Recently, Wang Shiling has once again attracted public attention. The comment section on social media platforms is filled with voices of envy for her. However, Wang Shiling’s life is not just surrounded by a halo of envy; she is also subject to skepticism and malicious gazes. For example, on the day of Qixi Festival, Wang Shiling shared a series of photos. The open-air night view and dim candlelight in the photos led to speculation by netizens, with some even mistakenly believing that she was hinting at her own romance.
Not only that, but netizens also tried to dig into Wang Shiling’s personal and private life based on subtle clues. For example, when Wang Shiling received an expensive giant rose bear on the day of 520, this item was thought by some to be the “confirmation” of her love. However, the love that Wang Shiling publicly expressed was dedicated to her mother. We can’t help but ask, even if she really did fall in love, what would be wrong with that? In foreign countries, puppy love seems not to be uncommon. As long as the individual is well-protected, continues to grow healthily, and their studies are not affected, then perhaps there is nothing wrong with dating.
Furthermore, despite being born into a well-off family and enjoying the affection of her parents and good academic performance, Wang Shiling still experienced troubles and pain due to her physique. Wang Yuelun once mentioned that during his daughter’s weight loss period, she resorted to aerobics and special meals and eased her cravings by watching “eating broadcasts” when hungry. This was because she had suffered verbal bullying from classmates, whose mockery of her figure made her feel a strong sense of inferiority. Fortunately, her parents’ love was enough to help her face these challenges with strength, and thus she radiates a toughness and beauty in spirit.
That being said, we must also admit that modern adolescents indeed need to pay attention to physical issues. With the temptation of high-calorie foods and beverages and the addiction to smartphones, coupled with the stress of academic work, children may not place enough importance on physical exercise, leading to an overall decline in physical fitness. In such cases, introducing yoga into children’s lives can help them not only lose weight but also improve their flexibility, endurance, muscle strength, and physical ability.
Yoga helps children grow in confidence through engaging in challenging activities, enjoying fun, and guiding them to establish healthier relationships with food, themselves, and others. In the current environment of heavy educational pressure, yoga can also provide children with techniques to deal with stress. The fourth limb of the eight limbs of yoga – pranayama, or breath control, involves the practice of voluntary breath control. Through smooth and deep breathing, it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system’s response, helping children calm their emotions.
For young children, parents can take advantage of their natural curiosity about “superpowers” and tell them they have a special “life force” – prana, which can be regulated and controlled through breathing. The key is to practice breathing techniques regularly and to practice together with the children in a stress-free context, to find a breathing method that suits them. Each child is unique, and the methods that suit them may vary from person to person and depend on the child’s age and personality. Parents should encourage children to explore and discover the most suitable way for them to harness their unique “prana” power.
Last but equally important, keep the element of fun and play in yoga: young children particularly enjoy games, stories, songs, and animal poses.
To cultivate children’s interest and joy in yoga, creating an attractive yoga environment is crucial. This can be achieved by combining poses with animal mimicry, practicing yoga while singing nursery rhymes, or organizing yoga sequences through storytelling.
When it comes to practicing yoga with children, maintaining flexibility is key. Considering the different needs and emotional states of children, the pace, duration, and intensity of yoga can be suitably adjusted according to their interests and energy levels.
Using props is also an effective way to attract children to start practicing. These might include soft blankets, pillows, blocks, straps, balls, etc., which provide extra comfort and make the practice more enjoyable.
Finding a quiet space for practice is essential for children, though it does not require complicated equipment. A space that is safe and tranquil for both sides in the everyday living environment will suffice.
For beginners or parents who require more guidance, yoga instruction and tips can be found through smartphone access to relevant online resources.
Teaching children breathing techniques:
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Use props to extend the breath: simple props such as tissues, scarves, windmills, or bubbles can help children practice breath control.
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Practice Bhramari Pranayama: prolong the breath by making a bee-like sound.
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Shape breathing: use geometric shapes to aid breathing exercises, such as regulating the breath with squares, stars, or circles.
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Drawing breath: coordinate drawing lines with breathing; for instance, draw a line while inhaling and return while exhaling, syncing the child’s breath with their movements.
Additionally, Sun Breath is a simple method that coordinates the movement of the arms with breathing; kids can mimic the movement of the sun and integrate this into their yoga practice.
While exhaling, slowly return the arms to the sides of the body. Try to count the breath while raising and lowering the arms, striving to gradually make the exhalation longer than the inhalation.
Use a Hoberman sphere for breathing: as you inhale, the sphere opens; as you exhale, the sphere closes. If no sphere is available, simply use your hands to mimic the opening and closing action of the sphere.
For “Flower Breathing,” gently clench your fingers into a fist with your palms facing yourself. As you inhale, bring each finger together, counting to five; then slowly relax each finger during a gradual exhale.
Wind Blower Earth: Practice with deep breaths combined with body movement. Choose a feather or a piece of paper, place it on the ground, take a deep breath, pucker your lips and gently try to blow it forward, moving your body to follow its path, then inhale again and repeat the process.
Deep abdominal or “Balloon Breathing” is more suitable for children’s breathing exercises. Whether sitting or lying down, place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. When taking a deep breath, feel the abdomen expand like a balloon and relax during exhalation as if the air in the balloon is being released. Children can place a beloved toy on their tummy as a “breathing buddy,” observing it rise and fall with their breath as if taking the toy on a journey.
It’s noteworthy that the normal respiratory rates for toddlers, preschool children, and school-aged children differ from those of adults. A 1-2 year old’s breathing rate may be between 24-40 breaths per minute, 3-5 year old’s at 22-34 breaths per minute, and 6-12 year old’s at 18-30 breaths per minute.
When seeking ways to help children relax both body and mind, remember that yoga not only alleviates symptoms but more importantly, it addresses the root of the problem. So when you’re unsure how to help a child, consider inviting them to participate in an invigorating yoga practice.
