Teaching Yoga - Feeling Peace

Life a fish unaware of the polluted waters it lives in, we are so surrounded and infused with stress that we don’t even know it’s here. As yoga teachers, part of our job is to teach our students to become aware of when, where, and why they are stressed. Chronic stress, constant fatigue, and incessant stimulation are an integral part of our culture, so five cups of coffee are an unfortunate part of many people’s daily routine. It’s no wonder that stress has become the way they feel connected to their world. Our duty, in part, is to help our students break this popular addiction to stress and stimulation. We must remind our students that stress is not an indispensable part of life. Peace is.

During class, frequently remind your students to pause and feel what they are doing, both while they are performing a pose and immediately after. While they are doing their poses, ask your students to feel the weight of their body dropping into their heels, or feel the pressure of their fingertips pressing into the ground. The mind automatically enters a reflective state when asked to observe what is going on inside the body.

As your students pause after each pose or after each flowing series, encourage them to bring awareness into their bodies and create equanimity in their minds before proceeding. Closing the eyes creates calmness because the body responds by shifting the nervous system from its active, sympathetic state to its quiet, parasympathetic state. Opening the eyes reverses this. For example, when students have finished Balasana (Child’s Pose) after Shirshansana (Headstand), I ask them to come out of Balasana with their eyes open, sit on their heels in Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), and then close their eyes. I ask them to tune in and feel whether Shirshasana has left behind a remnant of agitation or an aura of peace. If they feel agitation, I ask them to internally resolve: “Next time, I will do this pose with a heightened awareness to create more peace. More peace.” Then I ask them to open their eyes and move into the next pose.

We feel peaceful only when we feel safe. As soon as we feel fear, our primeval animal nature is roused and our sympathetic nervous system triggers the “fight or flight” response. Hence, it is our duty as teachers to make sure our students feel safe in class. When they do, their parasympathetic system comes to the fore, allowing self-exploration and healing. Self-exploration is hardly a priority for one who lives in fear. As our leaders demonstrate, with appalling regularity, fearful people are more concerned about defense and countering the aggressive force of an “enemy,” even though the enemy is usually in their own mind, and often is their own mind.
When a student appears to be fearful, ask yourself, “What have I done to make this student feel unsafe? What have I not done to make the student feel safe? Is the student reflecting my doubts or fears? If so, do I have enough training to teach what I am teaching? Is my egoistic desire to appear competent creating fear in my students and destroying their peacefulness? Or has this student dragged her own fears into class? If so, how can I put this student’s mind at ease and help her feel safe?”

Our classes should be tranquil antidotes to the feverish fervor of modern life, giving our students time to tune in, pause, and feel. Let us not reduce our classes to just one more hectic episode in a student’s day, one more unrelenting blur of intense activity. Uninspired teaching creates sweat alone. Inspired teaching creates a connection with the peace of the soul.

© 2008Aadil Palkhivala

Aadil Palkhivala, world-renowned yoga master, is the founder of Purna Yoga, the owner of the premier yoga studio in the Pacific Northwest, Yoga Centers, the director of The College of Purna Yoga teacher training program, and the author of Fire of Love- For Students of Life, For Teachers of Yoga.

December 20th, 2008 | Posted in Teach Yoga | No Comments

Teaching Hatha Yoga: The Summer Slow Down

Let’s face it, Yoga teachers who live in Northern climates have been looking forward to a break from the “winter chill.” Your Yoga students have also been looking forward to the warm weather and they want to take a vacation. What can Yoga teachers and Yoga studios do to compensate for the “Sumer Slow Down?”

You have taught your Yoga students about empowerment all year, but some students may not return to your regular classes, without a reminder. Many North Americans take a couple of weeks off in July and some summer vacations will be planned for August. Most of my friends in Europe take August off, therefore, Yoga teachers are looking at a minimum of one month during the summer that is predominantly slow, depending on your exact location and culture.

Some Yoga teachers in the Southern United States will experience a slow down, if the temperatures rise too much and too soon. Yoga classes can become sparse, especially if the temperatures jump to the 90’s Fahrenheit during late spring or early summer. So, what action can Yoga teachers take to deal with this vacation season?

How about special classes? Did you ever think about teaching Yoga classes in a pool? What about testing Yoga classes that you had not considered during a busy season? What about an “Introduction to Hot Yoga” or a Vinyasa style Yoga class that is a little warmer than usual? What about testing a short-term Pranayama class or Yoga meditation workshop as a “pilot class” for the busy season?

Once again, I ask you to enlarge your vision and “think outside the box.” Do enough ground work and research to become an innovator, rather than “follow the crowd.” Even if your Yoga classes do slow down a bit, you can cater to your “regular students,” who are with you “through thick and thin.” Ask your Yoga students for feedback.

One last major point to bring up: Make sure you are working on “reminders” to your Yoga students who regularly attend classes during cooler weather. It is best to use this time to get a list of all of your Yoga students and prepare for a mailing in late August, or early September.

This is the time when children go back to school, and family plans are made for the fall schedule. If you teach Yoga for a living, your first priority is to thank your students for their past participation and remind them that you still teach Yoga.

It is very easy for anyone to forget their priorities, and Yoga students are no exception. Yoga teachers contribute to the well being of their student’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. When you see inactive Yoga students around town, they often thank you for what they have learned from you.

Therefore, do not take a summer slow down personally. This is a season that you should make the most of by taking action and testing new ideas for your Yoga classes.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter.

December 20th, 2008 | Posted in Teach Yoga | No Comments

What’s the Best Program to Get Certified to Teach Yoga?

The other day, after viewing the potential for being rewarding financially, a friend of mine brought up the subject of getting a yoga teaching certification.

Like her, it is possible that many people may be considering options for the best program to get certified to teach yoga in an attempt to become certified to teach this form of exercise.

That means to get certified, one has to learn from the very best options available.

Since we were both intrigued, I decided to research online and see what I could come up with as to the choices and did come across some viable ones.

One stand out was Yogafit , and they state that they have the
ability to teach yoga in a variety of settings to a wide range of students.

Their yoga certification courses will prepare you to bring yoga into mainstream health clubs and gyms, allowing you to teach to people that might not have regular access to yoga classes.

They state that they offer yoga certification workshops for all levels of trainers, so whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been teaching yoga for years, you can find courses and workshops that work for you.

Seems like they might be worth the investment, money and time wise and personally, maybe I could beat my friend into getting the certification and teach what I do know about yoga.

For now, I guess the articles I write on the subject will have to suffice for the people curious about learning this form of exercise eh?

All in all, here’s to better health through Yoga.

Om,

October 31st, 2008 | Posted in Teach Yoga | No Comments

Teaching Hatha Yoga - When Should You Teach Free Yoga Classes?

Sometimes, Yoga instructors are asked to teach classes for free; there is nothing wrong with giving your time for free, but this brings up many more underlying issues. Are “true Yogis” obligated to teach for free because anyone who would accept payment is violating the fifth Yama: Aparigraha?

What is a “true Yogi?” What is Aparigraha?

The term, Aparigraha, can mean many things, but the definition can range from voluntary poverty, to limiting your possessions, to only what is necessary. So, are Yoga teachers who receive payment for services “pseudo-Yogis?” After all, a true Yogi should never receive payment to teach Yoga - Right?

Wrong - In fact, dead wrong. The people, who talk this foolishness, do not teach Yoga, but will accept your services for nothing. They may accuse you of greed, covetousness, and hoarding. Yet, they accept payment for their livelihood.

So, here’s the logic: For a Yoga teacher to live with no money, and no material possessions, is fine because we have all taken a vow of poverty by the act of giving or teaching. If you believe this, please wake up. You live in a modern society, and you need to earn a wage in order to survive.

Unless you live under the protection of a fellowship or charitable trust, you have to consider food, clothing, and shelter a priority. What is your family supposed to live on, or should you give up the right to have a family too?

After you decided to become a certified Yoga teacher, it was only natural that people would want to receive lessons, sessions, or classes. Most of your students see a value in what you do, while a rare few do not.

There are always a few people who manipulate their way through life looking to get everything for nothing. In fact, they are practicing greed, covetousness, and hoarding, but will gladly take anything you have for nothing.

There is nothing wrong with giving, if you can afford to give your time or money. Karma Yoga is selfless service and it is goodness for all humanity, but do not feel guilty for accepting student tuition fees. How can you feed your family otherwise?

Please observe and learn from the fitness industry. The masses consider fitness to be physical torture. As a result, some health clubs charge less than ten dollars per month. The cost of a daily shower is more than $10 per month. Fitness centers also give a free month membership, in hopes that will lure new memberships.

How can they cover equipment, building lease, utilities, taxes, wages, and liability insurance costs? On top of this, health clubs run each other out of business by giving everything away for free.

The truth be known, the fitness industry is hanging on by a very thin thread, and that thread is about to break. Yoga is not fitness, we do not teach people who join for a New Year’s resolution and quit by Valentine’s Day. Yoga is a lifestyle, and changes are clearly seen over the long haul.

Every Yoga certification course should teach interns about marketing, networking, communication, business, and advertising. This is an essential part of surviving in any economy. Yoga teachers cannot give their time freely, unless they have the means to do so.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

October 31st, 2008 | Posted in Teach Yoga | No Comments

How Effective are Online Classes to Teach Yoga?

After my interest was sparked a while back in regards to becoming an actual Yoga Instructor (or at least certified to teach it), based on my present schedule and commitments, I looked to see if there were any options online to get a certificate, hence the interest in online classes to teach Yoga.

But how effective are they really?

I would assume the main thing to keep in mind will be to be sure that any choice that one makes on online classes to teach yoga should cover ALL the facets of yoga.

Considering that one will be teaching this ‘art’ of physical culture and with the weight it has on innocent students’ charisma, aura or any other spiritual facet, this factor can’t be overlooked.

Nonetheless, the rewarding part of being a certified yoga instructor is that it could get you as much as $85 per hour AND not unlike online universities, you can get your certificate right at home.

Some sites seem to offer good instructions on online classes to teach yoga and I tend to size them up based on the fact that such options would have to contain comprehensive instruction in all of the following areas to be worthwhile.

These include:
* Asanas

* Yoga philosophy & methodology

* Chakras

* Bandhas

* Mudras

* Pranayama

* Meditation and Relaxation

* Working with special populations

Right now I’m looking at two main choices to formally certify my teaching skills and make me some money out of something that I actually enjoy, I mean why not eh?

Here’s to improved and improving health through Yoga.

October 31st, 2008 | Posted in Teach Yoga | No Comments

Home Based Business - Teach Yoga and Make Money Online

Teaching Yoga is among the popular home based business today. Yoga, a form of spiritual practice in India, became a beneficial form of exercise for health and fitness. It combines breathing techniques and meditation along with physical exercises. It benefits people with heart disease, back problems, and asthma.

When teaching Yoga you can choose a specialty to target a certain market. Like for instance- Yoga for physical fitness, Yoga therapy, spiritual Yoga, Yoga for seniors, Yoga for couples, Yoga for kids, prenatal or postnatal yoga. If you already have chosen your field, start marketing your business. Submit articles about Yoga benefits in your community’s newspaper. Provide free workshops or talks to homeowners’ organization, schools, sports clubs, and college athletic centers. When talking to athletes emphasize the fact that flexibility would boost their performance.

Prepare marketing materials like brochures, calling cards, and other reading materials. Ensure visibility of your contact details like addresses and phone numbers on these materials. A website is an excellent marketing tool, start up your own website. Fill it with articles about Yoga, how it benefits your health. Include testimonies of happy clients. Learn about financial management. It is still a business and it will cease to exist once it does not make money. It will not require you to be an accounting expert to learn simple financial management. Just to make records of how much you owe, how much they owe you, operating costs like electricity, water bills, equipment costs, consumables like paper and pen, etc.

Include marketing costs for the brochures, business cards, pamphlets, costs for giving free demonstrations and workshops. You should also know how much money you are making, if you plan to make this the main source of your income. Set up your home studio. Buy appropriate CD’s for Yoga. Build shower rooms. Several optional Yoga equipments are available in the market, like back supports, Yoga chairs, and matting, choose whichever is fit for your program. Best for you to learn first aid, just in case difficult poses causes falls or participants fainting after physical exertion..

Help other people improve their overall fitness, strength, and flexibility. Guide other people to the attainment of joy and inner peace. Reap the benefits of working at home. Manage stress; achieve balance between your private, and work life. Do something you really enjoy.

Do you need Online Jobs? If yes, then click here:

October 31st, 2008 | Posted in Teach Yoga | No Comments

Where Do I Find the Confidence to Teach Yoga Classes?

Life is full of surprises. Even in established Yoga schools, there are times when Yoga teachers become ill, have a family crisis, or have to leave because of obligations. Most often, the senior student, or an established substitute Yoga teacher, will “fill in” for as long as it takes.

What do you do, if there is no substitute teacher available, and the senior student lacks the confidence to teach? This situation is unique, but do not be discouraged. A student with, at least, two years of previous Yoga training, should you have enough knowledge to start teaching beginners, and begin improving with each class.

If you are waiting for perfection, it may never come. Teaching Yoga is much like life. We have to learn from our experiences and improve each time, as we move forward. No Yoga teacher could ever truthfully tell you, that he or she never made a mistake in class.

Experience is a matter of learning from mistakes. You can improve dramatically by networking with other Yoga teachers in your area and scheduling intensive training, when possible. If you search, you will easily be able to find teachers who will work with you.

Each step of Yoga teacher training is one step forward. Your teacher gave you a foundation that you will later look back at with fondness. In Yoga, there is no end to learning. It is a life long journey of discovery. Remember the saying, “If you want to swim, you have to get your feet wet.”

This is especially true when Yoga teachers develop a level of proficiency. Almost every competent Yoga teacher has started his or her first class with a lack of confidence. It takes time and practice to develop confidence and competence.

To become a competent Yoga instructor requires time, dedication, and a will to continue the journey.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

October 31st, 2008 | Posted in Teach Yoga | No Comments

Who Should Be Allowed To Teach Yoga To The Public?

Once in a while, you read, or hear, an opinion about who should teach Yoga, how many years or hours of training is required, pre-requisites, and the physical requirements of teaching. So, how do you decipher through all of this information? To make it simple, please know, at the time of this writing, Yoga is largely “self-regulated.”

Governments are consumed with other matters, such as: Healthcare, feeding the poor, taxes, national defense, public education, enforcing existing laws, and much more. The reason why Yoga has become self-regulated is due to the proactive attitude of teachers and organizations from within the industry.

On top of that, Yoga is diversified. Some styles address physical health, while others address mental, spiritual, or emotional health. Some Yoga styles contain a mix of methods for all forms of health. Despite a sudden growth in global popularity, most of the world population is still unclear as to what is Yoga.

Just ask your family physician about Yoga. Some will clearly know, while others will readily admit, they do not. In western medicine, it is hard enough to keep up with all of the new prescription drugs and their side effects. Can we fault a physician for doing his, or her, best to keep up with everything?

So, who would you like to see in charge of Yoga? Hopefully, a board of Yoga teachers would be responsible, but would each one favor his, or her, style in the process? There is bound to be some bias. So, which is more important, a perfect head stand or in-depth knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita?

If the above-mentioned question strikes you as silly, it was meant to be. Yoga teachers should have diverse knowledge of all Yogic aspects. This will help students, who have different needs, and wish to improve their lives. Anyone who helps someone is practicing a lifestyle we know as Karma Yoga. Who should be allowed to help others - is a curious thought.

October 31st, 2008 | Posted in Teach Yoga | No Comments

How To Get Certified to Teach Yoga for Kids

Ask Angela Bassett, Madonna and perhaps your next door neighbor carrying her yoga mat out of the trunk with the groceries, most stay-home moms have picked Yoga up as their method of keeping fit and maintaining physical, mental and emotional balance.

Needless to say, when the see the apparent results most naturally wonder how their children might be able to benefit from using Yoga.

Moreover, this may lend itself to the need for being well learned and suited to pass the knowledge of this great physical culture on to the next generation, hence the need for a process to get certified to teach yoga to kids.

Folks, being involved in such a cause can AND will be very rewarding since by participating in a process to get certified to teach yoga to kids, you can help kids not only increase their flexibility and strength but to also enhance their self-awareness and have a sense of unity with all life.

Upon surfing the web, I did come across some sites that offer such an opportunity to get accredited to teach yoga to the younger generation and even so at affordable costs and with enough flexibility to accommodate most schedules as some even offer such courses online.

However, in the absence of being able to be engaged in such a certification to teach kids yoga, one can still introduce them to such essentials as the Sun Salutations, the shoulder-stand and other simple, yet extremely effective poses, (which by the way most already practice unknowingly on their own)

In addition, the Yoga (Sattvic) diet, is something that you can start to introduce them to and when you consider that it mostly is a combination of fruits, veggies, whole grains and the like, you are already passing on one VERY important limb of yoga (for kids and adults) to the newer generation.

So suffice it to say, if a process to get certified to teach yoga to kids could help to ensure that they are better equipped with the help of Yoga to be better adults, I humbly give my vote!

Needless to say, so should you.

In Friendship,

Aje

Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Yoga for Beginners Blog today for more information on yoga for kids teacher certification

October 31st, 2008 | Posted in Teach Yoga | No Comments