YOGA FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE

There is an increasing awareness of the benefits of yoga practice to special needs adults and children across the spectrum. These people deserve an improved life and yoga offers them an opportunity to develop an awareness of their physical bodies, mental and emotional state of mind and nurture their innermost feelings.

Yoga For All allows an individual to develop in accordance with their own requirements, recognizing the bodies natural capabilities and limitations and adapting a yoga practice accordingly. Whether one works with such an individual on a one to one basis or in a group environment, a teacher will require specific skills, an even temperament and an understanding of an individual’s needs to help them reach their full potential. For example, people in wheelchairs do not have to remain static, but a yoga class can be structured around the chair they sit in, including vertical stretches, forward bends, side bends, twists, etc. Yoga does not have to be restricted to physically mobile people but can be adapted to nearly all situations with some insight and thought.

There are specific training courses designed to provide the tools to yoga teachers and providers, who wish to expand their practice and explore the opportunities available to help these special people.

Special people have special hidden talents. It is not only what we can teach these special people, but what they can teach us!

I am a Qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher who has been practicing yoga for over 25 years, and teaching for the last 15 years.

I have an interest in working with mainstream and special needs children and adults. In 2001, I completed the “Yoga for Special Child” course and in 2004  completed The British Wheel of Yoga for children course.

I have taught in an autistic school, Jackson Lane – “Yoga for Special Kids”,  - “SENSE” Day Centre for Deaf and Blind Adults and St. Josephs Pastoral Centre for Adults with Learning Difficulties. I have held workshops for children with special needs at Yoga Junction, Norwood – Ravenswood, Integrated Play Opportunities Project (IPOP) and Resources for Autism. I am also Trustee to the “Special Yoga Centre” in Queens Park.

Workshops to introduce yoga to the wider community are held at regular intervals. The workshops are aimed at total inclusion so that parents may accompany their family members to the workshop which will also be open to siblings and friends. The program will include yoga poses to increase body awareness, strength and flexibility and breathing and relaxation techniques to help improve concentration and reduce hyper-activity. If you are interested in attending workshops please contact me.

Yoga For Special People is challenging and demanding but offers rewards which makes this an enriching experience. A child’s smile or an adult’s laugh performing an asana or singing a chant are experiences that stay with you for life.

It is my wish to make everyone aware of opportunities available to develop and enhance their teaching in this specific area.Special Needs teaching can often be isolated, demanding and tiring and it is often difficult to find cover for illness or unforeseen absences. A teacher’s support network is advocated to offer each other help, assistance and an opportunity to exchange experiences.

If you would like to be part of such a network and are interested in enhancing your experience, please contact me at Richard@yogaforall-UK.com or telephone 020 8349 9602.

We all have something to offer!