Surya Namaskara for Children

Balancing the emotions
The importance of balancing a child's emotions in terms of their future life can be readily appreciated. We should keep this in mind when we examine the function of Surya Namaskara in establishing and enhancing their mental and emotional stability.

At the age of eight years the pineal gland starts to calcify and decay so that by the age of twelve to fourteen years puberty begins. The pineal holds the pituitary hormones, responsible for sexual maturity, in check and prevents precocious puberty. Its premature decay often allows over rapid sexual development. The physical aspect, the development of new sensations and desires, outstrips the mental, producing imbalance. A young mind is unable to understand and deal with the rapid development of the new feelings in a mature way, resulting in emotional trauma and the 'identity crisis' so prevalent in the early teens. It can also lead to severe hormonal imbalance and a variety of diseases, both physical and mental.

What we seek to achieve in yogic practice, is maintenance of the pineal gland, thereby delaying sexual development for a few years. When emotional development catches up with the physical component, the physical ripening can proceed in a controlled manner, free from the emotional traumas which leave permanent scars later on.

Surya Namaskara combined with nadi shodhana pranayama, shambavi mudra and gayatri mantra is the ancient method prescribed by the yogis and rishis to slow-down pineal degeneration. These practices help to maintain the whole ajana chakra complex which is seated at the pineal. If this can be achieved, life will be smoother sailing. When children are not able to balance the mental and physical aspects of their being, what happens? If there is excessive mental energy, the child becomes a daydreamer, but is unable to express himself. On the other hand, excess physical energy makes him a terror, impossible to manage. Therefore, balance of these two poles of our existence is essential, if we are to help our children grow into healthy and mature adults.