The joy of children

On Monday I was super fortunate to be able to share some yoga with the children of Saxon Pre-school. This was wonderful for me as 26 years ago I worked at the playgroup (as it was then) when my children were small.

For me it was a really joyful experience in a completely different way to my adult Hatha classes on a Monday evening and Wednesday morning. The children moved their bodies without any expectation and with a freedom and trusting that the shape would form. There’s a confidence in the body and its abilities without any judgement - no sucking in of belly’s here! They allowed the belly to fill with breath the diaphragm naturally filling to capacity. We enjoyed a story with yoga movement, some simple breath work using feathers for visual impact and a little guided meditation with music and a Koshi chime (a big hit!), for me it was pure joy.

I’ve been thinking about it a lot since Monday, it makes me smile and feel very happy, when I recall the session. I wonder when does the self critic and the judgements of ourselves start? When do we first decide to suck that belly in as a self conscious reaction?

I know not all children have the opportunity of just being children or enjoying a happy, safe, loving and warm environment. But for those who do have this (and I was lucky enough to experience a happy childhood), when does it all become a different narrative of how we see and trust our bodies? Perhaps it’s when we become aware of what is socially acceptable, of blending in, or school or social media pressure. When do we become aware of others thoughts and opinions and loose awareness of ourselves and our own?

It’s got me thinking that’s for sure. It’s also made me appreciate and love even more (if that’s at all possible) my two beautiful little granddaughters and their joy and curiosity of everything from the leaves of a tree to the beauty of a rainbow and their perfect little bodies.

Now, think of the happiest things. It’s the same as having wings.” — Peter Pan