Having been studying the course and doing the readings I feel that progress is happening. But as I continue growing in my understanding so to do the multitude of questions that spin around ethics and tranquility that seem to crop up more and more as I study. One big problem aside from this is the fact that I ended up hurting myself during a light workout, and am now facing my ego as to where I stand now. How do you know when to listen and when to push past? Should we follow the flow of the universe or modify ourselves to fit it?
Sometimes rambling can help
Yoga Teacher Training Forum » Yoga Teacher Training Forum (issues, concerns and questions for teachers) » New Teacher Questions
Millions of Doubts Millions of questions
(32 posts) (19 voices)-
Posted 3 years ago #
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Hi Justin,
You have brought up two excellent questions.
1. How do you know when to listen and when to push past?
A: Listen at all times, and never force your body or mind beyond safety guidelines. This is true for asana, meditation, pranayama, and subtle body work. If we think in terms of asana only, we should not push to the point where we cannot breathe, or where we experience pain within a joint.
2. Should we follow the flow of the universe or modify ourselves to fit it?
A: It depends upon your definition of universal flow and your perception of your relationship to the universe. I'm sure there will be many differences of opinion. However, Yoga practice should be modified for the practitioner. No two people are alike. Comparisons are often self-destructive and rarely lead to progress.
As Yoga teachers, we definitely must put our egos in the back seat. Teaching Yoga sessions, to a room full of people, is all about each student's needs, and has nothing to do with our personal aspirations, desires, goals, needs, or wants.
Hopefully you find this useful. If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
OM Shanti,
PaulPosted 3 years ago # -
Kind Regards: Mr. Justin Benson
Dear Justin,
Namaskar!
Paulji gave you good information, but kindly explain how you injured yourself. Did you feel pain during your practice? What was the technique you performed, which caused you injury? What was the extent of your injury? Did you perform a warm up at the beginning of your session? What was the sequence of techniques you performed?
All of this information will help us to have a more clear picture of what happened and how to change it. Please do the needful.
Hari Om Tat Sat,
JatwillaPosted 3 years ago # -
Hi Justin,
Sorry to add to all of the questions, but what do you mean when you say, "follow the flow of the universe?"
Peace,
RosePosted 3 years ago # -
Justin you said, "Light workout." Did this happen during exercise, weight training, running or asana practice?Posted 3 years ago #
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Gator wrote:Justin you said, "Light workout." Did this happen during exercise, weight training, running or asana practice?
Weight training
Sorry it wasn't clearPosted 3 years ago # -
jatwilla wrote:Kind Regards: Mr. Justin Benson
Dear Justin,
Namaskar!
Paulji gave you good information, but kindly explain how you injured yourself. Did you feel pain during your practice? What was the technique you performed, which caused you injury? What was the extent of your injury? Did you perform a warm up at the beginning of your session? What was the sequence of techniques you performed?
All of this information will help us to have a more clear picture of what happened and how to change it. Please do the needful.
Hari Om Tat Sat,
Jatwilla
It wasn't because of yoga, but because of weight trainingPosted 3 years ago # -
Gator wrote:Justin you said, "Light workout." Did this happen during exercise, weight training, running or asana practice?
WeightsPosted 3 years ago # -
rose wrote:Hi Justin,
Sorry to add to all of the questions, but what do you mean when you say, "follow the flow of the universe?"
Peace,
Rose
Depending on each persons view of the world and what is beyond, that is what I mean by the universePosted 3 years ago # -
Gator wrote:Justin you said, "Light workout." Did this happen during exercise, weight training, running or asana practice?
Happend with weightsPosted 3 years ago # -
Hi Justin,
Thank you for the clarification that your injury was a result of weight training. Depending upon what part of your body is injured and the extent of your injury you can visit a physician, work around it, rest it, use ice or heat, or very gently practice asanas as a substitution.
If it is a muscle injury, that is much better than a joint injury. If it is a joint injury, you should visit a physician. When you have time please let us know exact details of your injury. When in doubt, see a physician for professional medical advice.
Best wishes for your speedy recovery.
Namaste,
PaulPosted 3 years ago # -
Namaskar Justin,
We are just small parts of the universe, so it is best to modify ourselves to fit it. Compare us to plankton during a Tsunami, if you want to understand universal flow. It is unwise to be caught on the extreme at the wrong time. Best wishes in your recovery from your weight resistance training injury.
om shantiPosted 3 years ago # -
Hi Justin,
If possible, please provide details of your injury. I'm sure many yoga teachers on this forum are eager to help you.
PeacePosted 3 years ago # -
Namaskar Justin,
Maybe my intuition is wrong, but it seems as if pushing and force might be personal demons for you to purge. We have one body in this life and warm ups are required for weight training and asana training alike. If you are studying to become a yoga teacher, you have to open your mind to tailoring every technique to the individual, including yourself. If my intuition is wrong, please let me know.
Shanti,
TomakoPosted 3 years ago # -
No response....................Okay! It looks like Justin's got his answer to his million doubts and his million more questions.
Anyone want to talk about the millions of yoga students who like abuse and questions concerning using force and students who like injuring themselves? I'm still amazed by the amount of people with a no pain - no gain mindset. Here's my story: A student comes to class after being beat on by a hot yoga instructor with a lineage to a guru who drives a fleet of Rolls Royce out in California. Says she sick of puking in the parking lot at the hot yoga studio. After weeks of kind and gentle yoga at my place, the recovering student goes back to the abusing teacher and pukes in the parking lot, then goes to the hospital for a sudden loss in potassium and nearly has a stroke. Guess what her instructor was mad that she left and got sick. Asks if she can come back to gentle yoga - I said NO - Get some mental counseling. If your mixed up go to a counselor! Yoga can't prevent you from a visit to professional help.Posted 3 years ago # -
Namaskar Dear Yogis,
Maybe the issue is being programmed for pushing and competition. For Yoga teachers this is not good at all. Yogic philosophy is not about competition and pushing limits. This philosophy of Yoga creates a paradox for those who are conditioned to keep pushing harder and harder.
One word for those who want to push no matter what. The word is "mortality." All of us well meaning Yogis will eventually leave this earth for the next life. Make the most of your valuable time, research new ideas, but avoid injury - lest you regret foolish mistakes that cause injuries. As we get older, we all have some regrets, but why go out of your way to hurt yourself and add to your regrets.
Hari Om Tat SatPosted 3 years ago # -
Doubt: the state of being unsure of something. Justin - never doubt that physically pushing the limits is unwise. Weight resistance in moderation is a good thing. Yoga is all about moderation and not pushing.Posted 3 years ago #
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The origin of this thread is not really related to Yoga, but it is related to one person's issue with the use of force on himself. There have been no nore posts by Justin, which should be of concern to all of us if he is a yoga teacher. He has millions of questions and doubts, but has inflicted a non-yoga related injury upon himself.
This is a smoke signal that he is struggling with the use of force in his life and possibly his personal yoga practice. Is he deciding to become a yoga teacher? If so, he should present his million questions that seem to concern safety in weight resistance exercise.
At least, we can show him methods to improve safety procedures related to yoga. I don't know much about weight resistance, but people who get injured are usually pushing their limits. Is he performing warm ups in that form of exercise?
Some of us think Hatha yoga is very safe, but the use of force changes the issue. In the physical sense, Hatha yoga is generally speaking - at least as safe as any other stretching-based exercise programs. If you take it upon yourself to push past pain, you invite injury.
In addition there are some Hatha yoga positions, such as the headstand, that can cause injury when they are performed by a yoga student who isn’t yet sufficiently prepared for this pose in yoga practice, or who has specific health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart problems or a detached retina. A properly qualified and safety oriented yoga instructor can help you avoid injury, taking your own individual health conditions into an honest account.Posted 2 years ago # -
Namaskar!
Justin said, "Having been studying the course and doing the readings I feel that progress is happening. But as I continue growing in my understanding so to do the multitude of questions that spin around ethics and tranquility that seem to crop up more and more as I study."
Therefore, he is taking a yoga teacher training course from Aura. Paul's response was good advice. No need to make more out of it than it is. It's hard to reprogram your mind with one single yoga course if you've been told it's okay to push by everyone else.
Shanti,
Priyah
Posted 2 years ago # -
Namaskar!
Kind Regards to justin who is undertaking the Aura yoga teacher training course. Please write us back. If you have a million questions and doubts, we would like to be of help to you. Please do the needful.
Hari Om
GopiPosted 2 years ago # -
Why have doubts - When you have Online yoga? Online Yoga
By Manoj M Shah
A large number of online yoga programs have now been started on the Internet. This is extremely good news for people who do not have the time to attend full time regular yoga classes and those who are unable to find yoga class which is situated close to their homes or offices. A lot of websites on the Internet will conduct these online yoga classes at absolutely no extra cost. But people who would like to join these online yoga classes should be aware of certain things before they do so.
People should be aware of the various advantages and benefits which can be achieved by attending these online yoga classes. The overall physical capability and flexibility of the person will improve and the different organs and systems in the body will also function in a better manner. Yoga which is done on a regular basis will help in getting rid of all the stress and strain which is present inside the body. It will help in establishing a proper rhythm for the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the individual. The person will be able to deal with various situations in his everyday life in a more balanced manner.
Most of the websites which offer these online yoga classes will be offering them at absolutely no extra cost and this is one of the main reasons as to why people prefer to go for these online yoga classes instead of the regular classes. Some of these websites will send e-mails to their students providing detailed instructions while some others will provide newsletters. There are many websites where complete videos containing instructions for doing yoga exercises can be downloaded and saved onto your computer. Every person can select the website to learn yoga depending on their individual preferences and conveniences. But it is important to understand the instructions which are being provided in these online yoga classes properly in order to avoid any kind of injury or health complication.
Before selecting a website for online yoga classes, people should also be aware of the fact that there are different categories under which yoga can be sub-divided and they should select the category which is suitable to their physical condition. Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Bikram Yoga are some of the sub categories of yoga. There are also many different levels of doing yoga.Hence people who are just starting their yoga exercises should make sure that they are not trying something which is way too advanced for their experience. They should ensure that the instructions which they are following are meant strictly for beginners only.
Yoga classes for more advanced levels will also be available on the Internet at very reasonable prices. A large number of yoga teachers can be found with the help of the Internet and people should collect all the information regarding a specific yoga teacher before enrolling for their classes.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Yoga Help
By Manoj M Shah
Yoga is a very ancient science which has helped in treating the body, mind as well as the spirit. Different kinds of yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation techniques are a part of Yoga and they will help a person in attaining a complete sense of happiness and well-being. These yoga postures have also helped in curing many kinds of medical problems and diseases which have not been cured using medicines. Yoga Asanas along with meditation can help in making the basic life of the person a lot easier.
Arthritis, spondylitis and diabetes are some of the medical conditions which can be treated easily by doing Yoga Exercises on a regular basis. Asthma is another medical condition which has found a cure in yoga. A lot of people suffer from a respiratory problem known as asthma where the bronchi will become narrow and start swelling. The bronchi are the mode of transportation of air inside the lungs as well as outside the lungs. It is possible to treat and cure asthma completely by doing yoga exercises regularly. A lot of breathing techniques in yoga can help in curing asthma and some of these are the kapalbhati and the anuloma viloma. Both these breathing techniques involve a mix of deep breaths as well as shallow breaths in order to regularize the breathing system of the person.
Pranayama as well as many yoga asanas can help in taking care of the problem of asthma to a large extent in most people. The constriction of the bronchial tubes in asthmatics can be controlled to a large extent when yoga postures and pranayama are practiced regularly. When pranayama is practiced by an asthmatic regularly, all the uncontrollable aspects of the human breathing can be brought within the control of the person. The energy which is present in the body will get refreshed when a person decides to practice pranayama on a regular basis. The levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide which are present inside the body will get balanced in the right manner when pranayama is practiced regularly.
But pranayama also needs to be practiced in the right manner in order to attain all the benefits. The process of inhalation and exhalation will have to be performed properly in order to achieve the right balance which will help in dealing with all situations. Pranayama yoga will perform the process of purifying all the internal parts of the body which include the lungs and the linings of the bronchioles. The air will be allowed to flow in and out of the air sacs and bronchioles which are present inside the lungs. Dirga pranayama yoga is a form of slow and deep breathing. Ujjayi pranayama will help in curing asthma which has been caused due to a cold. Any congestion in the form of mucus can be cured by doing kapalbhati.
Posted 2 years ago # -
So thankful we have such an awesome mentor! It's such a unique blessing to have you, Paul, guide as in this journey! It's unique to have someone so unattached to the ego. Thank you!Paul wrote:Hi Justin,
You have brought up two excellent questions.
1. How do you know when to listen and when to push past?
A: Listen at all times, and never force your body or mind beyond safety guidelines. This is true for asana, meditation, pranayama, and subtle body work. If we think in terms of asana only, we should not push to the point where we cannot breathe, or where we experience pain within a joint.
2. Should we follow the flow of the universe or modify ourselves to fit it?
A: It depends upon your definition of universal flow and your perception of your relationship to the universe. I'm sure there will be many differences of opinion. However, Yoga practice should be modified for the practitioner. No two people are alike. Comparisons are often self-destructive and rarely lead to progress.
As Yoga teachers, we definitely must put our egos in the back seat. Teaching Yoga sessions, to a room full of people, is all about each student's needs, and has nothing to do with our personal aspirations, desires, goals, needs, or wants.
Hopefully you find this useful. If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
OM Shanti,
PaulPosted 2 years ago # -
We are lucky to have Paulji, but I'm sure there is some ego somewhere.
Posted 2 years ago # -
When you think about it, what other yoga teacher certification organization gives away this much information. The forums are a gold mine of feedback from teachers from everywhere. That doesn't count the blogs, movies, and courses that are priced very fairly. Incredibly they also give tons of support by Email and over the phone.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Thank you all for writing on the benefits of yoga. I've started to self-teach yoga again after three years. I'm twenty one years of age and currently under a lot of pressure with my degree. Lately I've become very tired, over-burdened and drained with the amount of study I have to get through before February. So, I am turning to yoga for help. I'd like to know what time of day is best for practicing yoga and for how long? As I am my own boss, it is possible for me to do it at any time of day and for as long as I like. Should I follow a video or try it myself using a book? I need energy to study yet I desperately need relaxation. What do you recommend I do? Thank you.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Hi Dreamed,
Any time your stomach is empty is a good time to practice yoga. Videos or books are Okay. If you want a free resource for tips related to postures visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/category/videos/
Posted 2 years ago # -
Best times to practice gentle hatha yoga are early morning and late at night with a fairly empty stomach. Better to watch the yoga video first and take notes. With books, the same rule applies.
Posted 2 years ago # -
That video resource has snippets that are good for yoga teachers and students alike. Thanks for the tip Mila.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Finding The Perfect Yoga Position
By Nancy TerenceThere are many ways to be healthy. You should eat right, exercise regularly and a whole lot more. As for spiritual and mental exercises, you can pray or do crossword puzzles. But there is one thing you can do that keeps you sharp physically, mentally and spiritually. What I'm talking about here is yoga. A meditation technique that has been around for hundreds of years. So what is it about it and its various yoga positions? Well read on and find out.
Yoga originated in India, a country whose culture is as rich and diverse as any other. It is the country where Buddhism originated, a religion that is third in terms of worldwide denomination. And it is the country that gave us the art of yoga. A country with such a healthy culture should know what it is doing when it started yoga. And with its longevity, you just know that it works. As an aside, yoga was based on the meditation techniques of Buddha himself. Now that's something worth considering.
So you have a meditation technique that was virtually originated by a god, so now what? Well, for full disclosure, modern yoga positions and techniques are very different from what the original practitioners practiced. Take the lotus position. Basically, see a picture of Buddha, and the way that he is seated, that is the lotus position. In today's yoga, the lotus position is still being used, but along the way, hundreds of other positions were introduced. For meditation purposes, the lotus position is good enough. But if you are looking to get limber, then there are other positions you can use.
So which yoga position is perfect for you? Well, it really depends on what you are after. If you are just after the meditation aspect of yoga, then the aforementioned lotus position is good enough. But if you want to stretch your limits, meditation and being mentally aware of your surrounding, then there are dozens of other yoga positions to consider. If you want to sharpen your mind only, no spiritual or physical testing of limits, there's a yoga position for you. Basically, yoga is chock full of positions you can use, depending on what you intend to hone. Meditation only? Check. Meditation plus spirituality? Check. Spirituality and physical? Check. And any combination of the three, you can find a position for you.
If you want to know more about yoga positions, you can either go to a yoga instructor and learn from him or her. But if you don't have time for that, you can do a little research around the net and find sites that you use as reference. So no need to go to a practitioner every time you wish to learn a new yoga position. All you need are a few click of your mouse and you can find a cornucopia of positions for you to absorb and learn. And after you've tried a position of 20, maybe you will find the position that is perfect for you.
Posted 2 years ago #
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