The Worry Tree

What Kids Silently Worry About

It may surprise you to see the kind of things she wrote down.  This girl was pretty quiet and seemed to be happy.  I had no idea what was going on beneath the surface until we did this guided relaxation and the drawing time that followed.

Here are her worries (I erased the names of the other kids she mentioned from her class):

• I was called the B word,
• B___ said she wishes that I was dead,
• K____ said I suck at jump rope,
• J____ said I suck and put her hand in my face,
• I lose all my friends,
• The teacher blames everything on me.

Modern Independence Day

Many people celebrated independence day last weekend.  I think Yoga helps us celebrate a modern independence.  In today’s world we need ways to free ourselves from our worries and fears.  We know stress is a silent killer.  The tools we teach children give them a way to voice that stress and find relief.  A freedom that they may not be able to find anywhere else.  And it’s something to celebrate.

So if you have times when you think teaching yoga to kids doesn’t really make a difference in their lives, think again.  Just because kids aren’t saying anything doesn’t mean they don’t have a tree full of worries.  You can make a difference.

Are you surprised by this young girls list of worries?  Why or why not?

Upcoming Events:

Young Yoga Masters is pleased to be promoting the Y.O.G.A. for Youth Teacher Training being offered in Toronto, Canada.

YOGA for Youth Kids Yoga Teacher Training

This 40 hour training program takes place from October 13 – 17, 2011.  I don’t get a chance to take too many courses, but I’m clearing my calendar to take this one.  I’ve had the chance to study with Krishna Kaur, the founder of Y.O.G.A. for Youth – she’s the real deal.  She has over forty years of yogic experience and knowledge to share.

For more details on the Y.O.G.A. for Youth Teacher Training and for some short video clips about it click here.  Registration is now open.  Save $100 if you register early.