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Journalism of Courage
By Akshar
In today’s overstimulated world, there is a stream of endless distractions coupled with increased stress starting as early as childhood. Technology in the form of smart phones, gaming sites and social media are all competing for your child’s attention simultaneously. With a plethora of choices at hand, children these days are finding it harder to concentrate on any one single activity for an extended period of time.
Kids are advised to start yoga practices as early as they possibly can. Yoga practices will help them align the energy points/energy fields in their body. Children tend to get distracted only when their energy is used up or consumed in a particular activity. There is an urgent need to bring them into mediation so that they can understand the power of priority. For a child, everything is equally important.
Therefore, a practice such as Tratak meditation on a flame, sun, and moon or on a black dot will help them build their focus. Following are a few yoga practices recommended for practice with your child which can improve his or her concentration.
Formation of the posture
Begin with Samasthithi
Lean forward and place your palms flat in front of your feet but slightly away from them.
Your fingers should point forward and they should be spread apart.
Bend your elbows slightly and place your knees just below your armpits.
Lean forward in such a way that all your body weight shifts to your arms.
Find your balance and slowly lift both your feet off the ground. Bring your feet together.
Straighten your arms as much as possible.
Focus at a point and hold this asana for a while.
Benefits
Strengthens your wrists and arms wrists and arms.
Tones your waist.
Your sense of balance, concentration, and co-ordination improves by practicing this posture regularly.
Formation of the posture
Begin in Marjariasana.
Place your elbows down flat.
Your fingers should point forward and they should be spread apart.
Lean forward in such a way that all your body weight shifts onto your triceps.
Find your balance and slowly lift both your feet off the ground. Bring your feet together.
Focus at a point and hold this asana for a while.
Benefits
Strengthens your wrists and arms wrists and arms.
Tones your waist.
Your sense of balance, concentration, and co-ordination improves by practicing this posture regularly.
Formation of the posture
Find a place which you do not frequent, preferably a natural environment for this technique.
Sit in any comfortable posture such as Sukhasana.
Look ahead for 5 seconds, behind you for another five seconds and on Right and Left sides for five seconds each.
Now close your eyes and recollect as many details that you observed as possible.
Benefits
This meditative technique has numerous benefits.
Helps to instill a sense of calmness.
It also builds your observation skills.
The process of this meditation helps improve Memory power.
It slowly builds within the practitioner a greater sense of gratitude.
Formation of the posture
Darpan Dhyan is the meditation technique with a mirror.
Find a comfortable sitting posture like Sukhasana, Vajrasana, Ardha Padmasana or Padmasana.
Place a mirror in front of you. Keep it at eye level and at a distance of about three feet away.
Practice looking at your reflection in the mirror and repeating any affirmations that you may have.
Engage in an inner monologue that is introspective in nature.
Benefits
Builds self-confidence.
Provides channel for questions.
Leads to clarity of mind.
Improved self-esteem.
Promotes self-reliance.
According to a research conducted by the University of Illinois and published in the journal Paediatrics, the study found that children who were engaged in daily physical activity of up to 70 minutes saw substantial improvements in their ability to pay attention, avoid distraction and switch between cognitive tasks.
Meditation results in benefits such as better focus in study or at play, improved memory power, discipline, commitment and sincerity. Children can understand the importance of anything if it is set as an example. When a teacher or a parent does an activity, this is sure to be immediately followed by the child. Just like dancing which children naturally take to, meditation too needs to be treated like a celebration. If we involve them in it joyfully, it will find a way through. Do not be strict with them, instead, introduce them to meditation with a sense of playfulness.
(The writer is Grand Master, Founder & Chairman, Akshar Yoga.)
