Let us rise up and be thankful,
for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little,
and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick,
and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die;
so, let us all be thankful.buddha
about the lesson learned series
Our blog series entitled Lesson Learned is designed from a teachers perspective. We see so much, feel so much and have learned so much. This is our sharing ground from the front of the room.
If you would like to read more from this series, please click here: http://yogasamatva.com/?s=lesson+learned
The light and love in me bows to the light and love in you.
Om. Shanti. Shanti. Shanti.
First Class Facts
For any yoga teacher, a class is filled with those new to the studio, new to the practice, seasoned and mid range…….what this means to us as guides for this practice is to make sure that we teach to all levels of experience each and every class.
- For new yogis the primary focus is on asana – postures – and opening the outermost layer of the body. This opening, strengthening and ultimately aligning of the body, clears the subtle energy channels or nadis. This cleansing enhances the flow of prana – lifeforce.
- For experienced yogis practice profoundly effects mental and spiritual layers by both calming the mind and awakening substantial intelligence throughout the body. As yogis, we experience a deeper knowing into our essential nature and the world. The practice becomes a quintessential ingredient on the path to living a more fulfilling, healthier, and awakened life.
Whether the class consists of new or experienced yogis, we always need to consider the following points when structuring a class lesson plan.
- Hatha Yoga is not just an exercise system. It’s a 5,000-year old holistic path of health and self-development that begins with the body as a tangible way to affect all aspects of our being.
- Never underestimate breath awareness. The breath is the link between body and mind. It is imperative that we demonstrate and teach the practice during every class. Mindful breathing during class can mean the difference between achieving the holistic effects of asana and simply stretching.
- Practice is both individualistic and systematic. We encourage students to challenge themselves in an effort to begin the process of change, but not to go into a zone of pain. There should never be any striving or forcing of asana or breath. Integral in the practice is acceptance of body as we find it, in the present, moment to moment.
- Beginner’s mind/open mind. Every day when students get on the mat it is different. As Japanese Zen monk Suzuki said, “I the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few.”
- Have fun in class! We want to teach the lessons the resonate with us. This insures your lessons come from the heart.
“Words have the power to both destroy and heal.
When words are both true and kind, they can change our world.”
~ Buddha
- Do your best to remain relaxed. Fell calm and centered, think of yourself as both student and teacher.
- Enjoys the day’s lesson. Discover what it means to you so you can put your heart into it.
- Don’t compare yourself to others, including where you were yesterday or last month. Everyone/moment has their/its own light that can shine uniquely.
- Practicing is joy and privilege. Take time for gratitude for simply showing up…….and by the way, it is probably the hardest part of your class. Enjoy the journey to heal, create space and find inner peace, it will take time. Make every moment count.
share to a friend or share to social media
share to a friend or share to social media
PEACE, LOVE + GROOVINESS
