Posts Tagged ‘Yoga Teacher Training course’

We are accepting recycled Yoga course materials in exchange for store credits. If you are interested in recycling your old Yoga teacher training course, please feel free to contact us.

Please do not send Hi-8 or Mini DV video tapes. As we have mentioned in the past, US Government scanning equipment de-magnetizes and erases these video formats. DVDs are fine and many Yoga teacher interns are sending streaming videos through www.yousendit.com

Currently, Yoga teacher exam turn around times are two to three weeks.

By Sanjeev Patel

According to many experienced Yoga teachers, meditation is the ultimate end of a Yoga class. That may be, but how does a Yoga teacher show beginner students how to calm their minds? The answer is: Teach your students to relax before breath observance or awareness meditation session. Here is how I learned to practice this form of relaxation, while training at Aura Wellness Center.

Stage by state relaxation is a sequence which begins by lying on your back in Shivasana, or Corpse pose. The breath is observed for a few minutes, with no aim of controlling it. This is followed by two deep inhalations and exhalations, letting the abdomen swell out on the inhalations and drawing it in towards the backbone on the exhalations. After two breaths, let the abdominal wall relax completely. Now observe the breathing until it becomes quiet and smooth, then let your attention move over the body in the following sequence, looking for tension in each part and releasing any tension so the muscles rest with all their weight.

Careful attention should be noted as to the feeling of tension, and the feeling of relaxation. The sequence is: left foot, left calf, left thigh, front and rear; right foot, right calf, right thigh, front and rear; pelvis; abdomen; lower back; chest; upper back; left hand; left forearm; left upper arm, front and rear; left shoulder; right hand; right forearm, right upper arm, front and rear, right shoulder; throat; neck; jaw; lips; tongue; eyes; brow; scalp. Remember to relax fingers and toes so they feel limp, when relaxing the hands and feet. After going over the entire body, return to observing the breath for several minutes.

Now begin the sequence again, from feet to head, and continue for fifteen to thirty minutes. The entire body should be relaxed, and free of tension, and the mind should be peaceful.

This is what I learned while studying with Paulji. I also learned many more forms of relaxation and even more forms of meditation, while training at Aura. The modern mindset has become much like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or AD/HD), which is a common neurobehavioral developmental disorder of the 21st century.

Knowing this, every Yoga teacher training course should break down the meditation process for teaching beginners with mind calming building blocks. This enables teachers to take the average person from relaxation and transcend into higher forms of meditation as each stage of training the mind is mastered. It’s one thing for interns to understand how to clam their minds. It’s quite another matter to take people off the street and enable them to train their minds.

© Copyright 2010 – Sanjeev Patel / 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

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There comes a day when each of us “takes up the torch” from the preceding generation. For some of us, this event may happen in our family life, at work, with the passing of one’s Guru, or after a Yoga teacher training course has concluded. We learn valuable lessons from the generation ahead of us. Then, we initially tend to copy the ways of our teachers, before we become creative Yoga teachers.

Build a Yogic Foundation

It is good to have a solid foundation of knowledge before we become innovators. On the other hand, some restless souls cannot wait to “reinvent the wheel.” Creativity is a wonderful thing, but who wants to spend years creating something that was created hundreds of years ago? For this reason, each Yoga teacher should spend time researching the classic texts.

Let the Gurus of the past be your guides, through their writings and your independent research. Let the written works, and videos of today’s most innovative Yoga teachers, be your path toward becoming the best you can be. There is no need to travel the teaching path alone or to recreate what has already been created.

Remember the saying: “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” Why should any of us spend time creating a solution to something that has been solved years ago? This is why education, research, and building a foundation of Yogic knowledge, is so important for all Yoga instructors. Yet, there are many written works by Yoga teachers from the past and present. In fact, the book shelves contain more literature than a lifetime of reading could consume.

Social Networks for Yoga Teachers

At this time, there is no need to teach Yoga without peer support, unless you choose to. There was a time when teachers visited their Guru, and it was a great journey. It may have required a pilgrimage, mountain climbing skills, or traveling by ship half way around the world. At his point in time, we have teacher networks, air travel, and Internet Yoga teacher communities.

If you live on a secluded island, but have Internet access, you can trade ideas with Yoga instructors from any part of the world. When answers cannot be found within, it is time to look outside for fresh ideas. At the same time, it should be noted that not every new idea may be applicable to your classes or students. Each Yoga school is unique, and the same can be said for the students within a given school.

It is always best to test new methods and see which methods are a good fit for the greater body of students. When absorbing and testing new methods in your Yoga classes, it never hurts to network with related fields. Chiropractors, physicians, nurses, holistic healers, physical therapists, and personal trainers have practical knowledge in regard to safety and methods from within their professions.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

After an intern has successfully completed a Yoga teacher training course, he or she is looking for teaching positions and considering many side issues. One of the main issues is liability insurance. Below is a question and answer session regarding Yoga teachers and liability insurance.

Q. What if a student did not indicate a specific health issue and has a problem, ailment, or physical condition that I am unaware of?

A: You cannot read minds, but you can develop a preliminary questionnaire for all of your students to answer, before they enter your classes. A detailed questionnaire makes you aware of their ailments and limitations. For Yoga teachers, negligence is when we take risks with our student’s health and well being.

Negligence also happens when we know of a pre-existing problem, but we fail to take action, by creating a safe environment and practice for our students. If a student does not tell you about his or her pre-existing health conditions, when you have an established track record of establishing student safety policies, you cannot be held responsible for a student’s actions.

Q. Likewise, what if a student indicates a pre-existing condition and then does not follow teacher safety guidelines and corresponding information for student safety?

A: You should continually mention safety precautions during your classes. Sometimes, a stubborn student may have to be warned or advised to stop practicing in your Yoga classes. If a student is taking risks against your advice, you should address this directly. You are not responsible for students who do not follow your advice in regard to their safety.

Q. How do teachers protect themselves from being the subjects of lawsuits?

A: Firstly, anyone can be sued for anything. It’s a matter of whether a judge feels a case has legitimacy. A small number of Yoga teachers could find themselves at risk for accusations regarding negligence, lack of ethics, or harassment lawsuits. However, there are very few Yoga students who have ever complained about negligence, ethics violations, or harassment.

This is one more reason why certified Yoga teachers should be active in their continuing education. As long as you have a track record of professional behavior, establishing safety guidelines, giving modifications, watching your class, and building a rapport with students, you should be fine. Giving an extra safety tip, making handouts available, or mentioning a specific contraindication, during your classes, establishes a history of your deep concern over student safety.

Q. What are your thoughts about Yoga teachers acquiring liability insurance?

A: Most Yoga teachers have liability insurance for themselves or the entire staff at the center. Teachers should consider Yoga or sports liability insurance, depending upon the reputation of the company and the rates. Most teachers admit, they never had to use it; but liability insurance gives each teacher a “safety net.” You never really know if any insurance is good until you have a problem.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The education, and continuing education, of Yoga teachers, through web 2.0 applications, has its proponents, but technology is not favored by everyone. There have been timeless arguments against technology. People have argued against almost every modern convenience.

Although we have no reference to it, the first humans to control fire must have met resistance from their fellow tribal members. With this in mind, one may say reading about Yoga is not practicing it. Yet, how often do we refer to classic scriptures and texts? The truth is: We refer to books all the time – whether they are old, contemporary, or e-Books.

Even though universities use them, one may argue against the use of Yoga DVDs, video tapes, or online videos. The argument is that the teacher in the video cannot see the quality of your techniques. This is true, but we are training Yoga teachers – not novices.

Meaning no disrespect toward novices – we all started at the beginning, but most DVDs address Yoga practice as if you have pre-existing teaching knowledge. There is room for error here, if you practice along with a video and have no working knowledge of Yoga.

In the hands of a Yoga teacher, a DVD is a powerful resource. How often would you like to rewind a live discourse, lesson, or lecture from the past? While viewing is not practicing, DVDs and online Yoga videos are valuable learning tools. What is even more ironic is: almost every Yoga teacher training course has books and DVDs that compliment the course.

So, why do we have a debate over the tools of education? As we age, there is resistance to change. I still attend meetings with a notebook and jot down notes. The ritual of writing and drawing on paper gives an idea, or a concept, more meaning.

Unfortunately, that feeling does not happen when I use a lap top, but it is also a valuable learning tool; and most of us can type faster than we can write with much more clarity. The point being: We can learn from technology, without having it take over our lives.

The convenience of integrating technology into our Yoga education should not be resisted, but we cannot allow technology to control our lives. We have all witnessed technology change courtesy and manners. Cell phones and text messages can interrupt precious and sacred moments.

Worse than this is that talking on cell phones, and text messaging, causes a fair number of traffic accidents and fatalities. Once again – moderation, in all matters, is a crucial key to a quality life.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Hatha Yoga teachers are asked variations of this question daily. At times, it seems as if there is a public perception that Hatha Yoga is only for the young and athletic. Many prospective students, with years of training, wonder if they are worthy enough to undergo a Yoga teacher training course. The most common reason, for feeling unworthy of going through Yoga certification, is aging.

Somehow the message of the Yogic path has become distorted, as we praise youth and physical prowess. There is nothing wrong with praising the young and athletic, but to obsess over aging is to miss the greatest gift of aging. To teach the next generation, to help the younger students avoid making mistakes, and to “pass the torch,” are the rewards of age.

A competent Yoga teacher is one who has traveled the Yogic path before, and passes knowledge to the next generation of practitioners. A seasoned practitioner, who becomes a Yoga teacher, can contribute to the collective needs of the class. Acquiring Yogic knowledge requires study, practice, and time. It is a fact that when time passes, we age.

No one is born with the knowledge required to teach Yoga sessions. This cultural obsession, with youthful appearance, undermines the potential of many experienced practitioners, who have the ability to safely teach Yoga classes. Experienced Yoga teachers are often good examples of a healthy lifestyle.

Hatha Yoga is a way of life that can be designed to meet the needs of any student, of any age, in any state of physical condition. Will a youthful athletic Yoga teacher have solid advice for students with heart diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, or musculoskeletal diseases? It is possible, but it requires more continuing education than life experience.

The point being: Life experience has much more value than public perception indicates. We cannot physically see life experience, but we can see youthful appearance. Determining the worth of a Yoga teacher, based upon youthful appearance, is a mistake. At the same time, students who begin their practice later in life, should be conscious that realistically knowing one’s limitations and strengths is the foundation of a safe Yoga practice.

In short, students of any age can practice Yoga or learn to become Yoga teachers. A Hatha yoga teacher does not have to possess the gift of sight, if he or she has a knowledgeable assistant making physical adjustments during class. If life’s circumstances make it so that we find ourselves in a wheelchair, should we give up? The answer has more to do with character and perseverance than potential.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Teacher Certification Course

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

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Taking an intensive Yoga course is a great way to take control of your life, direction, and destiny. Not everyone wants to teach Yoga classes, but an intensive course will instill inner confidence and reveal many methods for establishing self-mastery.

Intensives often reveal hidden facets of Yoga practice. These are not usually covered in regular classes, due to the revolving door of new students. It is easy for most students to become side-tracked during class time, in pursuit of physical mastery, but that is only one preliminary step toward mastering oneself.

The mind sits in the “driver’s seat” of the body. To develop a trained mind, through study, meditation, transformation, self-analysis, and self-realization is true self-mastery. To be in control, when surrounded by criticism and pessimism, is pure inner strength.

How often have you seen an elite athlete lose concentration during a competitive event? In a sporting event, the difference between victory and defeat is often related to the competitor’s frame of mind. Just the slightest lack of focus can become a major difference in the outcome during contests between professional athletes.

Many of us are so addicted to thinking that physical prowess is the final answer to everything; we often forget the mind is the driving force behind our physical actions. We see many people who display control, compassion, grace, awareness, and fortitude into their senior years.

Yet, seniors are often under appreciated, when engaging in conversations with their grandchildren. Who holds a grandchild’s attention longer – the cell phone or the good conversation with Grandma? If the cell phone rings off, most grandchildren will answer, even though they are in the middle of a conversation with a grandparent.

There is no need to say, “Excuse me” anymore. Do we blame society, parents, or technology? This is not the time for blaming anyone, or anything. It is time to realize that the power of the mind is being ignored by too many people. Technology has leaped so far forward that we are losing touch with ourselves.

It is often said that we are losing touch with nature. While this is true for a great many, it is also true that many of us run on auto pilot. Sometimes, children grow and nobody notices, until they move out. Sometimes, people consume two or three thousand calories during their commutes to work, without giving it a thought.

What could a Yoga teacher training course do to change this rapid pace of life? It depends on the subject matter covered, but you can easily find out by researching the course online or over the phone. You may want to inquire about the objectives, benefits, and requirements of a Yoga teacher course.

Recently, a friend of mine mentioned that the top requirement for all teacher interns, to graduate, was to stand on their head, at one of the Yoga intensives she attended. That is such a silly, ludicrous, and superficial requirement, that I could not contain my laughter.

Most children, who are 10 years of age, can easily pass the test; but if you have eye problems, have had a previous stroke, high blood pressure, heart problems, neck problems, sinus problems, or epilepsy – you would be wise to avoid performing a headstand.

Therefore, do your research about courses before taking one. Yoga is much more than a gymnastic event. Yoga instructors are human too. Many good teachers have eye problems, have had a previous stroke, high blood pressure, heart problems, neck problems, sinus problems, or epilepsy.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Yoga Teacher Training. FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.” http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

On-Site or Online Yoga Teacher Training Courses

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

The Camp-in-a-Box

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There was a time, when we had one Yoga teacher training course. The original Camp in a Box was located on a five page website for years, but times change and we receive many requests from those who teach Yoga and those who want to teach in the future.

Yoga instructors often desire to reach out to specific groups of people. For this reason, we kept developing courses, which would help teachers who want to specialize. Below is a compound question related to our 200 and 240 hour Yoga certification courses.

Q: The style of Yoga I prefer is Vinyasa, I saw you also had an instructor’s training in this style. Now which do you recommend? You have the Camp in a Box, the Scratch and Dent sale, the Camp in a Box Basic, and the Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Course. How do they differ?

A: People are guided by their passion for a subject. You stated: “The style of Yoga I prefer is Vinyasa.” With that said, will any other course honestly meet your needs? However, let’s review these four courses and compare them to each other.

The Camp in a Box and the Scratch and Dent sale: These two 240 hour Yoga teacher correspondence courses are the same course. The biggest difference is the Scratch and Dent sale materials have been used by an intern at our facility, or the materials arrived new, but were scuffed, scratched, or dented in transit to us. However, they have been inspected and are guaranteed to work.

The Camp in a Box, and the Scratch and Dent sale courses, are for teachers who want to reach the largest audience students. These courses are Hatha Yoga based. As a result, they focus on every aspect of Hatha Yoga.

The 200-hour Camp in a Box basic is a streamlined and slimmed down version of the original Camp in a Box. The foundational knowledge, which every Hatha Yoga teacher should know, is the bedrock of this course. There are two DVDs about marketing and business included as elective parts of the program.

The 240-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Course is a specialist program for teachers who feel that they are going to teach active crowds that crave a lot of movement. If your heart calls you to Vinyasa, you may want to take a closer look to compare it with the other three Yoga courses.

All of these courses have the same foundational written exam and each one evolved as a result of requests from existing Yoga teachers and those who aspire to teach.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Yoga Teacher Certification
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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