Yoga Adventures for Little Ones Inspired by Lord Ganesha

Yoga inspired by Lord Ganesha? It sounds like fun, and it is. Little children love to move, stretch, pretend and make sounds, and Ganesha, with his trunk, his big ears and his love of sweets, is a wonderful guide for a playful family yoga session.

Here are a few simple ideas for toddlers and preschoolers, best done together with a parent, on a soft mat, with plenty of giggles. Baby Ganesha can join in too.

Ganesha mudra: a hand game to begin

Start with the Ganesha mudra, a hand gesture associated with Lord Ganesha. Hold your hands in front of your chest, curl the fingers of one hand into the fingers of the other so they hook together, and gently pull as if you are trying to open them, without letting go. Little ones may not get it perfectly, and that is fine. Talk about Ganesha as the remover of obstacles, and make the gesture a signal that “yoga time has started”.

Ganesha mantra: a sound to share

Chanting together adds a lovely, calm rhythm to the session. Try the well-loved mantra “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha”, traditionally chanted at the start of new things. Say it slowly a few times, and let your child join in at their own pace, even if it is only the “Om”.

Ganesha-inspired poses

Ganesha pose. Start in child’s pose (Balasana), kneeling with the forehead resting on the mat. Now stretch one arm forward along the floor, palm up, like Ganesha’s trunk reaching for a modak. Swap arms and reach again.

Elephant trunk breath. Stand with feet apart and clasp your hands together, arms hanging down in front like a trunk. Breathe in slowly as you lift the “trunk” up high, and breathe out as you swing it gently down and side to side. Add a happy trumpet sound if you like. Children usually do.

A “clearing the path” quiet time

End the session lying down (savasana) for a minute or two. Invite your child to imagine a little path with a few pebbles on it, maybe a tricky puzzle or a new class at school, and then imagine Ganesha gently moving the pebbles aside with his trunk. Keep your voice soft and the story short. It is a sweet way to talk about small worries and finish with a hug.

Tips for yoga with little ones

• Keep it short: five to ten minutes is plenty for toddlers.
• Follow their lead. If a pose turns into a game of elephants, go with it.
• Never force a stretch. Everything should feel easy and fun.
• Do it at the same time each day, such as after breakfast or before the bath, so it becomes a small family ritual.

Bring Baby Ganesha along

Our Baby Ganesha can sit at the top of the mat as the session’s special guest. Press his tummy to hear Ganesha mantras and his aarti, which makes a lovely way to begin or end your yoga time. Prefer a bigger cuddle? Choose the medium Baby Ganesha, or see the whole Ganesha collection.

May your little one’s yoga time be full of the joy of movement, the warmth of tradition and a big smile from Ganesha.