Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 demonstrates several variations of Half Moon Pose with guest student Yong Yang.
Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 demonstrates several variations of Half Moon Pose with guest student Yong Yang.
By Sanjeev Patel, CYT
What is non-dualism? When attending my first Yoga teacher training course, I asked my teacher to explain about this concept – I was confused. The answer seems simple, but still it is a puzzle. Paulji’s answer was, “Non-dualism is the logical deduction that things seem to be distinct, while not being separate at all.” My reaction was, “I’m sorry, but could you say that again.”
I wrote it down, and I still didn’t get it. He could see I was troubled, so he re-phrased his answer to: “Everything is connected, but it may not be apparent on the surface.” Now, I understood, but how could I connect the dots? Beliefs, qualities, and theories seem unique, but there is a connection most, or all, of the time.
The concept of non-dualism is Universal – no matter what size an object is. As Paulji explained, “A small atom is a sphere surrounded by smaller particles. Galaxies and solar systems are also surrounded by smaller spheres. People look at the universe as if they were the center of the universe.”
It is only natural to see things from our viewpoint, as our eyes are our personal windows to see the universe. We then focus on what looks different from us and categorize it. As time goes by, we might not be very comfortable with new ideas, beliefs, qualities, or theories. We could forget that we are connected to each other in any way, shape, or form.
According to the late Carl Sagan, we are all “star stuff.” Life forms, on this planet, are made up of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, which is produced at very high temperatures in the cores of stars. Carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are released from a star when it explodes. This is how Carl Sagan made the connection.
If we look at religion and philosophy, we see connections, but some people will deny this to their death. Some people would rather live a violent life, than try to understand or make friends with someone who they see as foreign, different, or unique.
Until we understand non-dualism, make the connections (connect the dots), and apply them to our lives, we can’t fully appreciate all the good this world has to offer.
© Copyright 2010 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Publications
Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
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By Sanjeev Patel, CYT
Traditionally, Yoga teacher training was an ongoing process for dedicated students who practiced under the guidance of a Guru for years. During the early phases of Yoga training, students learned the fundamentals of their particular style. These years of questions and answers are invaluable for any student, even if he or she has no desire to teach any form of Yoga.
These days, one may become a Yoga instructor in much less time. Technology and the ability to travel great distances has changed the way we learn and has created a global society that is constantly changing. Technology will continue to change everything, whether we like it or not.
If you decide to become a Yoga teacher, nothing can stop you. In this time, a new Universal truth has been spawned. Contrary to traditional thinking, a new system of free thinking beliefs exist where anyone can become anything they want, if they work hard enough.
There are a few flaws in this belief of a short apprenticeship. Teaching Yoga classes requires constant study. The quality of our classes depends upon our own study, continuing education, practice, and application. If we refuse to develop our knowledge, our students reach a finite level of understanding and never fully develop beyond aspirants.
There are also other ingredients to becoming a better Yoga teacher. Do we know ourselves? If we do not understand ourselves, how can we understand our students? Another valuable quality is: The willingness to share everything is in the heart of top quality Yoga instructors. Class time is for our students and it is not “our time.”
One final point to mention is that my Guru teaches you to find the teacher within. As my Guru would say, “Lead the horse to water.” We cannot drink the water for our students (or for our horses), but we can gently guide them toward their ability make self-discoveries.
© Copyright 2010 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Publications
Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
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Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 demonstrates in this final lecture, more modifications for seated posture. This video was filmed in Aura Wellness Center’s Onsite Yoga Teacher Training studio.
By Sanjeev Patel, CYT
Sometimes the opening of a Yoga class is very much like a brief blip on a radar screen. Some Yoga teachers are in a big rush to get going with the class, but where are they going to? As a Yoga teacher, you must have an intention to make your class the best and safest experience your students ever encounter.
Based upon student feedback from over 650 classes, which I have already instructed, I have come to realize that it is the physical and relaxing aspects of Yoga that most appeal to westerners. With that in mind, among the many steps which I would suggest teachers incorporate into a Yoga class would include an initial period of relaxation.
Here you could introduce diaphragmatic breathing and invite students to continue, throughout the practice, inhabit their bodies, practice present moment breath awareness, and maintain a mind-body connection, while using their breath as the vehicle for this connection.
You would then lead them through a series of limbering and warming up postures, however I may not use all of the same warm ups suggested by a typical Hatha Yoga teacher training, since I have found that most students prefer more active postures even for limbering up and warm up.
I did find my foundational teacher training useful in regard to warm ups very effective for a beginner’s class as long as modifications are included for those students that are stiff, out of shape or older. Since the classes that I am instructing at the present moment are all levels classes at local health clubs and morning classes at the beach, I have found that modifications, which also make the postures more possible or more challenging, make the classes themselves more interesting, engaging and appealing to a wider range of students.
I have yet to introduce beginners to any of the muscle controls or bandhas into any of the classes. Although I do practice bandhas myself, teach advanced students the same techniques and find them complimentary to the postures. I also include a few basic balancing postures in all of the classes that I instruct.
In general we start with the centering, setting an intention, and relaxation (Yes, relaxation). After that we move on to warm ups, then sun salutations, and limber ups. This is followed by all body stretches, standing poses which would include forward bends and minor back bends and some minor twists, sitting poses which would also include forward bends, deeper back bends and deeper twists, kneeling poses, and basic inversions.
© Copyright 2010 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Publications
Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
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By Sanjeev Patel, CYT
How can we make our Yoga students aware of the need to be moderate in their eating? Many Indians, who move to North America and Europe, find the diet to be much different than we were exposed to in India. The people, in northern areas, have been eating meat for thousands of years - especially during the cold seasons.
This diet has been programmed into northern cultures, because this is how primal man survived during hard winters with permafrost. In the northern climates, you can break a shovel trying to dig for root crops in the winter. As humans in northern climates became more knowledgeable, they transferred root crops to root cellars in the fall season.
At the time of this writing, not many people go through so much trouble to grow and store vegetables. Processed foods are a way of life for many people. According to Yogic philosophy, as described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, “bitter, sour, hot, green vegetables….Food heated again, dry, having too much salt, sour, minor grains, and vegetables that cause burning sensation, should not be eaten.”
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika goes on to say that “Wheat, rice, barley….dried ginger….pure water, these are very beneficial to those who practice Yoga. A Yogi should eat tonics [things giving strength]….milk, butter….according to his desires.”
According to the Gheranda Samhita: “He who practices Yoga, without moderation of diet, incurs various diseases, and obtains no success. A Yogin should eat rice, barley…Masa beans…These should be clean, white, and free from chaff. A Yogin may eat patola…cucumber…medicinal roots and fruits.
The Siva Samhita gives similar dietary advice, as well as lifestyle recommendations. However, before we go further – these ancient Yogic writings offer guidelines, which may be hard to find outside the Asian continent. The diet depends on the sources available in the area where you live.
Purity of food, moderation in consumption, and vegetarian life styles are more important factors, when considering a holistic diet for longevity. In the words of my Guru, Paulji: “Moderation is the primary key to a healthy diet.” He has stated more than once that all foods, no matter how good, can be over consumed.
As Yoga teachers, we learn that air and water are prime foods for survival. Yet, you can over consume air, which is called hyperventilation. When you over consume air, you become dizzy, light headed, experience blurred vision, and could possibly faint.
If you drink too much water, you could possibly have a stroke. Sometimes, over consumption of water is called hyper-hydration, which can change the normal balance of electrolytes in the body. Hyper-hydration is dangerous and potentially fatal.
My final point is that moderation is the cornerstone of every facet in life. We must give our Yoga students the tools to succeed in complete well being. Maybe they will not stop eating meat today, but the global awareness level, about the dangers of eating tamasic foods, will help all people become moderate in their eating habits.
© Copyright 2010 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Publications
Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
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By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500
If one is able to balance the Ajna chakra, this will promote intuition, awareness, and self-mastery. The Ajna chakra (third eye) is the sixth main chakra within the seven chakra system. One way to activate this chakra is to practice Udgeeth pranayama.
The seed sound, which we know as “OM,” is said to awaken and balance the divine eye. This chakra balancing technique can be approached in a similar way, through mantra meditation or through practicing a form of Ajna chakra meditation. In fact, there are many ways to balance and awaken chakras. If one is new to Yoga practice, it would be wise to practice under the supervision of a competent Yoga teacher or Guru.
Let’s be honest – if you survey students in your classes about their home Yoga practice, very few will say they meditate at home. Many students practice asana independently, but they usually do not think beyond their bodies, unless they have been practicing Hatha Yoga for years.
Below are two techniques for students, who wish to enhance their powers of intuition. These intuitive enhancing techniques can be practiced any time of the day; and a student does not have to be concerned with meditation, mudras, pranayama, posture, or seed sounds.
Associate with people who see the good in everything. There are many people, who default to negative thinking. One of the reasons why people feel so pessimistic is that bad news travels quicker than ever before. Now you can read, hear, or view a video about a traffic fatality, on the other side of the earth, at any time of day or night.
If you are feeling too optimistic, a sure remedy is to watch the news. Your mood could easily change to remorse, sorrow, anger, or depression in an instant. Negative thoughts and positive thoughts balance each other throughout the day. The object is to be aware of your mind’s energy balance and train your mind to avoid judging. This clears the mind to see life as it is, and enhances one’s powers of intuition.
Speak positively or do not speak at all. I am not sure who first said, “If you have nothing good to say, don’t say anything at all.” This is the hardest task for most of us to endure. Jumping in on negative chatter is so easy to do. To take the high road, in conversation, is a daily struggle; and many of us may find it an hourly struggle.
The reason why the above two tips will enhance intuition is due to the clarity of thought, which will result from practicing them. After trying above-mentioned techniques, students will often admit that Ajna chakra meditation is much easier, but the value of clear thought cannot be over stated.
Companies, investors, and governments employ people who have good intuitive skills. In this day of technology, computers, data, and complex reports, world powers still value intuition. For the average person, intuition may determine one specific path among many.
© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500
The power of belief can be the difference between success and failure. What do people believe in? Belief and faith are often based upon religion, dogma, or science. At this time, popular belief in medical science is unshakable; yet, medicine continues to change and evolve. Medical procedures can change in a century, a decade, or less.
For example: At the end of the 19th century, the great solution for mental illness was asylums. Later, in the early 20th century, the lobotomy seemed to be an option for certain types of mental illness; and after that, came psychiatric medications. At this point in time, there are a number of options for mental illnesses, and we can be guaranteed that there will be many more in the future.
With regard to Yoga – The therapeutic application of Yogic techniques is holistic. For example: Bhakti (devotion) has a medicinal benefit for one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual states of well being, even though it can be classified as a non-physical form of Yoga. How is this possible? The power of prayer and worship has helped many who suffer from a variety of ailments.
Yoga is a way of life, which makes it uniquely different from any exercise, therapy, or self-improvement system. The most popular form of Yoga, outside of India, is Hatha. There is a firm belief in the ability of Hatha Yoga to heal the physical body. Despite this age of skepticism, Hatha Yoga has continued to grow in fame because of its success rate in relieving ailments.
This is a surprising turn of events for the world, when you consider the number of people, who have made Yoga practice part of their lives, on a daily basis. A practitioner’s belief is based upon results from regular practice. Logical and conclusive evidence, of Yoga’s ability to heal people, has created a following of believers.
In some ways, you could say that pharmaceutical drugs also created a faithful following. The point being: Positive results create the overriding belief in any healing method. If we are able to heal ourselves successfully, why do we condemn different methods? Whether we believe in a holistic, or pharmaceutical approach to healing, it should be based upon the results.
The therapeutic application of Yoga is nothing new, but it may take some time before Yogic techniques are “officially” recognized and accepted. There was a time when each healing method was subject to impartial tests, studies, and trials. In the near future, Yoga will be completely recognized for its healing benefits.
© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
To join our free online Yoga community of practitioners and teachers, or to learn more about our online or on-site Yoga teacher training courses, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
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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!
Dr. Paul Jerard E-RYT 500 (Director of Yoga Teacher Training at Aura Wellness Center) Speaks to you in this short lecture about the disadvantages of using notes while teaching your Yoga class.
By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500
When teaching Yoga classes, the modern student is likely to question many aspects of Yoga. Students have to feel results in order to believe in Yogic methods. Until a student feels improvement, he or she may need information to explain why we practice specific techniques.
Some Yogic methods leave students thinking, “Why am I doing this?” Common student questions are something Yoga teachers should be prepared to answer in simplistic terms. Be prepared to hear the following questions, and have answers prepared for them. What are the benefits of mantra and affirmation? What is the value of mantra? What is the value of affirmation?
The common link between mantra and affirmation is that both methods constructively use mind chatter as raw energy. Mind chatter is random and unharnessed energy, which can be focused to train one’s mind. While it is true the mind can be as wild as a monkey, it can also be tamed and trained.
Those who have a trained mind, have a great ally. Those who have a mind, that is out of control, are dealing with internal turmoil, depression, chronic stress disorders, and the physical ailments that follow. The mind is just as important as the body, when we assess complete health.
Mantra is a traditional Yogic method. Some Yoga teachers explain mantra as mystical sounds that can create spiritual transformation. The average student might ask, “Transformation into what?” If you want an effective method to scare away students, who are on the fence about anything spiritual, then by all means, tell them they will be transformed into something else.
Mantra is a Yogic practice, which is beneficial for students who have difficulty concentrating on the present moment. The sound of mantra manages to drown out all of the background noise. This allows the mind to focus on one sound, which brings the mind into the present moment.
Affirmation is a universal technique, which is a solemn oath, or declaration, based upon truth and one’s life objectives. Positive affirmations create a state of mind that can change one’s direction in life for the best. Negative mind chatter is rounded up, and converted into focused thought, by practicing positive affirmations.
There are many variations of positive affirmation, which can be taught in a Yoga class. After a meditation or pranayama session, students could mentally focus on a message. One example is: “I have absolute control over my thoughts.” This may seem to be a simplistic message, but it beats some of the negative thought that can crop up in one’s mind during the course of a day.
When teaching Yoga classes, some additional methods for focusing are – Brahmari Pranayama, Udgeeth Pranayama, and Meditation – to name a few.
© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
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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.