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Are we motivated only by competition?
The Telegraph recently reported on a government study in the UK which found that fewer students are participating in competitive sports. There is a general decline in competing school against school and an increase in non-competitive “fun” endeavors like cheer-leading (they obviously aren’t on a competitive cheer team), yoga, and circus skills (not too sure what that is but it sounds fun).
Interestingly the article is against this shift. Quoting Nick Seaton, Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education:
“Non-competitive sport can never be a substitute for competitive sport which stretches young people to the utmost and help them get used to winning and losing.”
In addition, the article appears to blame non-competitive sports for the increase in childhood obesity.
Hold on! I don’t think so.
Simply by increasing opportunities for non-competitive activities that doesn’t mean the activities are any less physically demanding. The idea that kids are motivated to excel physically simply due to their competitive natures is so wrong. Yes, healthy competition may bring out the best in some. It is always great to win. However, there are numerous individuals who simply opt out, knowing that they will never be fast enough, strong enough, good enough to win the gold medal.
Providing non-competitive options in school settings allows all students (jocks and nots) with an opportunity to develop their physical abilities. Yoga in particular will explore other aspects of the individual, and definitely challenge those who believe they are strong and fit, while involving non-physically inclined participants. I applaud the schools in the UK who are offering students a variety of competitive and non-competitive options in their PE curriculum. By providing a variety of options more kids may discover ways to stay fit and healthy throughout their lives.
What do you think? Are we motivated by competition? What are your motives for getting fit? Why do your kids exercise?
A shout out to Yoga Buzz for highlighting this article.
I love how more and more athletes are using yoga as a cross training and meditative tool to be the best they possibly can at their chosen sport. From highschool football players to NBA stars, yoga is fast becoming a must.
Emily Cook
Check out these two interviews with Olympic athletes Emily Cook (freestyle skier) and Katherine Ruetter (speed skating) in regards to their yoga practice.
Yoga can be a tremendous aid to cancer patients, survivors and family members as they battle the disease. Physically, mentally, and emotionally yoga provides the care, security, support, acceptance and rehabilitation needed during these crucial times. Breathing techniques, visualizations, and gentle asana practice all contribute to a healthy lifestyle and help cope with the ravages of cancer.
We’ve all been touched in some way by cancer. My grandparents have died from it, numerous friends are survivors, and a high school girlfriend’s little boy continues to fight brain cancer. I encourage you to show your support of these brave individuals by getting involved with your favorite cancer charity in the coming months. Kids and teens are often especially willing to lend a hand or help raise money and awareness demonstrating a high level of empathy and understanding. Get them involved in serving in the community. Here are a couple of my favorites.
Yoga Bear, an organization which aids and supports cancer patients & survivors, is encouraging an awareness campaign which encourages people to wear yellow on October 2ndto recognize the anniversary of Lance Armstrong’s cancer diagnosis. Learn more about Lance Armstrong and LIVESTRONG here.
Movember, a world wide movement which started in Australia, is bringing back the ‘stash’. Men begin clean shaven on November 1st and grow a moustache throughout the month to increase prostrate cancer awareness. Learn more here.
The St. Valentine’s DayHair Massacure, an annual event to raise money for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. To date this annual fundraiser has raised over $3 million with celebrities, families, 24 participating schools, even dogs participating by dying their hair vibrant pink and/or going bald.
Show your support. Get involved. Make a difference.
Last spring to celebrate the 131st Easter Egg Roll, a group from Zuda Yoga in Sacramento, along with teachers from MBody Yoga in Florida, Cleveland Yoga & Downdog Yoga in DC, were invited to be the first to do yoga on the White House Lawn. For 12 hours non-stop they offered kids yoga to the 30,000 people attending the event, the theme of which was “Let’s Go Play.” The entire event was designed to help encourage American youth to lead healthy and active lives.
An excerpt from their write up about the event reads:
“The yoga comes naturally to the children as we play with poses on our mats. We progress through series of animal asanas in chorus of Mooos, Meows and Howls. We conquer our fear in Peaceful Warrior and fly high to let our light shine bright in Airplane. The parents and children show much trust in us, sometimes holding hands or climbing in our laps.We teach that yoga is about friendship and seeing the good in others. Each one of us is perfect just the way we are.”
Supposedly all the Obama women (Grandma Marian Robinson, First Lady Michelle Obama, and First daughters Sasha & Malia ) all enjoy doing yoga. One report about the event asks “Could this be the beginning of mainstream acceptance of yoga as part of a healthy lifestyle? To have it promoted by our nation’s highest family is a pretty good endorsement for many.”
I don’t know about the political fallout from adding yoga to the list of endorsed activities, but I think its pretty cool when you can do yoga on the White House Lawn. What a fun way to spend the day. Celebrating life, joy and unity in the shadow of such a building.
Thanks to elephantjournal for sharing. Here are a bunch of photos from the event.
The band MUSE recently preformed on an Italian TV show singing their latest hit ‘Uprising’ (great song by the way). One catch, they were informed they would have to lip sync. WHAT?!
The boys decided to play with it and switch places. Lead singer Matt takes the drums and has a great time pointing at the audience, bassist Chris finds himself at the keyboard & lead guitar, while drummer Dom picks up the bass/vocals and does the post performance interview. Even better the host has no idea the boys have pulled a fast one.
MUSE & Yoga
So what does this have to do with yoga?
I love how these young celebrities stay true to themsleves, putting in the performance for their publicity tour without selling out. They demonstrate great integrity, and a rocking sense of humor, by making the best of a difficult situaton. This follows along with the yogic philosophy of satya – honesty: being true and honest with yourself and those around you which develops trust, respect, and admiration. I applaud MUSE, will be downloading their tunes for sure, and will encourage my kids to follow that type of example. Well done, gentlemen!
Congratulations to Kira Willey of Fireflies Yoga for getting her song “Colors” from the CD Dance for the Sun: Yoga Songs for Kids, used in the latest DELL computers ad compaign. How cool is that!
The folks over at Zooglobble were able to track Kira down before the full media frenzy for an interview. Here is what she has to say about it all:
“It has certainly created some buzz. I am absolutely amazed at how many people have written to say they heard the song on the ad and went searching for it on the internet. I’ve been inundated with wonderful emails, people asking for sheet music for the song, and requests for using the song for commercial purposes–for example five separate children’s photographers have asked permission to use it on their websites. And it has spurred CD sales in a big way. All good. The best though by far are the emails from teachers, therapists and parents who have been so happy to discover the CD as a result of hearing the song on the ad…”
And best of all it all sort of happened within 10 days. Just goes to show what a lifetime of doing what you love, and loving what you do, can get you.
For the complete version of the song go to Kira’s orginal video shot by some friends. I love the coloured scarves and how much fun the kids are having.
