By Sanjeev Patel, CYT 500
During a Yoga teacher training intensive, much time is given to many small details for teaching classes. How to comfortably conclude a Hatha Yoga class has been an issue and a puzzle to some Yoga teachers for centuries. Some gurus try to fit three hours worth of technique into a 90 minute class. All of a sudden they look at the clock and think, “Uh Oh, move into shut down mode ASAP.”
Five solid Yogic techniques that an instructor might choose to conclude a Hatha class are simhasana (lion pose), nadi shodhana, savasana, relaxation, and meditation. These Yogic techniques could actually be practiced in this order. Lion pose is a good pose to place at the beginning of a lesson as well, because it lightens the mood of the class and gives students a chance to practice without fear or judgment.
Once you’ve seen someone with their tongue stuck out and their eyes rolled back in their head, it is tough not to see them as softly human and like you. If you’ve done it too, then you’ve enjoyed a little humanity with them. However, I choose to place lion near the end of my sequence in part for the same reasons that it is effective in the beginning.
It lightens the spirit, and helps the practitioner to move into relaxation or meditation without fear. In addition, the lion is a pose of self-expression and during a practice, one often has experienced aspects of self (physical and mental) that one has forgotten about, ignored, or was not even aware of.
Simhasana, practiced at the end of a session, expresses those newly experienced aspects. Lion relaxes the facial muscles, which aids in deeper relaxation and more complete meditation. Next, is the seated twist, because this pose relieves tension in the back, neck and hips, preparing the body for deeper relaxation while laying on one’s back in corpse pose.
Nadi Shodhana is a purifying pranayama technique. It balances the left and right energy channels, calms your mind, reduces anxiety, balances left and right sides of the brain. For all of these reasons, nadi shodhana is the perfect pranayama near the conclusion of class just before meditation or relaxation.
At times in life, people suffer from considerable anxiety due to never taking a break. One may come to a point in life where he or she doesn’t have time to practice an entire asana sequence or even a few postures, but will make time for a savasana.
Savasana is remarkably relaxing. If one looks at the surge of products on the market today for stress relief, one will recognize the incredible need for more savasana. This is also a great asana for relaxation sequences.
Finally, meditation is the unsung best Yoga technique of all. Meditation will restore clarity and energy. One who meditates regularly can attest that meditation will give you a full recharge; just as much as a good night’s sleep. When practiced at the end of a Yoga training session, it helps the mind and body to relax. After the challenges that an invigorating asana practice present, meditation fills the body and mind with positive energy born from a completed Yogic journey.
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.
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