Objectives Of Yogic Practices

Objectives Of Yogic Practices 

• To develop a understanding of yogic practices and apply this understanding accordingly in one’s life and living. 
• To develop a healthy habit and lifestyle in children.
• To develop humane values in children.
• To develop physical, emotional and mental health through yogic activities. 

General Guidelines for Yogic Practices Yoga may be introduced from the primary level onwards in informal  ways, but formal introduction of yogic exercises should begin only from Class VI. The yoga curriculum must address itself to the children and there should be some hints to them to take up a study of this subject on their own in addition to what is being taught in the class. Yogic activities can be done by all children including children with special needs. However, children with special needs should perform these activities in consultation with yoga experts/yoga teacher as per their capacity. 

• The yogic practices should start with a quiet mood which could be attained by reciting a short prayer. 
• It is essential that body should be prepared by activities such as ankle bending, knee bending, finger movements, hand clenching, wrist bending, wrist rotation, elbow bending, shoulder rotation and eye movement. After this, Surya Namaskara can be practised. 
• Regularity of practice is essential both in the physical and mental aspects of yoga. 
• Patience is an important requirement for yoga. Do not despair if you do not succeed today in doing a certain asana or in following a right principle of conduct. Perseverence in your efforts is needed. Success will come with time. 
• Do not compete but cooperate. A spirit of competition is a definite hindrance on the path of yoga. Competitions feed our ego while yoga helps us to rise above our ego. 
• Yogic practices should be learnt under the guidance of experienced teacher.
• Some yogic practices should be practised on an empty or on a very light stomach. 
• Early morning is the ideal time for yoga practice but it can also be practised in the evening. 
• Yoga should not be practised in hurry or when you are exhausted. 
• Select a well-ventilated, clean and non-disturbing place for your practice. 
• Yogic practices should not be performed on hard surface. A durry, a mat or a blanket can be used for this purpose. 
• Bathing before the practice is good. Use cold or warm water as per the requirement of the individual and season. 
• Clothes should be loose and comfortable while performing the yogic practices. 
• Breathing should be as normal/natural as possible. It is not to be manipulated unless instructed specifically to do so. 
• There are limitations of yogic practices. If you are suffering from any problem or chronic disease, inform your teacher before starting yogic practices . 
• Yogic practices should be adopted on the basis of the principle of progress. At initial stage, easy practices should be adopted. Later on more difficult ones can be practised. Therefore, start with simple yogic practices and gradually proceed to do advance practices. 
• Yogic practices should not be combined with other physical activities in same session. These are two different types of activities and could be separately practised.
• Yogic practices can be carried on at home once they are properly learnt in the school. 
• Yoga has a broader meaning. Therefore, apart from asana and pranayama, one should practise moral and ethical values in life.