The ancient practice of yoga benefits individuals of every age, body type and gender, but holds particular promise for growing girls. Young women experience unique challenges and risks, such as managing their physical development and dealing with the mixed messages they receive from the media about the definition of beauty. Yoga strengthens the mind-body connection, which should help your daughter or other young lady in your life navigate these obstacles as she blossoms into a woman.
History
In her book "Yoga: A Gem for Women," Geeta Iyengar chronicles women and their evolving relationship with yogic practices. Ancient Vedic texts showed females using yoga to overcome challenges. Later, as women lost social status, they were denied access to yoga training. In Iyengar's opinion, "Women need yoga even more than men...." In 2008, a Yoga Journal study showed that female practitioners outnumbered males by almost three to one. Girls and women are reclaiming yoga to manage the challenges of womanhood.
Significance
Dove's Real Girls, Real Pressure report indicates that negative body image and low self-esteem affect a large number of girls, with seven in 10 feeling they are "not good enough" in some way. According to Shortchanging Girls, Shortchanging America, a report commissioned by the American Association of University Women, "Girls begin first grade with comparable skills and ambition to boys, but by the time girls finish high school, most have suffered a disproportionate loss of confidence." Yoga fosters a positive self-image and affirms a girl's intrinsic value.
Challenges
If your daughter becomes self-conscious about her body, she might hesitate to attempt a physical activity like yoga. Images of yoginis bent into pretzel-like poses may intimidate a young woman just starting to explore yoga. Growth spurts and changing body dimensions impact her coordination, energy level and flexibility. Some changes, like menstrual cramps, are painful and don't provide much motivation to exercise. Your attitude toward yoga will influence your daughter as well.
Benefits
With regular practice, yoga, like other forms of exercise, boosts self-esteem and improves your general outlook. Since yoga is a lifestyle philosophy, it encourages healthy habits and self-care while providing physical activity. In addition, yoga builds confidence, promotes responsible behavior and can develop your daughter's sense of self-worth and encourage her to form equitable, healthy and respectful relationships. By strengthening her mind-body connection, your daughter will tune into her emerging womanhood and gain the tools to overcome adversity.
Poses for Girls
Keeping in mind your daughter's specific needs, you can design a yoga program to accommodate them. The Warrior series of poses builds confidence and strength. Upper body and back strengtheners help rebalance her center of gravity as her body dimensions shift. Restorative, relaxing poses like Legs-up-the-Wall and Supported Child's Pose relieve the stress and discomfort of menstruation. Breathing and meditation will further support your daughter's mind-body connection as she grows and develops.
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