"In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities; but in the expert's mind, there are few." -Shunryu Suzuki, Zen priest.
Teaching a beginner Yoga class is a heavy responsibility. There is a good chance that people in the room have never practiced Yoga before. New Yoga students may be uneasy and fear awkwardness or failure.
You may become the first teacher they have ever had, and their impressions of Yoga as a discipline, art, science, sport, lifestyle, or however they regard it, will be based upon you and your behavior. Here are a few tips for Yoga teachers on teaching a beginner class.
1. Introduce yourself and tell the students how long the Yoga class is. An overview of the class format is appreciated. For example - tell them that there will be warm-ups, pranayama, a variety of seated and standing poses, followed by moving poses, known as Sun Salutations, and that the last 10 minutes will be spent practicing stage-by-stage relaxation in Savasana, or a resting pose.
2. Always emphasize student safety from the beginning to the end of practice. Safety is a key factor, for our students to be mindful of, at all times. Students should be warned against forcing and learn their "personal edge" in regard to safe range of motion.
3. Ask if anyone has any initial questions. Suggest a quiet method, for anyone who needs help during the practice, to signal you - such as by raising their hand.
4. If props will be used, explain their purposes at the beginning of class, and have the students collect all that will be needed for the duration, at the beginning. They should not need to break a pose to run to the closet and get a block.
5. Introduce each pose by its Sanskrit names and its translation; for example, "Let's move in to Uttanasana, or Standing Forward Bend." Referring to poses by their Sanskrit names, exclusively, can be intimidating; and referring to them only by their translations, may not help beginners appreciate the rich history of the Yoga tradition.
6. Ask each student for permission to assist before performing any hands-on correction in the asanas. Beginners may be surprised if they are adjusted manually.
7. Emphasize to the students that practice is about performing each asana fully and in harmony with one's own body and breath. Racing to keep up with the teacher or classmates is not necessary.
8. Ask the students to set an intention before they begin the class, and thank them at the conclusion for taking the time to deepen their connection with their own spirit.
9. Always remember to integrate pranayama techniques into the class. For new students, the first connection between mind and body is usually during pranayama practice.
10. Provide loaner Yoga mats, if at all possible. Many beginners will not have their own equipment.
Remember - by introducing these students to the wonderful practice of Yoga, you may be helping them lead happier, healthier lives. Teaching an expert class may be physically exalting, but the true continuation of Yoga lies with teaching those new to it - to love it, as you do.
Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
Friday, June 24, 2011
How Much Do You Know About Traditional Chinese Medicine? Find Out Here
When it comes to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), you are going to find that a considerable amount of research and understanding has gone into each of the different treatment options that you are going to have. Since this style of holistic medicine has been around for more than 4,000 years, it is easy to see how it can benefit most people.
The process of TCM begins with a simple set of items that are designed to get the total body working and operating on a healthier level. For instance, you are going to find that diet, acupuncture, meditation and even herbal medications are going to be very common in this process.
Unlike Western medicine that will focus solely on the disease, the TCM approach will take a look at the entire body. This helps to ensure that you reduce the chances of getting sick later on and it will also help you to focus on staying healthy through the entire process.
Typically when you begin working with a TCM professional, you are going to find that they will do a complete evaluation of your health. This process will include your current diet, if you are a smoker and if you drink alcohol. Then they will proceed to come up with a plan that is going to improve your entire level of health.
It is important that during this time you keep in mind that you are going to start improving your health within a short period of time. In combination with these changes you may also be presented with some natural items that you are going to help to improve your health as well. Just make sure that you end up taking these as directed in order to ensure that there are no potential problems that could occur.
One of the other treatment options that you are going to find is that the traditional Chinese medicine approach that your physician might suggest will be acupuncture. This treatment option is an excellent way for you to improve your overall level of health and to get the treatment you need without adding anything to your body. This is especially helpful when you are trying to improve the energy flow in your body.
As you begin this process, it is going to be important that you realize there are going to be a number of different factors that are going to come into play. This will be everything from the current level of health, to the ailments that are currently bothering you. It may take some time for you to improve your health, just be sure that as you go through this process you follow the directions of your physician very closely.
Remember, there are going to be a number of options that you will have in this process. Each of them will have their own unique set of benefits attached to them and in no time the traditional Chinese medicine you are using will help to improve your health.
Eu Yan Sang eStore offers traditional Chinese medicine, Lingzhi, Bird Nest, American Ginseng, and many more. Visit Eu Yan Sang eStore below:
Click Here: http://estore.euyansang.com/
The content is our own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eu Yan Sang.
The process of TCM begins with a simple set of items that are designed to get the total body working and operating on a healthier level. For instance, you are going to find that diet, acupuncture, meditation and even herbal medications are going to be very common in this process.
Unlike Western medicine that will focus solely on the disease, the TCM approach will take a look at the entire body. This helps to ensure that you reduce the chances of getting sick later on and it will also help you to focus on staying healthy through the entire process.
Typically when you begin working with a TCM professional, you are going to find that they will do a complete evaluation of your health. This process will include your current diet, if you are a smoker and if you drink alcohol. Then they will proceed to come up with a plan that is going to improve your entire level of health.
It is important that during this time you keep in mind that you are going to start improving your health within a short period of time. In combination with these changes you may also be presented with some natural items that you are going to help to improve your health as well. Just make sure that you end up taking these as directed in order to ensure that there are no potential problems that could occur.
One of the other treatment options that you are going to find is that the traditional Chinese medicine approach that your physician might suggest will be acupuncture. This treatment option is an excellent way for you to improve your overall level of health and to get the treatment you need without adding anything to your body. This is especially helpful when you are trying to improve the energy flow in your body.
As you begin this process, it is going to be important that you realize there are going to be a number of different factors that are going to come into play. This will be everything from the current level of health, to the ailments that are currently bothering you. It may take some time for you to improve your health, just be sure that as you go through this process you follow the directions of your physician very closely.
Remember, there are going to be a number of options that you will have in this process. Each of them will have their own unique set of benefits attached to them and in no time the traditional Chinese medicine you are using will help to improve your health.
Eu Yan Sang eStore offers traditional Chinese medicine, Lingzhi, Bird Nest, American Ginseng, and many more. Visit Eu Yan Sang eStore below:
Click Here: http://estore.euyansang.com/
The content is our own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of Eu Yan Sang.
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