What's New in the World of Yoga:

Parents of young teens often have the challenge of finding healthy and fun ways to educate their youth about body image and self-esteem. When it comes to physical appearance, both boys and girls are highly influenced by peer pressure.

In today's world, teen girls are usually the most affected by society's unattainable expectations with regard to self-image. It has become increasingly troubling for parents and educators to find successful and lasting solutions to counteract the negative and potentially damaging aspects of peer pressure on teen girls.

However, some teens are learning to apply strategies that help them deal with the pressure, and some adults are meeting them halfway in their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. One of these solutions may surprise you.

Yoga has become an increasingly popular solution for teenagers who deal with stress.

Teens Lauren, Emily and Jessica Parsons have created a yoga DVD for other teens called "Yoga by Teens". Taped in their hometown of Santa Barbara, these three teens offer a 40-minute class that demonstrates Hatha yoga poses and includes an introduction to yoga. It also teaches teens to develop more self-respect and confidence in their own abilities. And the three girls take it a step further by donating 10% of their proceeds to nonprofit organizations that provide services for young people.

The Yoga House in Pasadena, California is offering "Teen Girls' Yoga", two six-week series of yoga workouts with Syd Delaski, a certified yoga instructor who specializes in teaching pre-natal, mommy & me, children, gentle and therapeutic yoga practices.  Syd's techniques are specifically targeted toward balancing and regulating hormones in teen girls and aiming to teach them "how yoga can be used to draw strength and confidence from within".

The book "Yoga for Teens" by Thia Luby explains how yoga can be especially beneficial to teenagers who are experiencing intense physical and emotional shifts. Thia is a well-known and highly respected yoga teacher and best-selling author, whose main focus is the development of yoga programs for children, teenagers and adults. In her "Yoga for Teens" book, Thia addresses the positive impact yoga can have for teenagers who are dealing with issues such as hygiene, sexuality, and sports. Each area is handled in a clear and gentle understanding of the healthy changes that occur in teenage bodies and give examples of how yoga can provide a balanced mind and body.

If you have a teenager or know of one who could benefit from this knowledge, you might like to share with them the joys and benefits of practicing yoga. And one of the best ways to do this is through Thia's book, which is sure to teach them how to improve their lives.

Updates from the Blog:

Yoga, But Not Yoga

Over the years, many of us have heard or read about certain school districts and religious organizations who have felt that yoga does not have a place in their institutions. Several yoga groups have even been banned from church recreation rooms and school campuses. Continue Reading...

Stressful Times

Well my fellow WAHMs, I hope the current economic crisis is not taking too much of a toll on your lives.

It's been quite a roller coaster ride this past month and, of course, with the elections coming up next week, we all seem to be getting caught up in the fear that is whirling around us. Continue Reading...

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