I just read this article about parents and community members putting an end to Yoga in public schools.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27008935/ns/us_news-education/t/yoga-school-causes-stress-among-some/#.UIsBsLtjKWV
As a teacher who taught and currently teaches "Yoga" in public schools, I have first hand seen the benefits of Yoga in classrooms. In a school in Washington state, I was not allowed to call this practice "Yoga," based on my principals advice, she advised me to call it "stretching." We both were disappointed that we could not use the correct term and call Yoga it's proper title. I decided to follow along because I knew that the benefits of "stretching" to the students out -weighed not doing it at all. The kids (elementary school students) knew it was really called "Yoga" they called it "Yoga," it was the parents that I had to worry about. Kids are accepting with open minds about anything they can possibly learn, I don't see why we cannot teach the true Art of Yoga. These elementary students had a thrill of learning the names of the poses, the real sanskrit names, not just "dog pose," do I have to hide the language too? The kids WILL understand that it is not a religious practice, in fact, people can practice ANY religion and still practice YOGA.
One student of mine, at 8 years old, helped his extreme anger issues through Yoga and precisely by learning from "Light on Yoga" by BKS Iyengar. This book is nicknamed "The Yoga Bible," maybe another term to scare people off. Anyway, this students' life changed by doing Yoga, the true form, his life became more peaceful which effected his family, friends, and school mates in only positive ways.
Furthermore, I taught students with Autism that had Emotional Behavioral Disorders. These students would try to commit suicide and hurt their parents while they slept, these students banged their heads on concrete walls. I decided to teach them "stretching" YOGA! These kiddos loved it and their bodies were all so different, some students could do one pose while another could not, they would practice these poses to get better. We used belts to create "jetpacks" and students buzzed around the room, having a blast with Yoga. At the end of class, we always ended with Savasana, this was their FAVORITE pose. I could not believe what I saw. Autism kids could lay down and soften their eyes, they would look up at the ceiling, look down-eye lids soft, close their eyes, and BREATHE! These Yoga learners LOVED savasana, they always did the pose for at least 10 minutes which is a challenge for most adults without learning and mental disabilities. I would teach these students for 1 hour a week and they would be sooooo excited for Yoga! Even more excited than when I would teach them Art. Their core teacher could see a difference in behavior and these kids learned poses to help them CALM down and to also be challenged.
I have thought about getting a PhD in the studies of Yoga because I think that the public needs to learn about these benefits and learn that it is not a religious practice. The benefits to Yoga are amazing especially in public schools where students sit in desk and are constantly tested, tested, and tested again. I know this, I've seen it, as a public school teacher for 13, going on 14 years. I have been an Art teacher because these students need a creative outlet. Now, I am seeing that students need an outlet for moving their bodies while taking the time to breathe and rejuvenate their brains, emotions, and confidence.
The article above saddens my heart, I have seen the benefits with my own eyes, time and time again. The students should have the choice to practice "Yoga." I see parents who step in and put a stop to things without even SEEING what the teacher is teaching and the positive effects it is having! Yoga should be called "YOGA" and it should be practiced in public schools as a successful way to help manage stress, encourage a personal connection of the body and mind, and a way to bring oxygen to the body.
I am very passionate about this subject and it is part of my life work on the trail ahead.
With love and good thoughts to those Yoga teachers and students who can now not practice "Yoga"
Kelly
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