Flowing into Fun with Family Yoga

Over the last decade, yoga has seen its popularity rise exponentially in the western world. With this rise, it continues to diversify. Hot yoga, aerial yoga, outdoor yoga, partner yoga, goat yoga, stand-up paddle board yoga; it appears as though you can now do yoga anywhere, with anything, or anyone. Amidst this “menu” of yogas, also exists Family Yoga. Family yoga differentiates itself by including adding elements such as group or partner poses, singing, stories, and an emphasis on interaction, to the “usual” repertoire.

Practicing yoga as a family can therefore serve multiple purposes and has numerous benefits. On the most basic level, participating in any scheduled activity as a family in a way “forces” an excuse to spend time together. In today’s busy world ridden with hectic and often incongruous schedules, we almost need to block off and create “togetherness” in order to spend some quality time in the company of our families.

Yoga itself has many benefits, spanning from physical to emotional and mental. The focus on breathing works to relieve stress and can reduce anxiety, something which, regardless of age and location, can be an issue. Yoga can be a source of physical activity. A significant portion of Canada’s population across all ages is not meeting the Physical Activity Guidelines set out by the Canadian Government. Being active as a family has been associated with healthier and happier children – children who are then more likely to maintain an active lifestyle as they grow up. Yoga is a weight-bearing activity which can help strengthen and build bone density; depending on the style of yoga it may also serve as a moderate cardiovascular activity. With proper modifications and props, family yoga is a multigenerational activity which may include all members of the family, ranging from toddlers to grandparents. Using tools such as “fun” language or names for traditional poses and by infusing storytelling or song, family yoga instructors create classes to engage their participants.

Inherent to yoga itself is the focus on connection, both internally and with the outside world. Yoga thus teaches introspection and provides children with the opportunity to learn how to connect with their body and emotions. Done in a family setting, this can serve to create a common language and encourage dialogue between family members about topics such as emotions, body image, and wellness in general. Drawing from the eight limbs of yoga which guide yoga philosophy and emphasize acceptance, patience, and perseverance, this non-competitive nature and promotion of patience helps foster a growth– over fixed–mindset.

Carol Dweck coined the terms “growth” and “fixed” mindset, to describe the beliefs people have about their abilities; these mindsets are a major factor in how people handle setbacks and challenging tasks. People with a fixed mindset see their abilities as innate and unlikely to change or improve. Those with a growth mindset believe that their abilities are a result of practice and dedication, and therefore can be improved. This leads to more positive thinking and decreases negative reactions from perceived failure. The safe and supportive environment of a family yoga class can thus aid in the development of coping skills and growth mindset.  

Family Yoga offers families the opportunity to connect in a safe environment which fosters positive thinking. All members can benefit from the physical activity and the stress-relieving, mindfulness practices which are integrated into yoga classes. Unlike some activities, yoga is more accessible as it requires little equipment, bringing down the “expense factor”. Yoga philosophy fosters positive thinking and serves to benefit participants over their lifetimes.