Imagine a world where a child’s curiosity becomes a gateway to movement, mindfulness, and self-discovery — where the rustle of leaves, the distant roar of a lion, and the gentle lapping of ocean waves shape not only their imagination but their very bodies and breath.
In this world, binoculars become magic tools, transforming simple observations into full-body experiences — and every animal sighting inspires a new adventure in movement, sound, and stillness. This is the essence of a yoga and visualization journey designed especially for children aged one to five — an experience that cultivates their creativity, physical development, and inner calm through a harmonious blend of yoga, breathing, music, and mindful reflection.
At this tender and formative age, visualization is not just play — it’s a powerful tool for cognitive and emotional growth.
When we say,“I see elephants!” children’s imaginations ignite. With each new sighting of an animal, be it tigers, monkeys or crocodiles etc, we shape a yoga pose that mirrors the animal’s essence. By embodying these creatures, children don’t just learn about movement; they learn about stillness, balance, and the harmony of body and mind.
The Power of Visualization in Early Childhood Development
For these young children, visualization is crucial in fostering creativity, emotional intelligence and physical coordination. Through guided imagery — like looking through binoculars from a mountaintop, scanning the ocean’s horizon or exploring the depths of a dense jungle — they develop an ability to see beyond what’s physically present. This mental exploration fuels their capacity for storytelling, problem-solving and empathy.
When a child imagines an elephant and then transforms into one through movement — perhaps standing strong and steady in a wide-legged stance, swaying their trunk-like arms — they not only exercise their bodies but also their minds. This process strengthens their ability to visualize, focus, and engage fully in the present moment. Each animal-inspired pose becomes a stepping stone toward self-awareness, patience and mindfulness.
Yoga Poses Inspired by the Jungle
As the children explore the jungle through their magical binoculars, each animal they encounter calls them into movement:
Elephant Pose: Wide-legged stance with arms swinging like a trunk, cultivating strength and grace.
Tiger Pose: A low, prowling crawl with focused eyes, building balance and agility.
Lion Pose: Kneeling with a fierce, playful roar, encouraging self-expression and release.
Crocodile Pose: Laying in a side stretch with arms out and the hands going snap snap. Or for a bigger bite using the legs to open and close.
Incorporating Breathwork and Creative Movement
The journey doesn’t end with physical postures. Breathing exercises become part of the adventure, helping children connect their bodies with the rhythm of their breath. In one activity, children sit up straight with their legs wide apart stirring an imaginary pot of soup by moving their body in a big circular motion and an imaginary ladle in their hands. As they mix their magical concoction, they learn about fluid movement and the importance of breath in guiding their bodies. Before tasting the soup, they pause with a calming OM mantra, reinforcing the practice of gratitude and stillness before nourishing themselves.
This practice not only develops their physical flexibility but also introduces the idea of mindful eating and gratitude. By linking movement with intention and sound, children begin to understand the interconnectedness of their actions, thoughts, and well-being.
Rest and Reflection: The Ocean Breath
As the jungle adventure winds down, children transition into a gentle breathing exercise that mirrors the rise and fall of ocean waves. They lie down and visualize their breath moving from their belly, to their ribs and up to their chest — then slowly flowing back down like a gentle tide. This wave-like breath fosters relaxation, teaching them how to calm their bodies and minds through intentional breathing.This period of rest is essential, allowing the body to absorb the benefits of movement while nurturing a sense of peace and safety.
Through this practice, children begin developing the tools they’ll carry with them throughout life — the ability to self-soothe, focus,and find calm in moments of chaos.
The Joy of Mantra and Music
Music and mantra add yet another layer of joy and connection. In the tradition of kirtan, children engage in call-and-response singing, repeating simple, uplifting mantras like “Gopala” or “Gauranga.” These chants not only introduce them to sacred sounds but also encourage active listening, rhythmic movement, and a shared sense of community.
The beauty of mantra lies in its simplicity and repetition. Children naturally connect with melody and rhythm, and through these practices, they experience the meditative power of sound — finding stillness and joy in the music’s flow.
Nourishing the Body and Spirit
As the session draws to a close, reflection turns toward the body’s needs and the role of nutrition in maintaining harmony. Through curious questions — like “What foods have the most water?” — children learn about the natural hydration of fruits like watermelon and cucumber.
These discussions gently guide them toward making healthy, nourishing choices that support their overall well-being. This mindful approach to nutrition teaches children the importance of listening to their bodies and choosing foods that support energy, hydration, and health. It plants seeds of awareness that will grow into lifelong habits of self-care and balance.
Ending with Gratitude and Kindness
Every class begins and ends with Namaste — a simple yet powerful gesture of respect and unity. By honoring each other and their teachers, children learn the importance of kindness, connection, and community.
This practice extends beyond the yoga mat, offering them a universal tool for expressing gratitude and compassion, whether on the playground or at home.
Conclusion: Planting Seeds of Mindfulness and Joy
Through this immersive journey of visualization, yoga, breathwork, and mantra, children develop far more than physical strength and flexibility. They learn the art of mindful exploration — discovering the interconnectedness of their bodies, minds, and spirits. They cultivate imagination, emotional resilience, and a sense of wonder, all while building a foundation of healthy habits that will support them for life.
In a world that often moves too fast, these practices offer children a sanctuary of stillness and joy. They leave each class not only with stronger bodies but with calmer minds, fuller hearts and a deeper connection to the world around them. And perhaps, as they walk away with the echoes of their favorite mantra still dancing on their lips, they carry with them the wisdom of the jungle — the courage of the lion, the grace of the elephant and the peaceful stillness of the ocean’s waves.
I hope this article serves you well!
Warm Regards,
By Nathan Douglas Lowe
Yoga & meditation teacher at ASMY
Note: The photos used in Nathan’s articles are of local Gold Coast ASMY attendees and friends