they truly matter. This is an incredibly important message for children, considering where they are developmentally and the things that they’ll then believe about themselves for years going forward.
For the well-being and growth of all in the class, it is important for classmates to act with kindness towards each other. Consider engaging in activities where children work with different partners and send each other kind thoughts. In a group reflection, have each student say something kind about another student. This feels good for both the giver and the receiver of the compliment — demonstrating for students that kindness is good for everyone involved! Another idea is to have children use inclusive, kind language as part of class culture. which you model actively.
Exercises like these are also positive contrasts to instances when students may act unkindly to each other, and thus harm each other; you can remind them of how it felt to give each other compliments, how it feels better — for everyone involved — than unkind actions. If unkind behaviors pop up, you can facilitate conversations around how to repair damage between classmates.
For all of these reasons and more, ahimsa is a foundational element by which we can teach our children to be kind and supportive of others. With a little thoughtfulness and leading by example, you can share its power and importance with the children in your life.
Want to learn more about how to teach yoga philosophy to kids in ways that will draw them in and teach them life-affirming lessons they can benefit from for their entire lives? We have resources in our shop for that, for ages 7-11 and tweens/teens!
Check out our Yoga Philosophy for Kids course, as well, which you can take individually or as part of our 95-hour Kids Yoga Teacher Training. Questions, comments, concerns, et cetera? Email the Teacher Trainer Lara Hocheiser at lara@flowandgrowkidsyoga.com, or set up a call with her here! To note: Lara, who leads the above trainings and created the above products, recently spoke on yoga philosophy for kids at the Kids Yoga Conference!
