Yoga. Does it make you think of celebrities, hippies, or your mom? Does it bring to mind pretzel-like positions and standing on your head? Does the yoga stereotype of thin and super-attractive, healthy-looking people make you think there's no way you could "qualify" to do it too?
If that's the case, you could be missing out on a great activity that makes a big difference in your life...or at least is a lot of fun. We've always been a fan of yoga here at IML, and included it in our section on great "Solo Sports." A new DVD called "Shanti Generation: Yoga Skills for Youth Peacemakers" aims to get that message across, helping tweens and teens discover
"Shanti Generation" is organized into different yoga sequences, breathing techniques, and meditations that are perfect for beginners, and lets you focus on certain skills each time. We loved that the DVD doesn't talk down to tweens, and especially liked the "Meet the Peacemakers" section where the young people featured on the DVD share what they love about yoga (see video below!).
We asked Abby Wills, a yoga educator and the creator/host of "Shanti Generation," to tell us more about why yoga might be something IML'ers should check out.
IML: When did you first start practicing yoga, and what difference did it make in your life at the time?
Abby: I started practicing in my late teens and it really improved my overall quality life. Yoga helped me find my way through a challenging time and cope with depression. Through my practice, I found a way to see my life as a treasure!
IML: What are some of the preconceived notions and stereotypes that tweens have about yoga? How can they get past them?
Abby: Sometimes tweens and teens think they need to already be a certain way to try yoga. For example, tweens might say "I'm not flexible enough." Or, "I'm not fit enough." Or, "I don't have enough concentration." What may surprise people is that anyone can participate in yoga and however you are right now is the perfect place to begin. I think the only way to get past preconceived notions and stereotypes is to give yoga a try and have your own experience.
IML: Why do you think yoga can be especially beneficial to tweens?
Abby: Between academics, sports, chores, friends and family, tweens lead super-busy, full lives. A lot of people don't get enough sleep, either, so they can get fatigued in all the whirlwind. Yoga is a way to relax and rejuvenate your energy in a short amount of time. And, it's free! Costs less than energy drinks and it actually works!
IML: What would you say to a young person who tells you he or she can't practice yoga because they're overweight, out of shape, bad at concentrating, has poor flexibility -- or any one of a ton of other excuses out there?
Abby: I would say, those are all PERFECT reasons to practice yoga! Yoga can help you with weight management, fitness, flexibility and strength. Practicing yoga most certainly helps to build concentration, too.
IML: You're on the faculty of two schools. How cool is that! Is yoga part of the curriculum there?
Abby: Yes, yoga is part of the curriculum and it's also part of the culture at the schools where I teach. Yoga is one of the ways students and teachers take care of ourselves and one another. We do lots of group and partner exercises in yoga that give us all a chance to connect to one another in a peaceful way. Yoga practice in the curriculum gives an opportunity to be mindful of our own state of mind. This mindfulness helps is every other part of school, from academics to peer relationships.
IML: What would you like the "Shanti Generation" to get out of this DVD?
Abby: Empowerment that your choices MATTER. How you live your live is the most powerful choice you have. No one can take away your power to choose how you want to be. Yoga skills are tools that help you become the healthiest self you can be. When you feel healthy and empowered, it's easy to be yourself and have a positive impact on your world. Peace!
IML: Peace to you too, Abby! Thanks for helping introduce yoga to a new generation.
To learn more about the Shanti Generation, visit www.shantigeneration.com.
If that's the case, you could be missing out on a great activity that makes a big difference in your life...or at least is a lot of fun. We've always been a fan of yoga here at IML, and included it in our section on great "Solo Sports." A new DVD called "Shanti Generation: Yoga Skills for Youth Peacemakers" aims to get that message across, helping tweens and teens discover "Shanti Generation" is organized into different yoga sequences, breathing techniques, and meditations that are perfect for beginners, and lets you focus on certain skills each time. We loved that the DVD doesn't talk down to tweens, and especially liked the "Meet the Peacemakers" section where the young people featured on the DVD share what they love about yoga (see video below!).
We asked Abby Wills, a yoga educator and the creator/host of "Shanti Generation," to tell us more about why yoga might be something IML'ers should check out.
IML: When did you first start practicing yoga, and what difference did it make in your life at the time?
Abby: I started practicing in my late teens and it really improved my overall quality life. Yoga helped me find my way through a challenging time and cope with depression. Through my practice, I found a way to see my life as a treasure!IML: What are some of the preconceived notions and stereotypes that tweens have about yoga? How can they get past them?
Abby: Sometimes tweens and teens think they need to already be a certain way to try yoga. For example, tweens might say "I'm not flexible enough." Or, "I'm not fit enough." Or, "I don't have enough concentration." What may surprise people is that anyone can participate in yoga and however you are right now is the perfect place to begin. I think the only way to get past preconceived notions and stereotypes is to give yoga a try and have your own experience.
IML: Why do you think yoga can be especially beneficial to tweens?
Abby: Between academics, sports, chores, friends and family, tweens lead super-busy, full lives. A lot of people don't get enough sleep, either, so they can get fatigued in all the whirlwind. Yoga is a way to relax and rejuvenate your energy in a short amount of time. And, it's free! Costs less than energy drinks and it actually works!
IML: What would you say to a young person who tells you he or she can't practice yoga because they're overweight, out of shape, bad at concentrating, has poor flexibility -- or any one of a ton of other excuses out there?
Abby: I would say, those are all PERFECT reasons to practice yoga! Yoga can help you with weight management, fitness, flexibility and strength. Practicing yoga most certainly helps to build concentration, too.
IML: You're on the faculty of two schools. How cool is that! Is yoga part of the curriculum there?
Abby: Yes, yoga is part of the curriculum and it's also part of the culture at the schools where I teach. Yoga is one of the ways students and teachers take care of ourselves and one another. We do lots of group and partner exercises in yoga that give us all a chance to connect to one another in a peaceful way. Yoga practice in the curriculum gives an opportunity to be mindful of our own state of mind. This mindfulness helps is every other part of school, from academics to peer relationships.
IML: What would you like the "Shanti Generation" to get out of this DVD?
Abby: Empowerment that your choices MATTER. How you live your live is the most powerful choice you have. No one can take away your power to choose how you want to be. Yoga skills are tools that help you become the healthiest self you can be. When you feel healthy and empowered, it's easy to be yourself and have a positive impact on your world. Peace!
IML: Peace to you too, Abby! Thanks for helping introduce yoga to a new generation.
To learn more about the Shanti Generation, visit www.shantigeneration.com.
