Posts Tagged ‘Yoga Teacher Training course’

Power Yoga Poses to Relieve Grief

Saturday, October 1st, 2011

become a yoga teacherBy Amruta Kulkarni, CYT 250

Vigorous Yoga poses can help to alleviate and lighten many of the somatic and psychological aspects of grief. Grief is experienced in many different ways according to the perceived level of loss and the specific temperament of the person who is experiencing the loss of a significant other such as a parent, child, spouse or friend. A deep sense of loss may also be experienced by an individual if he or she loses a cherished dream, home or career goal.

Psychologically, a significant loss may generate feelings of helplessness, emptiness, anxiety, deep sadness, hopelessness, insomnia and anger. If these feeling states persist for an extended period of time, the grieving individual may fall into a clinical depression. Somatically, a significant loss may be experienced as profound muscular tension and holding throughout the body. This tension is often created unconsciously in an attempt to keep the tremendously painful feelings of grief at arm’s length.

A regular, vigorous practice of Yoga asanas will help to release deeply-held muscular tension and increase the circulation of fresh blood and nutrients throughout the entire body. A vigorous Yoga sequence of asanas practiced while performing Ujjayi breathing will also help to raise and balance endorphin, dopamine and serotonin levels, which will help to alleviate symptoms of depression. Ashtanga or Power Yoga is one of the most effective sequences of vigorous Yoga asanas to help ameliorate deep physical and emotional feelings of grief.

Power Yoga is a general term for vinyasa Yoga practices that incorporate the practice of flowing from one pose to the next while linking the poses together with the practice of Ujjayi breathing. This vigorous breath-infused practice creates a permeating internal heat that helps to detoxify the internal organs and muscles and calm the mind. The progressive series of Yoga postures also greatly increases circulation and helps to release stagnant emotional and physical energy that is trapped in the body tissues. A Power Yoga practitioner is left feeling strong, light, buoyant and calm after a vigorous Yoga practice.

The core of any Power Yoga practice is the linking together of the various asanas of Surya Namaskara or Sun Salutations with Ujjayi breathing. Aura has a Yoga teacher training course that offers explicit instructions on the various Yoga postures that comprise a Power Yoga practice. The key is to mentally outline the different sequencing of the postures. The classical Ashtanga Yoga sequences are some of the most rewarding and challenging Power Yoga practices that will profoundly help to release the muscular tension and emotional pain often experienced during times of grief.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

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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!

Low Cost Yoga Teacher Training Courses

Friday, February 18th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Sanjeev Patel, CYT 500

Please be prepared to laugh because I call it like I see it. Once in a while, I read an advertisement with a headline that states: “Free Yoga Teacher Training.” This makes all of us curious! I’m jumping out of my seat like I drank a quad mocha latte! I teach Yoga classes regularly, but I believe in continuing education for life. Meaning no disrespect to my Guru, I click on Free Yoga teacher training in anticipation.

When reading the small details, I learn that I must spend over three thousand dollars for the course and I have to travel (more money). The lodging is going to cost me another three thousand dollars. When I call up, they tell me I’m going to pay extra for my study materials.

All of this is making a long and expensive flight back to India look really appealing! At least, I can stay with family and friends while I’m there, but where can I find this “FREE” Yoga certification course? I mean, they said, “free” and I really want it. It turns out that most North American ashrams have seva programs and I’m willing to work for free while I learn more about teaching Yoga.

After talking to a dozen of these ashrams, I learn that seva means I work for free, but I can’t be accepted into a Yoga teacher training program, while I’m doing seva. Do you see the big picture? I’m a Yoga teacher already, and I’m good enough to sweep the floor, peel potatoes, and clean toilets, but no free yoga instructor course for me.

I didn’t like their food anyway. How many days do they expect me to eat kale soup and go without a coffee? It was a five mile ride to the nearest Starbucks and I’d have to do it on a bike through ice, rain, sleet, and snow, because I can’t afford to keep my car if I’m going to work for free for a whole year.

Uncle! I give up already. There is no free course for continuing education or for somebody who wants to become a Yoga teacher. I fell for the free deception. This is what Paulji meant by “Maya.” He talked about how maya is the primary aspect that manifests illusion and duality. So, “free” is an example of the practical application of maya.

Now, I’m willing to go for that low cost Yoga certification. There isn’t one until I Google it and search for online and correspondence Yoga teacher courses. Well, I’ve come full circle and back to the arms of my Guru. Thank you, Paulji and Aura Wellness Center, for creating a low cost solution to the need for continuing education.

Hari Om Tat Sat

© Copyright 2011 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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!

Helping Your Students Heal with Viparita Karani

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Amruta Kulkarni, CYT 250

Some Yoga teacher training courses focus on asana as a physical exercise.  This is a shame because asana is much more than an exercise for the body.  Asana has therapeutic value and it is a means toward Samadhi as described by Patanjali.

Asanas or postures in Hatha yoga help realign the body by stretching and lengthening every part of the body in a relaxed manner. By doing so, the body is brought back to alignment, healed and stimulated as needed. The philosophy behind Asanas are also holistic for it looks at the body as an interconnected part of a whole process and aims to purify and strengthen the organ, tissues, fibers, muscles, bones and the cells of the body.

Asanas are mind and body postures, through which we build strength inside our body. Blood and energy open gradually, and allow the organs to absorb fresh healing blood and energy. When a part of the body is affected by disease, it loses its sensitivity. During the practice of specifically therapeutic Asanas, energy from within the body flows directly to the troubled area and causes the healing process to begin.

Yoga is a psycho-physical-spiritual therapy that aims to perfect the mind and body as one unit to develop Realization of our True Self.  Viparita Karani (inverted lake posture) has many healing benefits and is an extremely mild inverted asana.  Below are instructions for using props while practicing this wonderful posture.

1. Place the blocks on its long side against and parallel to the wall. Place the bolster, one behind the other, parallel to the block. Drape the blanket over all 3 props. Then sit sideways in the middle of the bolsters, and place your fingers flat on the floor behind you.

2. Turn your torso toward the wall, simultaneously lifting your lets, one by one, onto the wall. Keep your knees slightly bent. Support your body on both palms, fingers pointing toward the bolsters. Push both palms down on the floor, and move your buttocks closer to the wall.

3. Bend your elbows and lower your torso until your shoulders rest on the floor. Fully straighten your legs, but please don’t lock them. If your buttocks have moved away from the wall, bend your knees and place both feet against the wall. Then press your palms down onto the floor, lift your hips, and move the buttocks closer to the wall. Straighten your legs.

4. Rest your head and neck on the floor. Loft your chest. Spread your arms out to he sides, palms facing the ceiling. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to expand and relax. Straighten and stretch your legs. Close your eyes and experience the serenity of the posture. Stay in the posture for 1-2 minutes.  Gradually increase the duration to 3-6 minutes depending on the amount of tingling you feel in your feet.

Just by practicing Viparita Karani, pranayama and meditation the Yoga practitioner heals mind, body, and spirit.

© Copyright 2011 – Amruta Kulkarni / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

Amruta Kulkarni is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.

Click here for more information about Yoga teacher certification courses by Aura Wellness Center.

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!

The Mission and Pledge of Yoga Teachers

Saturday, December 18th, 2010

Yoga Teacher Training Demonstration Back BendBy Sanjeev Patel, CYT 500

When one finishes a Yoga teacher training course, does he or she know the true mission of teaching? Some teachers definitely do, while others seem to be oblivious to the principles of Ahimsa, Karma, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

The world is plagued with stress. We see it all around us. People are so caught up in striving for material wealth, that their souls are suffering and depression sets in the body and mind. It is our mission as Yoga teachers to try and alleviate this suffering by teaching Hatha Yoga in all its aspects of yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, higher forms of meditation, and relaxation.

As Yoga works on the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, we become calmer, more energized, and more relaxed. Therefore, we become more in tune with our mission in life, our path becomes clear, and we, Yoga teachers, are guided to fulfill our destiny.

Through the simple act of lying on the floor in savasana, we achieve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual relaxation. Savasana is an easy asana where the aspirant learns to let go of body and mind. Thus seeing the realization of one’s true self, which is the source of all joy, power, and peace.

When we consider the benefits that we can directly and indirectly convey to people of all walks of life – even to children, our mission becomes even more important and meaningful.  The joy of teaching Yoga will come from seeing people transform form stressed out, depressed individuals to contented, physically strong people, who are beginning to question their way of life and their value system. Yoga is by helping them to look inward to the point where the Yogic path begins. Yoga is by making the world realize that true happiness lies within.

Below is a pledge for all Yoga teachers to consider.

I shall do my best to be compassionate, tolerant, and kind to others at all times.

I will strive to become the best Yoga teacher possible.

I will learn and teach all facets of Yoga as described by Patanjali.

I will strive to make teaching of this knowledge complete through continued study, daily practice, and Yogic self-development.

I fully realize there is pure contentment in finding and staying on the Yogic path, rather than make competitive comparisons to the progress of other teachers and practitioners.

Hari Om Tat Sat

© Copyright 2010 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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!

Yoga Teacher Training – Learning Sanskrit

Monday, November 8th, 2010

Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 speaks to you in this short lecture about Yoga Teachers learning Sanskrit and best practices.

 

Looking for The Language of Yoga Book Mentioned in the Video?  Click Here

 

The Original Yoga Teacher Training Camp-in-a-Box GOLD also includes this Sanskrit Book/Audio set

Teaching Yoga – Explaining the Physical Benefits of Hatha Yoga

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

yantraBy Sanjeev Patel, CYT 500

There are many physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits realized through the consistent practice of Hatha Yoga. Below are five of the physical benefits that students will receive from diligent practice. It is agreed that there are many more benefits that result from regular Hatha Yoga sessions, and I will address them in future articles.

The benefit of controlling prana: Prana is the vital life force that is carried in the air, food water and oxygen. It comes from an infinite source of energy in the universe. Through the practice of breathing, posturing and meditation, more prana is stored in the body.

Through the cultivation of prana, we can become more vitalized, peaceful, and live in better state of health, in body, mind and spirit. Most of us use the benefits of pranic energy without being conscious we are using it. The purpose of Yoga is to use pranic energy consciously to heal and maintain health for themselves or others.

As James Hewtt mentioned in the book “The Complete Book of Yoga,” Yogic energy is called prana, this “is the force behind the renewal of the body cells, and that disease is unlikely to get a hold on a body whose every cell is permeated with pranic energy.”

Some of the symptoms that can improve using pranic energy are: asthma and bronchitis, colds and sinus troubles, nervous tension, neurosis, insomnia, headaches, indigestion, abnormal weight, constipation, and smoking addiction.

Proper body alignment is enhanced in every phase of life. Yoga can help us achieve a better alignment of the spine, walk better, and prevent ailments like: sciatica, lower back pain, neck pain, foot pain, and ankle pain. Many of these problems can result from not having a proper alignment.

Hatha Yoga will increase the lubrication in all the joints, ligaments and tendons by practicing the asanas. This fact is pointed out more when a practitioner enters a Yoga teacher training course, but many students have only been trained to focus on the appearance of their muscles.

Physical Yoga practice will Increase flexibility. Asanas (Yoga postures) can act on the various joints of the body including those joints that are not used to being stretched.

Physical forms of Yoga massage all the internal organs. Although massaging vital organs is probably not one of the reasons why someone from the modern world would take Yoga, it is an important thing to mention. Yoga is one of the few body practices that can massage all the organs in the body, including the ones that are hardly stimulated during our entire lifetime. This massaging keeps the organs cleaner and healthier throughout our lives.

Hari Om Tat Sat

© 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/

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!

Teaching Hatha Yoga Classes for Children

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Teaching Hatha Yoga to children requires specialist skills. On the surface, it would seem easy enough to teach children about the foundational aspects of Yoga. Should one decide to teach children, it is wise to realize that they are not “little adults.”

Children like to laugh, have fun, play games, and they have an abundance of energy, in comparison to adults. Yoga teachers, who spend time teaching children, must be patient, fun-loving, and compassionate. If one does not have these primary ingredients ingrained in his or her personality, it would be wise to keep teaching adults.

If an instructor has all the necessary ingredients to teach children, he or she still needs to enter into a Yoga teacher training course, which specializes in teaching children. Depending on how much training, or experience, a Yoga teacher has – the course for teaching children may be in the 200-hour range.

The skills taught to children in Yoga classes will last a lifetime. Many of these skills may be referred to as “life skills.” Children become more relaxed, confident, coordinated, and learn the ability to focus on a task. Kids Yoga classes give children a haven to meet peers who come from well-adjusted families.

It is not easy to find young people, in a small group, who are consistently nudged in the right direction. There is always the argument that children will find their own way. However, what parent wants to let their child enter the world with no foundational guidance?

The point is that if we want our children to be guided in the right direction, we have to set limits on video games, television, Internet access, and any other potential hazards. With this in mind – children, in Yoga classes, are learning how to appreciate the finer things in life.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher certification courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

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

Meeting the Yoga Teacher Within

Monday, September 13th, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

In Yoga, and in some realms of psychology, there are names for the teacher within each of us. Some people refer to the inner self as, “The Observer” or “The Witness.” Yet, how can we be sure that the voice we are listening to is the right one? The Observer is, in fact, your inner Yoga teacher. The inner teacher has to be impartial when making decisions.

One way to tap into your inner Yoga teacher is to mindfully consider an action before taking it. Do you have second thoughts about this decision? Does it make you feel unsettled when you consider the results of your potential action? These questions should be considered any time we have time to weigh up our decision-making process.

This does not apply to instant decisions that may concern instant actions. One example of this would be when driving a car. The rules of the road are designed for the safety of all. This includes drivers and pedestrians. Therefore, there should be no long, drawn out decision-making process, when facing a Stop sign.

With that said – when we have time to make a decision, our decision should be the “right” one; and hopefully, we will not do harm to anyone or ourselves. The Yoga teacher, within each of us, takes actions, based upon logic and intuition. Many times, these feelings of intuition let us know if we are taking the right action. Some people may refer to this intuition as a “gut” feeling.

When faced with a decision that is difficult to make, there is a method which will help you communicate to the Yoga teacher within. One example of this is to create a “mind map.” You will need a pen and at least one piece of paper. At the center of the paper, write down the problem. Surrounding this perceived problem, write every possible solution – no matter how ridiculous.

Generally speaking, you will find one, or more, solutions that can be combined toward an optimum resolution. Usually, the best decisions are non-harming to all the parties involved. Showing compassion and avoiding judgment are extremely difficult for some people.

Terms such as, “The Witness” or “The Observer” are commonly used in Yoga. Yet, it is hard to make an important personal decision as an observer. Yoga practice enters into every facet of our lives. It takes time, practice, self-analysis, and the ability to truly know one’s self to reach the inner Yoga teacher.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

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

Teaching Hatha Yoga – About Non-Dualism

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

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/

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!

How to Pass Your Yoga Teacher Training Exams

Friday, July 30th, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The following is a brief compilation of tips that will help anyone taking Yoga certification exams. Generally speaking, Yoga teacher courses are composed of three basic parts. These parts may be your written exams, essays, and practical exams. There may be one, or more, of these parts involved during the examination process.

Written Exams: Usually, written exams are based upon foundational Yogic knowledge. The points, that the examiners may be drawing you to, are valuable for anyone, who will be teaching Yoga classes. In other words, this is knowledge that you should have been mastered, before you began teaching a class.

Written Exams may be based upon one, or more, books which are part of the curriculum. When referencing books, it is always best to reference the book, author, and page number of the information you are presenting. In this way, you support your answer with concrete evidence.

At the same time, there is nothing wrong with having a personal opinion that agrees, or disagrees, with the author’s point. In this way, you also show evidence that you are able to think for yourself. The exception to this is if the examiner requires you to give an answer that is based only upon the author’s opinion.

Essays: One of the biggest mistakes to make on an essay is to cut-and-paste writings by various authors, and then try passing it off as your own work. If you quote an author, you should also give credit to that author by stating the author’s name, the book or website, and include the page number or URL.

When using any quotes by authors to support your essay, you would want to provide a page of references – whether a separate “References” page or Footnotes at the bottom of each page where the quote is included within the text of the page. Also related to this: Limit the number of supporting quotes, to about 20 percent, of your work. The examiner is looking for your thoughts, not a complete compilation of another author’s thoughts.

Practical Exams: This is usually considered the hardest part of the testing. However, preparation is going to help you pass this hurdle. Interns, who spend time teaching mock classes, recording their classes on video, and practicing teaching techniques, will pass much easier than someone who puts little thought into how to conduct a class.

Teaching a Yoga class is composed of cueing skills, observation skills, showing modifications, and assisting when needed. You never want to turn your back on your students and “do your own Yoga practice.” It is a wonderful thing when one can perform a technique, but a teacher is being tested for his or her ability to lead a class.

One last point about the Practical Exam – if you find yourself facing away from your students, it is probably a good time to get off your mat and walk around the room. It always seems to be that, when you turn your back to your students, there is a mental disconnect between you and your students.

© 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/

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!

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