What Ten Days with Children Taught Me

When we at Bharat Yogavidya Kendra decided to organize our first-ever Kids’ Summer Camp, I was excited — but also a little unsure. Would the children enjoy the ashram life? Would they adjust to the discipline, the prayers, the yoga?

As the days unfolded, something beautiful happened — and not just with the children. I changed too.

In many ways, the experience became a mirror — helping me see, learn, and grow along with the little ones.

As I participated in the camp, here are a few reflections and observations I carried home in my heart:

1. Nothing can be Forced

In the early days, we noticed a divide — the younger kids huddled together, the older ones kept their distance. Naturally, we wanted everyone to bond. We tried encouraging conversations, seating arrangements, little activities.

But it all felt mechanical. Nothing truly shifted.

And then we let go.

We organized a simple trek to a nearby hill, gave no instructions — and magic happened.

The climb, the laughter, the shared struggles — overnight, the children became siblings.

I remembered Sir’s teaching:

"Don’t try to change others. Change yourself."

When we step back and trust life, the right connections bloom naturally.

2. Discipline Can Be Light and Joyful

One of my biggest realizations was how much children thrive when given responsibility. At the camp, they made their own beds, washed their clothes, folded them neatly — all with cheerful determination.

It made me realize that discipline doesn’t have to be harsh or heavy.

It can be light, fun, and empowering.

Children feel proud when they are trusted with small responsibilities.

As parents, we sometimes underestimate their ability to take care of themselves.

But the truth is — external discipline gently lays the foundation for inner discipline — the ability to manage their own mind and emotions later in life.

3. Truth Must Feel Safe

One thing that struck me during casual conversations with the kids was their hesitation to tell the truth.

Even for small accidents — spilling milk, misplacing something — there was fear. Fear of being scolded. Fear of being judged.

It made me think — somewhere along the way, children learn that telling the truth invites punishment, not understanding.

And slowly, they learn to hide, to cover up, to lie.

If we truly want our children to grow into fearless, honest beings, we must make truth feel safe. Not every mistake needs correction.

Sometimes, what a child needs most is a listening heart and a gentle hug.

4. Steadiness is More Powerful Than Control

There’s a sutra from the Yoga Sutras that kept coming to mind:

"Sthiram Sukham Asanam" — True posture is steady and comfortable.

In the beginning, I found myself constantly correcting the children — "Sit straight," "Do this," "Don’t do that."

The more I instructed, the less they responded.

But when I stopped pushing and simply held space, something shifted.

The children found their own rhythm.

They corrected themselves.

They found steadiness and comfort — in their own way, in their own time.

Sir often gives us small hints, never forcing anything — trusting that we will find our answers.

Perhaps this is true parenting too — to guide, not to govern.

5. Focus on the One Good Quality

Sir often reminds us:

"Everyone has at least one good quality. A Guru focuses only on that and nurtures it."

During the camp, I saw this so clearly.

Each child had a unique brilliance — some were natural caretakers, some curious thinkers, some artists, some leaders.

Not every child was good at everything — and that’s okay.

As parents, we often want our children to excel in all areas — academics, sports, behaviour.

But perhaps the greater gift is to help them discover that one natural strength and nurture it lovingly.

In a world obsessed with ‘being good at everything,’ imagine the joy of a child being celebrated simply for being who they are.

6. We Are All a Work in Progress

Another quiet but powerful realization was this:

Adults are not perfect.

Somewhere as parents and teachers, we carry this invisible burden — to always be right, to always do right by our children.

But the truth is — we are work in progress too.

We make mistakes. We have our confusions. We stumble and learn — just like our children do.

And perhaps children need to see this.

They need to know that adults are not flawless beings who always have the answers, but fellow travellers — doing the best they can with love and sincerity.

Involving children in decisions — asking their thoughts, sharing our uncertainties — doesn't just make them feel valued.

It shares the burden, invites collaboration, and brings a deeper trust into the relationship.

When we stop seeing children as ‘projects to be perfected’ and start seeing them as equals in growth, something beautiful happens.

A silent, sacred partnership is born.

7. Seeds Planted Now Will Bloom Later

At the camp, we introduced children to yoga, mantra chanting, karma yoga, meditation, and bhakti practices.

These are not things one sees immediate results from.

There are no quick rewards, no certificates.

But I am convinced that seeds were sown.

Seeds of devotion, discipline, patience, mindfulness.

In time, these seeds will take root and blossom quietly — strengthening the spirit from within.

As parents, if we can continue even a few small practices at home — a morning prayer, a small meditation, gratitude before meals — we will help nourish these seeds deeply.

Closing Reflection: Change Begins Within

If I could distill everything I learnt into one sentence, it would be this:

The best way to help a child grow is to grow yourself first.

Children learn not by what we say, but by who we are.

If we want them to be truthful, we must embody truth.

If we want them to be steady, we must be steady.

If we want them to be joyful, we must cultivate joy in ourselves.

Sir shows us this every day — not through instructions, but through being.

And in these ten days, I experienced a glimpse of that magic — that silent transformation that happens when we change ourselves first.

As I close this reflection, my heart is filled with gratitude —

For Sir’s teachings,

For the children who became my little teachers,

And for the trust parents placed in us.

May we all continue to hold gentle, steady spaces for our children to grow — spaces filled with patience, discipline, love, and humility.

And may we have the wisdom to walk this journey together — hand in hand, heart to heart.

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- By Vivek R

Watch Glimpse of Little Yogi's Summer Camp 2025 here: Link

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