What are the Yamas? How can they be introduced to children?
Yoga, as a lifestyle rather than just a physical practice at a gym or studio, includes several 'guidelines' that resemble societal norms. These are called Yamas and Niyamas.
Yamas consist of five guidelines linked to our external environment—how we treat, speak, and behave towards others. Niyamas, on the other hand, are five guidelines related to our internal being—such as our intentions and cleanliness.
When introduced in a yoga class, these guidelines might appear complex or challenging, but when broken down, they are simple concepts for leading a peaceful life. Many of us already follow or attempt to follow these principles, having been taught as children not to lie, to clean up after ourselves, to appreciate what we have, and to show respect. These 'guidelines' are often ingrained in our upbringing.
Please keep in mind that all of these activities can be done with all ages! This is not a “kids only” article but rather one that should inspire adults to connect with their inner child. One that we often forget is always within us.
Ahimsa — Non-violence
What does violence mean to you? It can be verbal, physical, or mental. The concept of non-violence is so broad that categorising it completely can feel impossible What if someone is mean to me? Do I not have the right to be mean back?
Ahimsa teaches us to not cause intentional harm to others, ourselves and nature. It means not thinking negative thoughts about others or ourselves; and making sure that what we do and how we do it is done in peace. Violence doesn’t have to be met with more violence—it can be met with kindness, hard as it may seem.
Art with intention: I love including lessons in art, an example is painting rocks with peaceful messages or designs and place them in the garden or windowsill. This will be a daily visual reminder.
Satya — Truthfulness
Satya means truthfulness, but it’s more than simply telling the truth—the Sanskrit word translates to ‘true essence’ or ‘unchangeable’. What is unchangeable? Our emotions and moods are extremely mutable, yet we often create our narratives (truth) around them. However with Yoga we study to find our own immutable self, which lies beyond these transient feelings.
Nature's truth: observe nature together and talk about how things in nature are honest in their existence—for example flowers blooming in their time or the sky being blue when it’s clear. Look for patterns in nature that show consistency and truth, like the tides or animal tracks. Relate this to how being truthful helps us shine.
Asteya — Non-stealing
While Asteya’s literal translation is non-theft, its significance extends beyond material possessions and slips into the realms of thought, time, and energy.
At its core, Asteya calls for gratitude and contentment with what we have, encouraging us to let go of envy or a sense of lack—liberating us from the feeling of insufficiency or a belief that we need more to be happy. Practising Asteya reminds us that true abundance comes from within, fostering appreciation for what we already have.
Gratitude jar: as a family, write or draw things you’re thankful for and place them in a jar. Before slipping the paper in the jar each one can explain why they appreciate what they have written. Once the jar is full you can read them all together, maybe on rainy day.
Brahmacharya — Non excess
Brahmacharya extends beyond the restraints of religious celibacy to encompass moderation and balance in all aspects of life. We have all found ourselves eating a little too much, buying more than we need because it’s on sale, taking things too fast or maybe too slow. As much as these things are human, none of them make us feel good. The joy of having new clothes doesn’t last long, toys get discarded within the pile of junk we already own.
Bracelet creation game: give the children the wire and beads to create their own bracelets, once they are finished the kids can put each bracelet in a bag. The bag will be brought around the circle and each one can blindly pick a bracelet, some will get the one they had made, other won’t. This can open the discussion about sharing and need versus want.
Aparigraha — Non attachment
Non-possessiveness is an important ethical behaviour in Yogic philosophy. It relates to attachment to all realms—physical, mental, material. Aparigraha teaches us to focus on what truly matters—love, kindness, and experiences—rather than always wanting and expecting more. To let go of greed, not taking more than we need and be grateful with what we do have, to feel lighter and freer by teaching us to enjoy life without being weighed down by too much "stuff" or the constant desire for more.
Book or toy swap: organize a swap where kids can exchange books or toys with friends. This creates the space to bring up how sharing helps everyone enjoy new things without always buying more—introducing the concept of communal sharing and letting go.
By integrating even one Yamas into your daily life you are planting seeds of kindness, truth, and gratitude that will grow over time. Share your journey—I’d love to hear your experiences.
The amazing thing about the Yamas is that they are not mutually exclusive, by teaching one we are also creating the ground for another!
If you want more creative ideas for introducing Yamas to children, follow us at https://fabricofyoga.substack.com/
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