DIGITAL LIBRARY
YOGA PRACTICE - A TOOL TO ENHANCE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR IN YOUNG LEARNERS
1 Horizons International Centre (INDIA)
2 New Horizon International School / Horizons International Centre (EGYPT)
About this paper:
Appears in: INTED2014 Proceedings
Publication year: 2014
Pages: 1609-1611
ISBN: 978-84-616-8412-0
ISSN: 2340-1079
Conference name: 8th International Technology, Education and Development Conference
Dates: 10-12 March, 2014
Location: Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
Yoga, a simple yet highly technical discipline, is suitable for people of all ages, irrespective of their level of fitness or state of health. When mental and emotional fluctuations are minimized, mental balance and emotional harmony flourish.
Yoga practice not only helps the individual students in their personal life but collectively it develops the nation, for today's students are tomorrow's better nation builders. When Yoga is incorporated from kindergarten to university level, it benefits not one individual, not one nation but also humanity.

The Self-Awareness programme aims to bring forth a realization of the state of beingness, evolution and connection. The starting point is to cultivate good daily practice for self-care, a phenomenon ignored by most societies today. The protocol delivers wellbeing through realigning and rejuvenating the body's natural healing system.

Scientific research has proven that Yoga practice can totally root-out self-destructive habits. The first and foremost benefits that can be received by school and university students are self-confidence, positivity in thinking and calmness of mind. By regular practice, perfect physical and thinking health, mental equipoise and moral purity are within anybody's achievement.

The programme has so far been introduced to school students in Egypt and has been a big success. Participants developed a more positive attitude and felt a tangible difference in how they feel about themselves and others. Their performance at school on a social and academic level was noted by their teachers and parents to have tremendously improved only within a few weeks of the course.
The aim of the Self-Awareness Programme is to show young learners how to realize and embrace the gifts they have inherently within them and appreciate the gifts and qualities of others.

Yoga practice also promotes their wellbeing, confidence, taking responsibility for their actions and non-actions. Moreover, it teaches them practical life skills that will assist them in getting into the habit of living fully; in a healthy, wise and joyful way.
It is recorded, by teachers and parents alike, that students have exhibited more positive behaviour and their concentration and exam performance levels have tremendously improved. The students’ sociial and interactive communication is exemplary, where understanding and tolerance prevails.

Weekly sessions are comprised of:
a. Asana (Yoga postures) and breathing exercise.
Simple energizing and relaxation techniques will be demonstrated so young learners can help themselves when feeling tired or stressed.
b. Participants will share thoughts on a specific virtue and learn how to refine a particular life skill as well as handle challenges.
c. Students will also learn about nutrition and hygiene.
d. Teachers are offered yoga holistic techniques for better class management.

The objective is to assist young people through incorporating Yoga in Educational Practice, and I shall be happy to deliver the techniques to do so in a simple and effective way.
Keywords:
Education, yoga, behaviour.