Yuva Yoga - Teaching more than asana

Last week I asked you to tell me in what ways you cultivate qualities in your yoga practice that support you in teaching yoga.

Yoga is an opportunity to do good by our students but far too many times we see yoga portrayed on the media as a way to show off complicated poses, which in many cases drives people away from this wonderful practice.

If as a yoga teacher you are in this to help and make a difference in people's lives through yoga it is vital to think more about how you show up in our classes (and social media) than complicated asana.

Yoga has qualities of order, harmony and ultimately transformation. Effective practices are much more than poses, not only because there is no single asana or sequence that can address imbalances but also because what we are trying to achieve with chair based yoga is simply more than movement.

With that in mind, some of the best answers received last week were:

"Something I do in my classes is be very conscious of the language ... seeing poses as contained and opportunities". (by Sofia)
This answer demonstrates that rather than focusing on the asana as an achievement, poses are used as a mirror that helps us discover what is actually happening in the body.

"In my class I follow some kind of skeleton, but adapt according to my students' needs" says Ivana, which demonstrates the need for adaptation, not simply to access the asana but also meet the ever changing needs of our students during class.

"I am learning that simplicity is what we crave" says Gurjinder.
Even the simplest of asana has something to teach us, especially when adapted or practiced dynamically, providing opportunity to integrate other elements of the practice such as breath, affirmations and mantras.

The winning answer by Tara Valente though reminded me of tougher times in my life. where practices of gratitude and breathing played a big part.
Asana was also helpful but being able to withstand change and remain appreciative of my circumstances was much more useful.
"Our physical and emotional recovery - using breath, quiet meditation, kindness & compassion - was so much more helpful than postures and physical movement (which were impossible for him in the early days)" by Tara Valente

• • •

Thank you for sending your answers.
What an amazing set of replies!

Apologies if you missed out on this give away, but you can still take advantage:
Use code 44BD at checkout to access the Chair Based Yoga Course for just £155 (save £44)
(Terms: Expires end of day today Thursday 15 July 2021 UTC & applies only to full payment option, no cash alternative)

Thank you to all that entered and I am looking forward to bringing you more practices in my email next week .

Hit reply if you have any questions.

Big Love, Maria xx

Yuva Yoga - Teaching more than asana

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