Mindfulness and yoga for children

Yoga: Unlocking the Power Within

In the vibrant village of Krishnagiri, there lived a young boy named Kanna. Despite being only in the 8th standard, Kanna looked much older than his age. His classmates often teased him by calling him “Uncle,” a nickname that made Kanna feel embarrassed and isolated. Kanna, struggling with self-esteem, found it hard to connect with his friends and family. Instead of engaging in activities, he spent his days indulging in unhealthy snacks. He felt trapped in a cycle of negativity, unsure of how to break free.

One quiet evening during his summer vacation, as Kanna sat on the couch watching TV, a distant relative named Chikka arrived at the house. Chikka, an older man with a stern look, walked straight up to Kanna and said, "Uncle, please call Hari."

Kanna’s face turned red with frustration. "I'm not Uncle," he muttered under his breath. The constant teasing was starting to take a toll on him.

Chikka repeated his request. "Uncle, call Hari. It’s important."

"I will call my father... but I’m not Uncle; I’m his son, Kanna!" Kanna snapped, his emotions getting the better of him.

Later that evening, Kanna’s father, Hari, met Ananth Sir, a well-known yoga master in the village. When Kanna felt down or overwhelmed, he would visit Ananth Sir for guidance. That evening, Kanna desperately needed help.

"Namaste, Sir!" Kanna greeted him at the yoga center. "I’ve been feeling a little low."

"Why? What’s bothering you, my boy?" Ananth asked, noticing Kanna’s downcast expression.

Kanna’s voice quivered. "Our relative came home today and called me ‘Uncle.’ It makes me feel terrible. Everyone teases me, and I don’t know what to do."

Ananth smiled understandingly. "You should feel proud, Kanna. They’re showing you respect. But I see it’s bothering you. Let’s do something about it."

"I don’t think I can do what you teach, Sir. All those bends and stretches... I’m not sure if I can keep up," Kanna said, unsure of his abilities.

Ananth chuckled softly. "Yoga isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about consistency. Start slow, and you’ll see improvements. Yoga strengthens the mind as much as the body."

Kanna’s eyes lit up. "Will I feel better? Will I be more like the other kids?"

Ananth smiled warmly. "Yoga is a journey, Kanna. It will bring you peace, balance, and strength—inside and out."

Determined, Kanna started his yoga journey the next day at Kari Hills, a peaceful location where Ananth Sir taught. Surrounded by nature, Kanna began learning the basics of yoga. Though he struggled at first, Ananth’s encouraging words kept him going: "Every day, you improve, Kanna."

Months later, Kanna noticed remarkable changes. His flexibility improved, his patience grew, and he felt calmer in stressful situations. No longer bothered by the teasing, Kanna carried himself with quiet confidence. At school, he excelled, his focus sharper than ever.

By the time Kanna reached 10th standard, he was a transformed young man. His grades were exceptional, and he had mastered challenging yoga poses like Parvatasana. But the greatest transformation was within him. Kanna had learned that true success is not just about physical achievements, but about finding peace and balance in life.

The decision to embrace yoga had set Kanna on a path of personal growth, both mentally and physically. Through yoga, Kanna found inner peace and discovered the power of self-discipline, consistency, and positive thinking.

As Kanna stood in front of the mirror, reflecting on his journey, he smiled. The teasing had faded, replaced by respect and admiration from those around him. More importantly, Kanna had found something even more valuable—he had found himself.

Moral of the Story: Yoga is not just about physical exercise—it is a powerful tool for achieving inner peace, balance, and mental well-being. Through dedication and practice, yoga can lead to a more fulfilled life, both inside and out.