| Psycho-Spiritual Training Through Yoga and Meditation as Steps to Peaceful Children by Melba Ariza This dissertation studied the experiences of participating children on psycho-spiritual training through yoga and meditation. Its focus was on the importance of training children in the cultivation of psycho-spiritual means to (a) get in touch with their inner world, where their own wisdom abides; (b) improve the self-awareness of children, helping them to become more aware of their actions; (c) increase self-discipline and the capacity to self-regulate behavior; (d) increase their capability to discern what is harmonious and peaceful for them; (e) observe themselves in relation to the world; and (f) develop awareness of their potential as whole beings by integrating their body, mind, and spirit. This research study hypothesized that instructor-led psycho-spiritual training consisting of yoga and meditation will lead to better self-knowledge and self-regulation, reduction in stressors, increase in positive qualities and traits such as inner peace, harmony, choosing solutions instead of worries, and developing the self-awareness of self-integration of body, mind, and spirit. Phenomenology, a qualitative research method, was used with a convenience sample of 12 children (N =12) who were 10 to 12 years old, representing both genders (7 girls and 5 boys), who participated in 8 sessions, twice a week, over 4 weeks of yoga and meditation classes. The research data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic content analysis method. The results demonstrated that the participants experienced increased confidence in personal and social relationships; they were able to create an atmosphere of love and peace by delaying emotional reactions. Their increased psycho-spiritual knowledge created awareness, and this knowledge brought out a sense of connection between them and the world. Their capacity of discernment increased, and their ability to reorient their critical nature toward more positive action became easier for them. The findings of this research study corroborated the hypotheses. |
