Yoga poses and meditation are activities that can be done individually or in a group of different ages or mixed abilities. And at home, yoga poses can be done by everyone in the family at the same time, making this a great activity to do together - bridging the generation gap!

What is important to remember when different age groups with different abilities are practicing together is to really center on the individual practice of each member.

What difference does it make how far forward everyone can bend - if they are already stretching to their max? What is important is that everyone move as they find comfortable and invigorating. Yes, that is right - invigorating.

I feel energized after moving through yoga poses - my joints move more easily and my circulation is increased.

Here is an example of a pose that can be adapted for all age groups and abilities, including special need kids:

Cat Pose

On hands and knees,
Let back slope toward floor.
Eyes look forward and slightly up.
Change position by rounding spine,
Contracting abdominal
And stomach muscles
While looking down
Toward front of thighs.
Repeat several times.

The Cat Pose is from my own book - developed from more than 30 years practice:


Yoga for all Kids - With illustrations and description, how to teach 4 styles of meditation and 15 gentle moving yoga poses, plus 12 how to live essays and a dictionary of 40 hints for happiness. For kids of all ages and abilities - for teens and adults, too! 83 pages.
Available as an Ebook or Print Book

Article and illustration by Susan Kramer

Related articles:
Yoga for all Kids Homepage
Benefits of Yoga with Learning Disabilities