Julie in the Tree Pose (Tadasana) with a student. WMF photography

One of teenagers most favorite poses in yoga is called shavasana, when they get to lie on their back with eyes closed, breathing deeply. Their entire body is relaxed, any muscular tension is consciously released as it is found and they hold this pose for at least 5 minutes.

They love the relaxation at the end, said certified Yogakids teacher Julie Daniel, who resides in Baldwinsville. Ill tell you now, teenagers like to have at least 10 minutes, which is a rather long shavasana.

Why so long, you might ask?

I never have quiet in my life, said Daniel, repeating what many kids say to her when they specifically request this pose and duration. They love it. I cover them up and put eye pillows on their eyes and sometimes I massage their necks with essential oils. Even the most active kids will say, are you going to cover us up today?

Daniel stumbled upon yoga shortly after college and took an immediate interest in the discipline. She began teaching childrens yoga at Dharma Yoga Syracuse (formerly CNY Yoga in Liverpool), after repeated requests to the owners that they should offer classes to children.

I kept saying she should have childrens yoga, said Daniel, a retired North Syracuse School District speech language pathologist. I would every now and then raise my voice and finally they took me out to tea and said weve given it a lot of thought, and we want you to do it ... I cant do it! I was honored but kind of scared.

That was about seven years ago.

Daniel researched childrens yoga online and found information on Yoga Kids, an international program that offers workshops, training and certification in teaching. Daniel completed the one-year program and became fully certified to teach and train. She also trained with Grounded Kids out of Atlanta, Ga., another program that emphasizes feelings of safety and security; feeling grounded.

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Yoga: It’s not just for adults