http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/tags.php?tag=knowledge-of-yoga Yoga Teacher Training Discussion Group en-US Thu, 23 May 2013 12:22:50 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/search.php http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-3388 Fri, 14 May 2010 15:16:17 +0000 lea 3388@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Yoga students begin this sacred practice for a wide range of reasons. As we all know, tension and stress not only affect the physical body, but also our mental health and well-being. Yoga provides benefits for our mind and soul in addition to our physical bodies. Yoga does wonders for reducing stress since it is a slow, gentle form of exercise combined with a controlled breathing exercise that can promote relaxation to the body. It also helps one to more fully connect with him/herself. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2423 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:24:22 +0000 ASKumar 2423@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaskar,<br /><br />I have to agree with you Nikki. Yoga may begin as a physical exercise, but the longer we practice the more we change. No awareness is driving in traffic and running over people. With awareness we begin to respect the lives and space of all living beings. Belonging is an important reason for students to search out a yoga teacher.<br /><br />Peace,<br />AS Kumar http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2418 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:48:53 +0000 tintin123 2418@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ what are students looking for? <br /><br />i have pondered this and agree with everyone. <br /><br />i think the reasons people come to class are constantly changing. they usually start off by wanting or hoping for something physical. i.e. to help their flexibility, to get stronger or to help them relax. <br /><br />some people initially are looking for a workout. they want a physical, strong yang class, but when they practise some more yin postures, they learn to love them too. <br /><br />so they start to learn, they change and they embrace different things and ideas. they realise that yoga isn´t just about postures but about being aware on and off the mat. they realise that there is nothing to get. <br /><br />Namaste<br />Nikki http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2403 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:15:52 +0000 Mukerjee 2403@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaskar Rommy,<br /><br />Your heart is in a good place and you make many good points. It is I, who should thank you for sharing. You are correct that to become one with the Creator is wanting to belong.<br /><br />Om Shanti,<br /><br />M http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2400 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:46:54 +0000 Creekwalker 2400@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaskar,<br /><br />Thank you for your thought provoking discussion. I am not trying to convince or persuade, and truly enjoy conversation.<br /><br />My understanding of Kula is simply a community of people that are harmonically resonant. (very new age way of saying like minded souls). I have not studied the word deeply, but I prefer it to other words that may be synonymous. <br /><br />I wouldn't characterize someone wanting to belong as a lost soul. I just think it is human nature. For some the goal of yoga is to become one with the Brahma. Isn't that wanting to belong? Why else seek enlightenment? For others, they want to achieve an advanced expression of a posture. Why? Maybe, so they will feel as though they can be accepted into that special class...uhm...belong. <br /><br />If a person walks into a gym 3-5 days a week and is not acknowledged, they will feel as though they don't belong. Doesn't mean they aren't focused, sane or don't know what they want. A yoga studio should, doesn't always, allow the student to feel as though they are home. <br /><br />I can only speak from my perspective, I have been a student in many studios, but only 2 do I belong to. My breathe becomes more free and I feel an ease as I enter. The other studios are a means to an end, nothing wrong with that. As a teacher, I compassionately open myself to my students so they feel they are part of my tribe, my kula, my people. As a studio owner, any student that walks through the door should know they are welcome as they are, without judgment. Even if they only want to get out of the house, it doesn't matter, 'practice and all will come'.<br /><br />Let's look at the word 'belong'. What could you do if you really belonged to the people you are with at any moment, that you wouldn't dream of doing otherwise? The answer for most people is, sing. Sing out loud, alone, but knowing you are fully accepted whether or not you know the melody and lyrics. Knowing there is no derision or underhanded mocking for sharing something so intimate as your singing voice. That's when you know you feel as though you belong. <br /><br />I see belonging as the common thread. It is the underlying motivation for why people join gangs, fan clubs, political movements, charitable organizations and even post on message boards. They want to know that what they have to offer is valued and what they can attain is supportive to their life philosophy. There is nothing wrong with wanting to belong. We only want to belong to that which we value.<br /><br />When it comes to studio hopping students, well, that is where they are on their path. They may not be able to conceptualize, much less verbalize what they want. Perhaps they are resisting, who knows, they will get what they need when they can handle it. On the other hand, they may feel a sense of belonging everywhere they go, who am I to say.<br /><br />Though students do not come to a studio/teacher/class for the same reasons, as they practice they begin to share a common experience. As they realize, perhaps in the locker room or lobby, they are not alone in what they experience, regardless of their skill, they come to belong. <br /><br />What if I stated it differently? Students, (people=humans=everybody) are looking to experience belonging. In one tradition I've studied, the greeting is or is translated as &quot;I belong to you&quot;. What if we greeted each other in such a manner? How much more mindful would we be of our actions? How differently would I feel about you if you belonged to me and I to you? Would our relationship be different or enhanced?<br /><br />Yes, we as teachers need to engage our students curiosity and help them expand their yoga horizons. Even in the seemingly most limited yoga systems, if a student comes to their mat with the eagerness of a child, they will expand. That slim slice of real estate called a mat, is where the entire world can open up for a student at any moment. For me, taking classes from other teachers is my best learning tool. I learn alternate ways of verbalizing how the body can move. As my personal practice grows, my teaching ability grows. As my teaching ability grows, my students awareness will grow. <br /><br />We will always have students that want to be pushed harder, look for something new or those that come only for savasana. Not one of them will continue if they feel separate, singled out, unless they perceive that is their role, and some will. <br /><br />Thank you for allowing me to share.<br />Shanti,<br />Rommy http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2399 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:39:01 +0000 Mukerjee 2399@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Pranam,<br /><br />Students attend yoga classes for a variety of reasons. Although there are students who want to belong, there are yoga practitioners who are quite sure of their direction. They don't need to join a particular ashram for self realization. They are focused, sane, and know what they want. To imply that everyone who remains at your studio wants to belong is to assume they are lost souls. Not so! Maybe they just want to get out of the house. <img src="./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing" /> <br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />M http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2398 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:53:04 +0000 Steph 2398@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Kulas aside, I think Rommy is on to something. Yoga students want to belong to a fellowship where the mindset is similar. I appreciate what Gator says too. Because we didn't all have an interest in yoga for the same reason. Some guys would never join yoga because they're surrounded by women. But some guys love being the only man in the class. <img src="./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing" /> http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2397 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:10:08 +0000 Gator 2397@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ This Kula stuff is all very interesting, but getting back to why our students come to yoga class is partly to belong. But we need to maintain their interest or they move on. And not everone's interest is the same. If you came because your doctor told you to and another student is a yoga groupie, you don't have common reasons for being there.<br /><br />I also disagree that everyone wants to belong. Some are yoga studio hoppers in search of nothing. Kind of like a yogi without a cause. They roam from teacher to teacher learning a bunch of techniques but they never connect the dots. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2394 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:53:40 +0000 taikwangtong 2394@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Funny, Kula has so many meanings in different parts of the world. As a side issue: Kula means a stranger in Burma. Also, The Kula are a minority which is the richest ethnic group in Cambodia. However, a Kula ring, is a ceremonial exchange system practiced in Papua New Guinea. I think a yoga student with a feeling of belonging to an ashram is more like a Kula ring.<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />Tai http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2392 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:54:24 +0000 yoga 2392@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Hi Rommy,<br /><br />I agree with you about the need for belonging to a yoga school, but please explain &quot;kula.&quot; It has meanings in Chinese, Estonian, and Turkish. All of them are very different meanings.<br /><br />Shanti, http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-2389 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:25:18 +0000 Creekwalker 2389@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ What are yoga students looking for?<br /><br />What are yoga students? People, humans<br /><br />What do humans look for?<br /><br />Ultimately, Belonging<br /><br />It really does not matter what system of yoga is taught by a teacher/studio. If the student feels they belong, they will stay. My goal as a teacher/owner is to build a kula. <br /><br />This is what I see now, my opinion. <br /><br />Shanti<br />Rommy http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-1178 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:53:04 +0000 Paul 1178@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaskar Jameson, <br /> <br />You are absolutely correct about each student being unique, but within a Yoga class each student deserves an equal amount of attention. As teachers, we know this is not always possible, but we should do our best to distribute attention among students equally. <br /> <br />About the differences among Yoga students: If you consider mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, no two students are alike. Asana is a superficial measurement of progress in Hatha Yoga practice. A teacher should also be looking for subtle progress in each student. <br /> <br />For example: Is a student able to fully grasp Pranayama techniques? Is a student present for practice? Has a student been able to successfully meditate? Is a student able to transcend his or her practice beyond the mat? <br /> <br />In other words: Would you be proud of a students actions in real life. This is important, because each of your students is a representative of your teaching. If we praise physical feats, we should also praise good character, and the many good qualities, which Yoga practice gives us. <br /> <br />If you look only at the physical plane of existence, and address each student as if he, or she, were in an exercise class, you can make it interesting for all levels. The less flexible students will need help with modifications or possibly props. <br /> <br />This ds not mean that props are for the less flexible only, because physically gifted students can benefit from optimum alignment. There is always a way to challenge a physically gifted student without putting him, or her, at risk. In this case, it is also a matter of modification. <br /> <br />Lastly, only you know when you are overwhelmed by student needs. If you have more students than you can give proper attention to in one class, it is time to group them according to their needs. <br /> <br />Om Shanti, <br /> <br />Paul http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-1175 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:35:52 +0000 ReliKoeck 1175@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaste Jameson, <br /> <br />I trust you find this helpful and I mean no harm. Maybe you are trying to do too many things at the same time. Multi-tasking is so natural that it can even work its way into a yoga class. As you said: Each student is unique in their needs, but maybe you can see similarities to group them into different yoga classes. <br /> <br />For instance, maybe a separate class for athletes and a class for those who are less flexible. You know your class better than anyone. There has to be a way to group them according to their needs. <br /> <br />Peace, http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-1171 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:09:34 +0000 JamesonKlark777 1171@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ I hope this question will fit this thread, but it is about &quot;what do yoga students want.&quot; <br />Each student is unique, but what do you do with students of different physical abilities within the same class and how do you handle another student with a pre-existing hip injury? Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the variety of needs within a class. Really I am in need of advice about too many special cases in one yoga class and then elite athlete in the corner who is bored all the time. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-1109 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:47:45 +0000 Priyah 1109@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaskar Zazen, <br /> <br />Your enthusiasm is very welcome here. We do have some banter, now and then, but it's all in good fun. The main thing is for Yoga teachers to have a place to share ideas right at this moment. The Internet gives us all a chance to share ideas instantly and hopefully, get down to some real brain storming. <br /> <br />On top of that, it is less expensive that visiting a teacher who is thousands of miles away. <br /> <br />Namaste, <br /> <br />Priyah http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-1108 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:00:41 +0000 Anonymous 1108@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Oh...this is a great thread...I'm learning and thinking....!! <img src="./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /> <br /> <br />You guys are great...such wonderful energy...I love it here! <br /> <br />Namaste <br /> <br />Zazen http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-945 Fri, 14 Dec 2007 22:58:55 +0000 Parell 945@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaskar Jopis, <br /> <br />You have given me much to think about, since your last post. <br /> <br />Maybe the deeper aspects of Pranayama, Mudra, subtle body, chakras, etc., could be addressed in separate workshops to find out if there is a real interest in a topic. <br /> <br />Thanks again, <br /> <br />Parell http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-909 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:03:34 +0000 JopisYoti 909@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaskar Parell, <br /> <br />This is interesting question and one that I once asked Paulji about teaching yoga to western students. He tiold me things that I di not believe at the time. Basically this is what I have learned and I hope you will listen sooner than i did. <br /> <br />1. Most beginner students think advanced yoga is asana exercise only, so give them a gradual and safe physical challenge. <br /> <br />2. Do not waste time teaching the too much about deeper aspects of Yoga to beginners. They want their money's worth in yoga exercise. <br /> <br />3. Most beginners do not see a value in samadhi, pranayama, mudra, chakra, bandha, japa, or anything else. You will only frustrate yourself if you teach these things before they are ready. <br /> <br />4. Do not waste energy trying to convince students about the non-physical value of yoga. Serious yoga students will appear in time, but they cannot be forced into becoming knowledgable or truly advanced. <br /> <br />5. When you gather Yoga students who are serious about yoga practice your are their guide, but give them what they are ready for. <br /> <br />6. Yoga teachers have passion and inspiration for Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga. Do not expect your student to want or know these values. <br /> <br />7. All Yoga teachers should practice the deeper aspects of Yoga for personal practice. If you desire to impress your students with physical tricks, how will you impress young athletic students, when you are an elder? A physically gifted child can also perform tricks. <br /> <br />May God Bless You. <br /> <br />Om Shanti, <br /> <br />Jopis http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-905 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:50:07 +0000 Parell 905@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ This has been interesting to hear all of these ideas. After all that has been said. When I plan a new 2008 schedule, should my beginner classes be focused on Physical Yoga teachings? What about the new Yoga students who are looking for more meditation, less stress, and learning relaxation techniques? http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-898 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 07:04:15 +0000 JopisYoti 898@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Pranam, <br /> <br />Amy and Parell - You are onto a point that I did not elaborate on. This reminds me of a story that Paulji told me many years ago. Paul is also a martial artist teacher, coach, judge, and referee of martial arts. He went to a convention to meet Masters from China and Taiwan. Many western masters went to greet them too. <br /> <br />Many western martial arts masters were dressed in traditional Kung Fu cloths. At the first greeting, the masters from the east were either dressed in business suits or in sports casual clothing. Both cultures flattered each other and appreciate the difference. <br /> <br />This is parallel to Yoga. There is no need to look at the superficial appearance as anything more than a surface layer. Too many people are quick to judge. Amy is right about the exposure of one's real personality through conversation. <br /> <br />You can easily determine the depth of knowledge Paulji or Lilias has on the subject of Yoga. Anyone who teaches Yoga can eventually have same knowledge. it is a matter of Jnana Yoga practice. But will everyone be able to be charitable if they have money. <br /> <br />Once I met a famous Yogini who made much money from her CD's, videos, DVD's, aashram, and books. She is very rich Yogini. She stated that Yoga is not for making money. She has a big house, big Yoga school, and big car? No one should want to make money from Yoga she says! This is hypocricy - she is an elitist who want to protect her portion. <br /> <br />Paulji once tells money is not evil. He mentioned how much Osama Binladen could have done for the Middle East if he were a man for peace. Imagine if a rich man of peace took his money to invest in the poor people of Palestine. <br /> <br />Paulji said - Only the perception of money is good or evil. Money is a tool only for purpose of good, evil, or nothing at all. This is true. People are too quick to judge what they do not understand. <br /> <br />Om Shanti My Friends, http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-894 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:18:39 +0000 amylandon 894@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ <p>Namaskar Everyone,</p> <p>Well this conversation has spun in a slightly different direction. I'm not sure that Jopis meant it the way you interpreted his statement, but there is something worth mentioning. Some people judge Yoga teachers stricly by the way they dress. This is a big mistake and deception.</p> <p>I know this is wrong, but if you want to play the part of a swami, an orange robe will help. Most people judge a book by it's cover. You don't even have to be a good Yoga teacher if you are sporting an orange robe and throw a little Sanskrit around to play the part.</p> <p>This doesn't mean that every Yoga teacher that wears robes is a fake. But it is worth mentioning that there are many good Yoga instructors who dress functionally. Lilias Folan is very real and down to earth. She wears clothes which are comfortable and work for Yoga. Paul Jerard dresses in sports casual wear.</p> <p>If you spend any length of time talking to either of them, they are encyclopedias of Yoga knowledge. So, be extremely careful not to judge a Yoga instructor by the clothes on their back.</p> <p>Namaste,</p> <p>Amy </p> http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-893 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:55:47 +0000 Yogi 893@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaskar Everyone: <br /> <br />Jopis - You bring up an excellent point. I have often wondered what the motives are behind a cultural change in clothing. <br /> <br />Namaste, http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-880 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 22:17:25 +0000 JopisYoti 880@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Pranam, <br /> <br />As stated, Yoga training is different outside of India. Nobody expects Yogis and Yoginis in the west to start wearing orange robes. It is ironic how many Indians admire things western. It is also ironic how many western Yoga students admire Indian culture. Imitation is the highest form of flattery and it gs both ways. <br /> <br />East and West can help each other to find peace. This forum is a good platform for this form of communication. World peace is the flower, but communication is the seed. Open discussion about difficult subjects is for the best. <br /> <br />Aum sahanaavavatu <br />Sahanau bhunaktu <br />Saha viiryan karavaavahai <br />Tejasvi naavadhiitamastu <br />Maa vidvishhaavahai http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-879 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:19:02 +0000 vanessabrewster 879@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Thank you Jeanne' and Paul, <br /> <br />This entire thread has been an education. Thank you again for your feedback. <br /> <br />Namaste, <br /> <br />Vanessa http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-878 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:25:54 +0000 Jeanné 878@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Hi, <br /> <br /> I agree with Paul in that yoga has evolved into something so many different kinds of people can enjoy. This can be seen in a positive light when we think about how many students have tried many versions of yoga until they find one that is well suited for them. I believe there will always be the traditionalists among us, but I am also happy to give my students some of the different styles that they enjoy. <br /> <br />It makes me happy to be able to share this incredible experience with such a vast population of students. Just my perspective... <img src="./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /> <br /> <br />Namaste, <br /> <br />Jeann http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-877 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 08:10:19 +0000 Paul 877@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaskar Vanessa, <br /> <br />About Yoga teachers selling out: Here is some food for thought. <br /> <br />Lately, there has been some confusion as to the roles of Yoga teachers, Yoga tradition, marketing, business, and selling out. At one time, or another, all of the following have been issues, which caused rifts concerning rights, ethics, and traditional thought. For example: Yoga props, innovation, contemporary Yoga styles, certification, and charging money for classes, have been criticized in the past. Some people criticize these practices to this day. <br /> <br />There are still master teachers who refuse to issue a Yoga teachers diploma to students, who have over twenty years of experience, and who teach for the master teacher in his ashram or Yoga studio. There are some teachers who would never allow a prop in their Yoga class. <br /> <br />There are some people, who practice Yoga, and believe money is evil. Therefore, charging money for Yoga class tuition is considered wrong. If billions of dollars are spent on charity, is money still evil? Who can live without money? Are you able to access the Internet without money? If Yoga teachers, Yoga studios, and ashrams, ran without any money or donations, Yoga would be practiced at home, out of a book, and without a teacher. Yoga would not have proliferated worldwide without money. <br /> <br />When Yoga was introduced to the west, there were some anticipated changes. The cultural differences are vast, but this is actually good, as both sides of the world learn from each other. Yoga was not designed to be a stagnant system. Yoga is an evolving holistic health maintenance system, which will continue to grow, as long as people continue to study it. <br /> <br />Om Shanti, <br /> <br />Paul http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-876 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:19:06 +0000 vanessabrewster 876@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaste Paulji, <br /> <br />I mean no disrespect, but are we selling out? Is this going to turn our Yoga classes into a Pilates classes? I'm all for getting more students, but this sounds like we should give up on traditional Yoga as taught by Patanjali, because the public has a massive dose of ADD or ADHD. <br /> <br />Please share your thoughts. <br /> <br />Om Shanti http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-875 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 08:59:44 +0000 Paul 875@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ <p>Namaskar Steph,</p> <p>At this point in time, Yoga has gone global. Most Yoga students, outside of India, have heard of three of the nine main types of Yoga. Most commonly known are Hatha, Raja (Ashtanga), and Kundalini Yoga. Of these three, Hatha Yoga and its many sub-styles have received the most publicity.</p> <p>In general, the public perception of Yoga is classified as a mind and body exercise. When you ask the average person what that means, he or she will respond by saying, Some sort of exercise. Hence, the reason why Yoga can be found in many health clubs is that Yoga becomes an exercise class, which is categorized with Tai Chi and Pilates.</p> <p>With that said, beginner students, with little knowledge of Yoga, have the perception they are entering an exercise class. Their reasons for coming to a Yoga class differ greatly. The main reasons for beginning Yoga practice are: Weight loss, weight control, stress management, low impact exercise, or pain management. </p> <p>Notice that beginners do not often seek happiness, enlightenment, meditation, mantras, Pranayama, or to change their lifestyle for the best. In fact, the classification of Yoga levels is easy to understand, but it is inaccurate. Terms such as beginner, intermediate, and advanced, are all based upon the physical difficulty of performing an Asana (Yoga pose). Again, the physical challenges are presented as the major aspects of Yoga practice. </p> <p>So, what do Hatha Yoga students want? To put is simply, they want some sort of mind and body exercise. Beginner Yoga classes could be presented as an exercise class, with much more to learn on the horizon. To guide beginner Yoga students on the path toward the study of Yama, Niyama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi, is a lesson in futility.</p> <p>Many beginning Yoga students do not know what they are looking for. Most beginning Yoga students do not want to hold Asanas for long. They are so used to stimulation from technology, that short attention spans are common place. This is why Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Power Yoga, are so popular with beginners. To ask them to practice Pranayama and meditation is a big challenge. This would require the mind to focus.</p> <p>There is an old sales and marketing saying which goes like this: "Sell the sizzle, not the steak." Let's look at the old saying and how it pertains to teaching Yoga classes. After 5,000 years of research, Yoga is a very deep subject, which cannot be covered in one class. If a student enters your class or studio looking for fitness So be it. They are making life very simple for you.</p> <p>Label a few classes on the schedule as: Beginner fitness Yoga, Yoga fitness, fitness Yoga, or Yoga exercise. Start with warm ups, teach Yoga postures, mix in a few breathing techniques, and end with a five minute body scan relaxation technique. On your schedule, write descriptions of all your classes, and give them options to go much deeper into different subjects within Yoga. </p> <p>The more serious Yoga students with take the path to study more about Yama, Niyama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi, but there some who will choose to exercise the body only. This is not a problem. Remember this: A little bit of Yoga is better than none. </p> <p>Om Shanti,</p> <p>Paul </p> http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-870 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:24:26 +0000 Steph 870@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ Namaskar Everyone, <br /> <br />Parell - this is a great thread! <br /> <br />Thank you - Paul! <br /> <br />Basically most Yoga students think Yoga is just another exercise class. What about the entry level student who can't shut his cell phone off and has to be in pain after exercise to think it was worth the effort? In other words, how do we reach the superficial masses that want to take Yoga at the drive thru? <img src="./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing" /> <br /> <br />I hope you don't take that too serious, but Yoga could do alot for these students because they are the ones who are stressed out the most. <br /> <br />I would love to hear some feedback. <br /> <br />Shanti, <br /> <br />Steph http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/topic.php?id=255#post-867 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 20:23:17 +0000 Paul 867@http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum/ <p>Namaskar Parell,</p> <p>The public has a right to expect competent Yoga teachers, but beyond that are some deeper issues. When teaching Yoga classes to the public, there are certain components, which separate some teachers from the crowd. </p> <p>Luckily, all of these components can be learned, but what qualities should a Yoga teacher learn to develop? According to one survey, two thirds of all adults had never taken a Yoga class.</p> <p>If we ask the non-participating public to tell us what a good Yoga teacher should be, we usually hear answers like: Athletic, thin, vegetarian, flexible, strong, and the ideal body weight. These are good qualities for instructors who teach a physical style of Yoga, but they indicate nothing about their character or ethics.</p> <p>In fact, a Yoga instructors mission is to teach us something, in each lesson, which we can take home to improve our health. The teacher's physical prowess does not teach us anything new; and physical feats are not a reflection of teaching skill. As I have said before, any competent gymnast can perform impressive physical feats. Great coaches do not have to be elite athletes to train successful athletes. The following are some of the most underrated, but important qualities a Yoga teacher should possess; and all of them are a reflection of good character.</p> <p>A Yoga instructor should be a good communicator. Speaking well is important, but communication is a two way street, which requires listening skills and exceptional observation skills. This is the Yoga teacher who is not afraid to answer questions. He or she also knows when to stop demonstrating and give an assist. Some teachers can project a gentle or silent message, without saying a word. As a student, you can see it in his or her eyes, face, and body language. A teacher who can project kindness and charisma, without saying much is filled with passion for Yoga.</p> <p>Charisma is the common denominator among the greatest teachers of all time. Yet, since it is unseen it is also underrated. A charismatic teacher will establish an ethical rapport with Yoga students as a by-product of his or her personality. Many successful Yoga teachers reflect self-confidence without arrogance or self-righteousness. This type of self-confidence is full of positive energy and is easily seen as optimism. This is a Yogi or Yogini who has learned to transcend fear, look for solutions, and find success. </p> <p>Some Yoga teachers are skilled at instilling the gift of empowerment within their students, which translates into their valuable life skills. Most students want honest feedback and recognition. When a Yoga instructor takes the time to remember names, give an honest compliment, make eye contact, and keep a sense of humor, students look forward to each lesson. Although the public is often deceived by superficial viewpoints, and hasty judgment calls; the depth of a teachers character is always revealed to the serious Yoga student.</p> <p>Om Shanti,</p> <p>Paul </p>