Archive for December, 2008

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga makes us realize that one person can change people for the best. Continued small changes can add up to major changes. The beginning of change, in any culture or society, starts within the thoughts of one or more people.

At the beginning of each year, we evaluate the past, plan for the future, and move forward with optimism. This year on January 1, 2009, the people of the world open their eyes with a vision of the future. We have choices and many decisions for 2009, but commitment is always the key to making changes.

It is so easy to lack commitment in relationships, work, and lifestyle changes. Most New Year’s resolutions lack sincerity or commitment. The reason is because we have to believe a resolution is possible.

Barack Obama’s campaign slogan, “Change you can believe in,” comes to mind. When going up a flight of stairs, you are better off keeping track of each step up a stair case than to focus on arriving at the top step. If we do not focus on each step, the risk of falling down the stair case is much greater.

This attention to detail is a lesson we learn from life. If you want to make positive changes, write your goal down, but underneath the goal you should note each step that is required for you to accomplish your ultimate goal. This planning process is worth every minute or hour you invest.

No matter what form of Yoga you practice, there are bench marks and mile stones along your journey. Life is the same way, because small steps of achievement are the highway toward success. Some Yogis will criticize self-improvement, goal setting, and success enhancement techniques.

Consider this: If each of us gave up on the search for success, would we be helping our families or the world? Classic Yoga texts required a Yogi with a goal. The opposite of achieving is failing and quitting. Do we want to endorse failing and quitting? Yoga would not be the system it is today, if all of its practitioners were against self-improvement.

Therefore, see Yoga for what it is. Yoga is the mother of all self-improvement systems. Yoga is also the mother of all health maintenance systems. The first requirement, on the path toward success, is to see endless possibilities and reality at the same time. This is why Yoga students, of all kinds, take small, but sure, steps forward.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga clearly contains the oldest existing stress management techniques. Yoga teachers have absorbed the archives of “tried and true” stress reducing techniques, which date back thousands of years. Let’s take a closer look at successful Yogic methods for stress management in today’s busy world.

1. Recognize your thoughts, at this moment, for what they are. Most people go through life on auto-pilot. There is much thinking going on, but most of it is background mind chatter, with no definitive purpose, or direction. This is why you meet so many people that regret the past and have no idea what they want to do in the future.

If life is an aimless path, what do you do when you encounter a problem? Sadly, the common response is to worry about the past, future, and present. Yoga teaches us to manage the present moment. Why? You cannot change the past; and unless you take action right now, you will have no influence over the present.

The future also depends on your actions in the present. The time any of us spends worrying is a complete waste. Therefore, design logical solutions for the present. If you have difficulty finding solutions – get help, and advice, from the successful people you know. This will open your mind to solving, instead of worrying.

About thought recognition: Observe your thoughts and learn to sort them by priority and reality. Learn also to identify negative influences, which cause you to become stressed out, filled with anxiety, and cause internal states of panic. This identification process is important, because it will change your life for the best and it leads toward your second stress reduction technique.

2. Be realistic about your limitations. Some people believe they have no control over anything. They believe fate has control of our lives. Everything is carved in stone ahead of time, so there is no use in trying to improve anything. If all of us believed that, we would still be living in trees and caves. Since humans run slowly, tigers and crocodiles would not have to work hard for their meals.

We cannot move the earth, moon, and stars, yet. We cannot control weather, tidal waves, earthquakes, and floods, yet. Notice, I use the word “yet.” Humankind has limitations, at the moment, but we really have no idea what our limitations are.

We do have control over many things. We especially have control over who we associate with. Our friends, colleagues, associates, and co-workers can be a positive or a negative influence. We also have control over whether to attend a Yoga class or watch bad news on television. We can censor negative influences.

We must seek out healthy relationships, in order to be healthy. Remember that stress is contagious. If you spend your free time with someone, who is experiencing chronic anxiety and panic, advise that person to seek professional counseling. If you spend too much time with that person, you may also have to seek professional counseling.

Yoga lessons, of all kinds, reduce stress levels. Activities, such as Yoga, are preventative mental and emotional health maintenance. We are only limited by our thinking. Yoga allows you to train your mind and find inner peace.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Do you suddenly feel your self-esteem is shaken by economic conditions that you cannot control? Are you tired of watching world leaders and hoping for leadership? Have you noticed that your Yoga practice helps build self-confidence, but wondered why? The following tip will help you build or maintain self-confidence in any economy.

In most Yoga classes, students learn the value of positive affirmations. Let’s be honest, most people practice affirmations every day, but are not consciously aware of it. Anyone who wakes up each morning, looking for a problem, unconsciously seeks negative affirmation.

You cannot control the world economy, stock markets, or the decision process of world leaders, but you can control the thoughts that run through your mind. It starts with the power of affirmations. If you are going to program your mind for self-confidence, you have to repeat a phrase to yourself over and over again.

Your positive affirmation does not have to be very complicated; nor does your affirmation have to be a Sanskrit mantra given to you by a genuine Swami, after a pilgrimage to a sacred place. Here is an example of a simple, but effective, positive affirmation: “I deserve love, respect, and admiration.”

Why is this affirmation such a simple, yet powerful, affirmation? So many people believe that they should not have anything good happen to them. They sincerely believe they should be sad, pessimistic, and unsuccessful.

When you attend a Yoga class, make sure that you learn about the power of affirmation and mantra. Related to this, prayer is also a powerful form of affirmation. In Hatha Yoga classes, outside of India, it is unlikely that your teacher will ever discuss the power of prayer.

The reasons for this difference are simple. As Hatha Yoga left India, it evolved into a “mind / body” exercise. The separation of religion and government is so deeply rooted into western democratic societies, that the mention of prayer has become “politically incorrect.” Hatha Yoga teachers, in western societies, often teach students of multiple religions within the same class.

Make no mistake about it, anyone, of any religion, can increase his or her spiritual growth through the practice of Yoga. Yoga, of every kind, will enhance your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Self-realization and transformation are natural by-products of Yoga practice. Yoga practitioners, who continue to maintain a steady practice, will increase their self-confidence, and train their minds for balanced thinking.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Have you noticed a need for a stress management workshop in your local area? Maybe your students have requested one from you or a local business has offered you the opportunity to present a workshop. There is no time like the present to plan one.

After all – Yoga has so many effective techniques to help reduce stress levels, that you should not have any difficulty with postures, Yogic breathing (pranayama), relaxation techniques, or meditation. Yet, what tips can you offer students to carry into their everyday lives?

Every Yoga technique you teach is ineffective, until a student takes his or her practice into daily life. The following are six tips that will help your students reduce their stress levels on the very first day.

1. Wake up a few minutes earlier, with a song of thankfulness in your heart. Thank God for the day, your family, your friends, and your daily activities. Be grateful, even if you have experienced disappointment at times. A positive frame of mind sets the tone for the day.

2. Allow yourself the pleasure of having breakfast at the kitchen table. Be mindful of every moment. If it is possible, enjoy the company of your family at breakfast. Too many families are on the go and never seem to have a chance to share time with each other.

3. If you travel by car, listen to relaxing music or invest in an interesting audio book. It is inevitable that you will see drivers who will cut you off. Therefore, your primary focus should be on the road, but enjoy your commute and take the time to learn, when possible.

4. Take the time to recognize daily stress triggers at work, school, or activities. The process of stress trigger identification process, allows you the opportunity to consider whether it is worth carrying around with you. For example: You meet a rude driver in another car. Do you let it bother you for the rest of the day? You have the option to “drop the ball,” and you do not have to pick it up.

5. Forgive yourself for not being perfect. In Yoga, we often talk about “non-judgment.” The one person we judge the harshest is usually oneself. Do not expect to be a saint. It is always good to aspire toward sainthood, but forgive yourself and forgive others, too.

6. Give any help you can to those in need. You cannot give away everything, but how much do we really need? Be moderate in your lifestyle, and you will see many opportunities to help those around you.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

It has been said that Yoga cannot entirely be learned from a book, it is the practice that develops the practitioner. While this is partially true, it must be remembered that books were what we heavily relied upon before audio, visual, and Internet technology were developed to their current levels. These days, there is so much information about Yoga, that it is hard to have enough time to absorb it all.

In the past, many of us read the few Yoga books that were available, many times over. In some cases, we were guided by line drawings in between the author’s valuable wording. We worked in small groups analyzing the text and line drawing until we got it right.

It is easy enough to access Yoga techniques on the Internet with libraries full of information, videos or video streaming technology, and Podcasts. Yet, how do you decipher which sites have reliable information. Yoga is an evolving system, and there are many different Yoga styles. Below are a few guidelines for sorting out Hatha Yoga information on the Internet.

Research your own pre-existing medical conditions and find out if there are any warnings that directly pertain to you. For example: If you have high blood pressure, your head should not be below your heart and you should seek professional medical advice before practicing Hatha or any physical form of Yoga. Make it a point to consult with your physician about the condition of your health.

Antiquated or erroneous information does exist on some Yoga sites. Hatha Yoga is a constantly evolving science of life. It is better to take the time to do your research, consult with your doctor, and speak to a professional Yoga teacher, about your particular case.

Even if you are young, athletic, flexible, and in perfect health, you should still consult with your doctor and do some research. The point here is: Educate yourself enough to avoid injury. If you have pre-existing injuries or ailments, you should be very cautious. Hatha Yoga can be very safe, but depending on the class, it can also be very challenging.

If you do not have access to a doctor, who is knowledgeable about Yoga, or a competent Yoga teacher, you should research Yoga and seriously consider taking an entry level Hatha Yoga teacher course. These courses can be found online or at an on-site intensive. Education is a safe method for discovering the subtleties of Yoga.

Whether you are practicing Hatha Yoga postures (asanas) or Yogic Breathing (pranayama), you should never force, push, or strain, through a technique. This is just common sense, but even the best of us can forget, if we let our ego get the best of us.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

How can Yoga help someone with establishing and maintaining good relationships? Successful relationships require mutual effort from both sides. Whether a relationship is with someone at work, at home, or with a friend, there is a need to maintain a stable connection. If there is an emotional connection, such as love or romance, this can be complicated, but Santosha can still be applied.

What is Santosha? In the Yoga Sutras, Santosha is one of the listed Niyamas (moral observances). The Niyamas could easily be identified as virtues. Within the Yoga Sutras, Maharishi Patanjali reveals Santosha and its value in daily life.

Santosha is often described as a state of contentment. If you can maintain a state of contentment, you can find happiness, and you can remain happier for longer periods of time. We should be pro-active in our cultivation of contentment, in order to release the mind from the burdens of pain.

Yet, how does this apply toward cultivating successful and healthy relationships? Practice complete acceptance of friends, co-workers, associates, and family members. In other words: Accept each individual for who he, or she, is, without pre-conditions.

Do not hold anyone to your expectations. To accept people for who they are is extremely difficult for some people. Relationships often fail because of pre-conceived expectations. Many people go out on a “first date” with a pre-qualifying list of requirements for a prospective partner to fulfill.

While it is true that each of us has expectations in regard to the pursuit of a “soul mate,” it is also true that you cannot change people to suit your requirements. This concept applies to every relationship we have. You can choose your spouse and friendships carefully, but you must accept what you cannot control.

A passive state of mind will also help cultivate your work, business, and family relationships. Patanjali points us toward the appreciation of life’s difficulties. It is easy to embrace joy, happiness, and bliss. On the other hand, life can be full of suffering, pain, and sorrow.

Santosha teaches each of us to accept and learn from the difficult experiences we will encounter in life. Know that life will change, and we should be happy with what we have at this moment. When we stop the outer world from affecting our inner-being, we have found true happiness.

It is hard to believe that one Niyama can be so valuable, but contentment, and the resulting states of happiness, will serve a Yoga practitioner like a flashlight down a dark path. Light gives us vision and focus. With the help of Santosha, a dark path that we were once lost on, can become an adventurous journey.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many reasons why an instructor or intern would take a Yoga teacher training course online, or through correspondence. The following is a short list of reasons why established teachers and potential interns would consider online, or correspondence, Yoga teacher training programs.

1. Yoga instructors need non-contact continuing education units (CEUs) for existing Yoga teacher credentials. Continuing education is part of their re-certification requirements. CEUs keep educators up-to-date with the many changes in sports medicine and information about teaching students who have special needs.

2. Some interns take continuing education courses for their primary field, but are allowed elective credits for a related field, such as Yoga. These Yoga teacher interns often work in fields, such as medicine, Ayurveda, fitness, physical education, physical therapy, psychology, or social work. In this case, some of them are applying Yoga education toward their CEU requirements in their primary fields.

3. If one lives in a remote location, such as an island or a rural area, there may be no on-site Yoga intensive training near your home. In such cases, your intensive training may be precious, and well spent time, but the journey to your destination may create other hardships, with respect to extra expense and time away from obligations.

4. When we think of obligations, we might consider relationships, children, a spouse, or a job, which falls into this category. When considering Yoga training, some potential interns throw their hands into the air and exclaim, “I’m just too busy!”

This is a simplified response to overwhelming responsibilities. It is likely, that we enjoy our family, friendships, and our daily work, but a requirement of four weekly intensives, or more, per year, may be a stretch for most of us. Correspondence courses are self-paced, which means you fit your schooling into your scheduled time.

5. Affordability may be the most logical reason of all for joining a distance learning program for Yoga teachers. Each correspondence course is designed to guide you toward specific aspects of Yoga. Yet, spending all of your savings, or taking out a loan for your education, may not be necessary.

Online and correspondence courses usually cost a small fraction of a face-to-face training. On average, distance learning for Yoga teachers, costs only 5% to 20% of the cost of an onsite course. The cost of travel, housing, meals, hidden fees, books, educational materials, lost wages, and shutting your Yoga studio down for four weeks, can add up.

When considering your Yoga education, you should weigh up all of the factors and choose the option which best suits your needs. Each of us lives in a different set of circumstances. Yoga correspondence courses allow you to enjoy your life as it is, right now, and expand your knowledge in the best possible way.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Have you ever been curious or skeptical about how correspondence courses, for Yoga teachers, work? Below is a question and answer session about educating Yoga instructors through distance learning. These courses are online, or correspondence programs, designed for the education of new, or established, Yoga teachers.

Q: It’s hard to believe that someone can be certified as a Yoga teacher without face-to-face contact. How does a correspondence course for Yoga instructors compensate for personal contact?

A: Technology, in the form of streaming video, via Internet and DVDs, has changed the face of education and training in every field. Correspondence courses traditionally entailed learning by reading, and maybe sending a few photos of postures, but video has made learning and testing much easier – especially when you add telephone, or Email contact.

Many graduates of correspondence courses are already certified or registered Yoga teachers, but they need Continuing Education Credits for re-certification from the registries or their original certifier. Therefore, Yoga certification organizations provide continuing education for Yoga teachers, and the world’s Yoga registries approve of non-contact continuing education units (CEUs).

Q: What kind of testing requirements do Yoga teacher graduates go through?

A: The examinations process is the same as most on-site Yoga teacher training courses. There will be written exams, but you will retain more information from essay-style written examinations. Multiple choice and true or false examinations do not require a Yoga teacher intern to do in-depth thinking and research.

There may be essays, research, and a synopsis or two. The highlight of the testing process is the practical exam video, which may be 50% of the entire grade. The video may require you to demonstrate, assist, adjust, and explain, pranayama (Yogic breathing), relaxation, asana (Yoga posture), and meditation techniques.

Depending on the practical exam requirements, there may be other techniques to demonstrate, and explain, such as: Mudras (gestures, usually performed with the hands), bandhas (locks), or something else.

Q: Is knowledge of all the aspects of classical Hatha Yoga required?

A: A well-rounded distance learning Hatha Yoga course should contain educational materials about the following aspects: Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Asanas, Modifications, Yoga philosophy, Yoga teaching methodology, Adjusting posture (asana) alignment, Chakras, Bandhas, Mudras, Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama, Meditation and Relaxation, Working with special populations, Yoga Teaching Tips, and Yoga Teacher Ethics.

Granted, some Yoga distance learning courses have less material to learn, but the very first level 1 course should contain at least 200 hours worth of material, to set a solid foundation of knowledge. In fact, a level 1 Yoga certification course is often considered a foundational course, which opens the path toward constructive continuing education for life.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Jnana Yoga is often considered the “Yoga of truth.” This form of truth, in Yoga practice, is found through self-discovery and by carefully performing honest self-analysis. Yet, all that we change from within will not change the world around us, unless we interact with it.

Relationships are our interaction, with the people we see, in the course of a day. We cannot change the world by sitting and meditating in a cave for the rest of our lives. Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and loving kindness are put into practice when we engage in balanced relationships.

In all relationships, the keys to success can be found. Take the following key and apply it toward all of your relationships in work, with family, at home, and with your friends. In this way, you can apply time-tested Yogic principles in your daily life.

The Key of Mutual Trust

You have a right to be skeptical of everything you encounter, but when you wear skepticism like a badge, people will become skeptical of you. This does not imply that you should trust everyone and train your children to “take candy from strangers.” However, when you assume that everyone has a hidden agenda, and you do not trust anyone, you encourage an atmosphere of mistrust.

Supervisors and business owners set the tone within a company. If mistrust starts at the top, it trickles down to the foundation of the company. An atmosphere of mistrust breeds a multitude of problems. The supervisor who does not trust his or her help is most likely to take credit for the help’s ideas.

Similarly, the same supervisor is least likely to take responsibility for his or her mistakes. It is very tempting, when you do not trust anyone, to see everyone as potential enemies. It is also possible to view every subordinate as a threat to job security. Do you think the workers who answer to an openly distrustful supervisor will be loyal?

So far, all we have considered is the level of mutual trust in business relationships, but the key of mutual trust is part of every aspect of life. If you treat your children and spouse with mistrust, you will definitely encounter mutual feelings from them.

Whether trust is earned, or violated, do not ignore it. There is no need to carry a grudge forever or assume that one act of kindness makes someone a saint. We have to accept people the way they are, without going through harsh judgments or leaving ourselves unnecessarily open to be taken advantage of.

Yoga teaches each of us about living in balance and harmony. There is no need to let life’s highs or lows throw you out of balance for long. Granted, we are all human and mistakes are part of a lifelong learning process, but Yoga can help us find the higher purposes of life.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Have you ever wanted to stimulate your competition-minded students, but, at the same time, were concerned about safety precautions? Here is an example of a way to design lesson plans for new Yoga students with limited range of motion, but who thirst for a challenge.

Q: Recently, I started teaching another Yoga class. The students are regular ‘gym people’. These Yoga students are quite strong, but not so flexible. So I’m trying to structure the class to focus more on improving flexibility. But even the ‘routine’ asanas are a challenge to them. Please comment.

The other thing is – they are of the opinion that yoga is just another ’sport’. But I want them to know that there is more to yoga than the physical discipline. But I suspect that they’ll balk if I go into explaining yoga philosophy. Also, they may consider that as a ‘waste’ of good ‘workout time’.

A: Having taught students, with competitive mindsets and limited range of motion, at the same time, it has been my experience that exposing them to philosophy has its natural born limits. Some students see only the physical challenge of Hatha Yoga.

The adventure of a challenge, and the glory of a conquest, is their priority. However, you could structure a program, which gives them gradual and safe challenges. One suggestion that comes to mind is a Vinyasa class. With each repetition of a sequence, their range of motion will improve.

Firstly, demonstrate all or part of a new Vinyasa sequence, so your students have a visual interpretation within their minds. You could start your sequencing with slow deliberate movements – with emphasis on form. As the class continues, you could gradually, and safely, increase the speed by requiring less time for your students to hold the postures, but still mention the importance of good form and proper alignment.

You could also roam the class, and make adjustments as needed. Let the class flow, stop them in a posture that needs adjusting for 20 to 30 seconds, and make a few adjustments, then roam to another corner of the room and do the same. Remind your students that holding a Yoga asana for longer than 20 seconds challenges their strength.

It will not be long before your students see and feel the value of a continued practice. Their interests will likely evolve into different aspects of Yoga, with steady practice, because they have learned to respect it as more than an exercise class.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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