The face-to-face TeenYoga course did not begin as a grand plan or a business model. It began with a knock on the door from local schools. Teachers asking, almost shyly at first, “Could yoga help our students? They are anxious, they are tired, they are struggling to be in their bodies.” So we tried. Small
The Course That Grew From Real Life Continue »
Why Ongoing Professional Development Is an Ethical Imperative in Youth Yoga We cannot teach young people as if nothing has changed. The world they are growing up in is not the world we trained in. It is not even the world of five years ago. It is faster, louder, more fragmented, more exposed. Identity is
Staying Relevant Is Not Optional Continue »
I watched our cat the other morning, sitting quietly beside what used to be a lively rat’s nest. She wasn’t pouncing, prowling, or even particularly alert. She was simply there — present, steady, unhurried. Within days the rats had relocated. No drama, no battle. Just the quiet influence of her being. I’ve seen the same
The Subtlety of Being Rather Than Doing Continue »
We often think of hypnosis as something mysterious, done by someone else, maybe with a swinging watch and a deep voice. But here’s the truth: you are hypnotising yourself every single day. Every time you repeat a thought — “I’m not good enough”, “I’ll never manage that”, or even “I always mess things up” —
How Are You Hypnotising Yourself? Continue »
BeyondPills and Protocol: Towards a More Empathic Treatment for Young People When it comes to mental health, young people today are often met with waiting lists, assessments, and clinical labels. Pills and protocols can sometimes help, of course—they can bring relief, clarity, and stability. But if we stop there, we miss something essential: the human
The Case Against Pills And Protocols Continue »
Listening to the Super-Conscious: Yoga for Young People So much of life as a young person is loud. The noise of school deadlines, friendships, social media, expectations, and the constant hum of “what’s next?” can be overwhelming. We spend so much time in the buzz of doing, reacting, and comparing that it’s easy to forget
Listening To The Super Conscious– Continue »
Being a teenager can feel like living in a house that’s being beautifully renovated while you’re still inside it. Neuroscience now confirms what many of us feel: the adolescent brain isn’t “broken”—it’s under construction, exquisitely wired for learning, courage, and connection. 1) A brain built for boldness.During adolescence, the reward system (hello, dopamine) becomes extra
Adolescence & the Brain: A Love Letter to Your Becoming Continue »
Adolescence isn’t a problem to fix; it’s a season of becoming. New studies keep reminding us how exquisitely plastic the teen brain is—shaped by experience, relationship, stress, screens, and even a global lockdown. Below is a simple roundup you can share with young people, parents, and practitioners. 1) COVID-era disruption and the teenage brain A
Adolescence & the Brain: what recent research is whispering to us Continue »
By Charlotta Martinus In a world that constantly demands your attention—scroll here, swipe there, binge this, do more—have you ever paused to ask: Where is my energy going? This is a question at the heart of an ancient yogic principle called Brahmacharya—a Sanskrit word often misunderstood, but deeply relevant to young people today. What Is Brahmacharya, Really?
Where Is Your Energy Going? Understanding Brahmacharya for Young People Continue »
by Charlotta Martinus Self-care is often spoken about as something simple: take a bath, go for a walk, pause for a deep breath. Yet for many of us — teachers, parents, young people alike — caring for ourselves can feel surprisingly difficult. Even when we know we need rest, something inside resists. We keep pushing,
The Art of Letting Go: Overcoming Hindrances to Self-Care Through Ishwara Pranidhana Continue »
By Charlotta Martinus In the face of rising violence, fractured communities, and the deep loneliness that haunts so many—especially our young people—what if the real revolution begins not with resistance, but with tenderness? We are living through extraordinary times. The headlines—whether about war, climate breakdown, political unrest, or mental health crises—paint a picture of a
Tenderness as a Revolutionary Act: A Hopeful Vision for the Future Continue »
By Charlotta Martinus Let’s talk honestly: in today’s fast-moving, overstimulated world, focus can feel like a luxury—especially for young people grappling with ADHD. But what if the antidote isn’t more medication, more pressure, or more labels? What if it lies in the ancient, embodied wisdom of discipline? Not the rigid, punishing kind that shuts kids down.
Discipline and Focus: A Compassionate Antidote to ADHD Continue »
By Charlotta Martinus There’s a word that’s been making a quiet resurgence among young people: wholesome. On social media, in conversations, and within communities, young people are increasingly drawn to this concept. At first glance, it might seem like a quaint, almost old-fashioned word – something our grandparents might have used to describe a hearty
Wholesome: Rediscovering What It Means to Feel Whole in a Disconnected World5 Continue »
Theory of Change Model for Yoga’s Impact on Mental Health and Social Cohesion 1. Inputs 2. Activities 3. Outputs 4. Short-term Outcomes 5. Intermediate Outcomes 6. Long-term Outcomes
Theory of Change Model for Yoga’s Impact on Mental Health and Social Cohesion Continue »
UK’s Low Ranking in Child Wellbeing and Mental Health Recent findings from UNICEF have highlighted a concerning trend: the UK ranks 21st out of 36 high-income countries for child wellbeing and an alarming 27th in child mental health. This places British teenagers among the most dissatisfied in the developed world, with life satisfaction levels ranking
Addressing the UK’s Child Wellbeing Crisis Through Yoga: The Role of TeenYoga Continue »
By Charlotta Martinus There’s a recurring narrative among politicians: young people need more grit. They need resilience training, mental toughness, and a structured approach to tackling life’s challenges. It sounds reasonable, right? After all, the world is unpredictable, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is undoubtedly valuable. However, as someone deeply engaged with
1. Inputs 2. Activities 3. Outputs 4. Short-term Outcomes 5. Intermediate Outcomes 6. Long-term Outcomes
Theory of Change Model for Yoga’s Impact on Mental Health and Social Cohesion Continue »
In an increasingly digitized world, young people are turning to artificial intelligence not just as a tool but as a confidant and companion. The rise of AI companions and chatbots that simulate human interaction has opened a new dimension in the way the younger generation processes emotions, handles relationships, and navigates personal challenges. The Tragic
AI as a Trusted Friend: The Echo Chamber of the Digital Age Continue »
