Q: I’ve been teaching yoga classes pretty steady. I’m on my second year of classes thru our local school(s) community education program, and I teach a separate yoga class on my own. Three classes a week, run in six week sessions, with one week off, then we start the next yoga session.
I’m somewhere near my 16th, 6 week session. It’s wonderfully fun. The issue is, I will get the new student here and there, but my core students have been the same from the very beginning. I don’t want them to get bored. When new students attend, I usually go over the same intro then spend the next couple of weeks learning basics (i.e. breathing, sun salutation, warm-ups, etc); always adding a new posture or two or specific routines (i.e. energizers, calming, restoring).
The regulars are quite happy to “start” over every session — but I worry about them and I have to admit, me, getting bored with basic beginner’s yoga. I’m 52 yrs old, not exactly like a pretzel anymore. I certainly could use some mentoring or “advanced” Yoga experience.
I live in a rural area of mid-west North America (and work full time) so getting to any other Yoga classes or workshops has been very difficult. I realize I’m the one who has to grow and learn in order to share new things with my students — I was just wondering if you recommend any books, tapes, workshops, conferences, etc. that would help me stay fresh.
A: About books, tapes, workshops, conferences, and more: There is the Midwest Yoga Conference to consider. For online videos, visit: //www.yoga-teacher-training.org/category/videos/
Q: Also, I do all the postures and routines with everyone every time. They all follow me thru the poses and wait for my guidance by demonstrating. I guess I get exhausted and was wondering how I can get to a point where I just verbally guide (with returning students I suppose) or does a yoga teacher forever guide by doing all the time. I’m in really good shape and have plenty of strength, but sometimes I just want to sit and guide and not “do.” Sometimes I teach three Yoga classes in one day, and can’t tell you how tired I get sometimes. Do you have any ideas?
A: About classes and nearing burn out: There comes a time, when we have to practice Hatha Yoga in moderation. At the same time, all Yoga teachers should “work the room,” which means: observe your students by walking around the room, cue, and give timely assists when students need your help.
From what you have written, it seems like you feel guilty if you don’t participate in every technique. Remember: Only one person keeps you on the mat. Some Yoga teachers feel very comfortable on their own mat and fail to mentally connect with their students. Work the room, observe, and assist when you need to take a break. Your students will love you for the change. This brings to mind – there is a good book to read: “Yoga Posture Adjustments and Assisting,” by Stephanie Pappas; it is worth your time. You can find her book at: https://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Yoga-Posture-Adjustments-and-Assisting.html
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