Yet, the casual atmosphere of the yoga studio can blur the boundary lines between the teacher and his or her students. Remember that in any student/teacher relationship, there is an imbalance of power, but there can be a balance of compassion. This is something that teachers should be aware of in any setting.
As a dedicated Yogi or Yogini, you may even feel anxious about not being able to get into a posture that you have previously been able to practice during Yoga class. Because many of us are accustomed to racing from one task to another during our daily lives, being able to release all of the internal and external "doing" during Shavasana is even more important. A deep sense of peace, calm and replenishment comes from truly releasing all thought and physical striving during Corpse Pose.
Additionally, there is no financial risk in teaching classes part-time at a fitness club, church, community center, or a local yoga school. Many successful studio owners started out by teaching at night and working a 9 to 5 job for a full-time employer. This gives a yoga instructor time to calculate the risks of expanding or playing it safe and investing one’s earnings toward a retirement fund or your next vacation.
Springtime is upon us, and for many Yoga practitioners who live in areas that experience long winters, the increasing light and warmth of this season is very welcome. Just like the seasons in temperate climate zones, there are also different types of Yoga practices. Some practices are cooling, and other sequences of asanas are quite warming. For example, practices that are cooling and restorative are Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra.
To teach your Yoga students Bakasana, have them fluidly move through the beginning sequence of Sun Salutation B and into a squatting position on their Yoga mats from Downward Facing Dog. Their feet should be a little wider than hips’ distance apart and parallel to each other. Direct your students to place their hands approximately twelve inches in front of their feet with their fingers spread comfortably far apart and facing the front of the Yoga mat.
As a Yoga teacher, it is also important to be aware of and uproot any of your own negative thoughts about your students, especially those students who may be struggling with health issues. Thoughts such as, “I can’t believe she is still doing the Yoga asanas while seated in a chair. Her knee seems strong enough now to support her weight!”
The Yoga practices of asana, meditation, prayer, chanting and pranayama, when practiced in balance and on a regular basis, have the ability to truly transform a Yogi or Yogini’s life. These ancient practices, as succinctly elucidated in Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras, provide a comprehensive alchemical path to happiness.
The process of releasing tamas from our bodies and minds usually begins with the movement and energy of the rajasic guna. Moving one’s body through a complete practice of Yoga asanas and breathing exercises is a sure fire way to begin to ultimately transform ourselves into lightness, love and peace.
The strategic use of Yoga props, including bolsters, blocks and chairs, will help the students who are living with physical challenges to participate more fully in a multi-level Yoga class.
Company policies and attitudes toward Yoga vary from one corporation to the next. Discussing issues like insurance, waivers, and etiquette prior to preparing for a new class clarifies everyone’s goals and attitudes. Establishing guidelines and giving written copies to students before or during the first class helps to avoid confusion and awkward situations down the road.