We explored how Yoga can help prevent victims from bullying in from Can Yoga Prevent Bullying?  Part 1 and Part 2. Now, can yoga help the bully too?    

Compassion. Bullies bully because it’s a learned behavior. They may feel powerless often because another is overpowering them, so they use others to feel powerful.  Kids with this awareness can empathize with a bully to divert them to another way of dealing with their pain.  Holding your body and having an attitude of confidence can protect you from being a target; the next step is to actually empathize with the bully if you still become a target.  

Yoga teaches kids to be comfortable with who they are; it’s a powerful mindset. When you feel good about you, you can help others.  Exercise boundaries with useful phrases to say in the moment, like:

• “Ouch, you must be really hurting to say or do <that> to me.  
• “I get that you are in pain, but hurting me is not going to help you feel better. What can I do to help you?” 
• “Listen. I’m sorry for whatever is making you want to say or do <this>, but you picked the wrong person. It’s not too late for you to change your mind.”