I had the incredible opportunity to run a five-day yoga camp for Rajasthani children from the countryside at Shri Jasnath Ashram in Rajsthan! The holiday camp for the 20 girls and boys was free of charge for the 8 to 13 year old children!
Although it is quite hot in Rajasthan in June with temperatures around 45° Celsius, the schoolchildren have two months of vacation during this time.
Twice a day I taught the children in yoga. I was surprised how well the kids did. In the first class they hardly new anything, but at the end of the five days, after only 10 yoga classes, they knew Surya Namskar, two prayers, four pranayama and 20 asanas! Incredibly!
It was very easy to teach these Indian children in yoga: they are used to prayers and Mantra, know the Om, are very mobile and even meditation works with the little ones!
While I taught the morning class a little more serious, the yoga class in the evening was more child-friendly with a lot of play, dance and mandala painting!
Between the two yoga classes, the day for the children was filled with physical education, singing, dancing, English lessons, self-defense and an art lesson!
For the lessons I had active support from various Indian teachers, nevertheless the days were long and filled with hours to prepare and give! It could have been very exhausting, if the children hadn’t been so great! They have given me so much positive energy and joy that the days were a pure pleasure!
I myself learned a lot during this time: even more Hindi, a Bollywood dance and an Indian welcome song. In addition, I made new friends and lost my heart to the children.
In English class we sent letters to German students. The children had never written a letter before and are now very excited about the answer!
Together with the children I enjoyed three healthy and tasty vegetarian meals! The Rajsatan cuisine is simply fantastic!
The days ended with a common puja (prayer) in the temple).
The Shri Jasnat Ashram has great programs all year round, both free once for the locals, as well as paid Ayurveda and Yoga Retreats. Also I do offer retreats and teacher trainings here. Check here.
Everyone is welcome here, both as a guest and as a volunteer to help the Ashram family with the work in the ashram.
Yoga teachers, Ayurveda therapists, doctors, cooks, gardeners, craftsmen, artists etc. are always welcome!!!!! So don’t hesitate and come to India to have as great experiences!
