A Rainbow Inside My Body: Finding Peace Through Yoga, Breathing Exercises, and the Chakras

Children aged 4-8 years, are introduced to basic meditation skills, yoga poses, and breathing exercises, with explanations on how they stimulate seven specific energies within particular parts of the body. These are called chakras and are considered centres of spiritual power in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. There are seven chakras, each related to a particular emotional energy and colour, thus creating a ‘rainbow inside my body’, The significance of each chakra is explained: eg., red symbolizes security, yellow, confidence, and green, healing.

The book has two main sections, the first aimed at young children, the second for older children and adults. In the first part, bright, colourful illustrations across double-page spreads represent each colourful chakra. A young child, eyes closed in meditative poses, is shown surrounded by nature, the pictures emphasizing the colour of the chakra demonstrated. This is accompanied by words conveying the child’s emotions as he becomes empowered by the strength the pose triggers. The latter part of the book provides an explanation of the significance of chakras, yoga and the healing system of Ayurveda followed by detailed instructions for exercises related to each chakra and a list of associated nutritional foods.

A Rainbow Inside My Body: Finding Peace Through Yoga, Breathing Exercises, and the Chakras is a well-produced and attractive book on a topic which is clearly and concisely explained. Despite the title’s strengths, because of the esoteric nature of the subject matter, young children are unlikely to gravitate to this particular topic without parental encouragement and explanation. Parents and teachers committed to a program of yoga for their young children will find it a valuable resource, and it should be represented in appropriate public libraries.