Teaching Yoga as Therapy

By Paul Jerard

Yoga, in itself, has always been therapy - in every shape and form. If you look at a promising athletic child, or a student in a wheel chair, you will clearly see healthy results, which are mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual, in nature.

After observing martial artists, gymnasts, dancers, and competitive athletes closely, Yoga practice is much more than a form of cross training. Many of them learned to work around pre-existing injuries and ailments, as a result of practicing Yoga on a therapeutic level.

In the case of children learning proper breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (asanas), proper diet, meditation, and deep relaxation - Yogic methods become a natural form of therapy, and give them valuable life skills. Children need to have the skills to deal with stress, peer pressure, and finding their way throughout life.

The most common form of contemporary Yogic therapy has been relief from an existing ailment. The list of potential ailments seems to be endless. We may naturally think of using a combination of standard medical practices and Yoga therapy for neurological disorders, such as: Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Ataxia, and Parkinson's disease. Yet, there are many more neurological disorders, diseases, and ailments.

Students and clients are seeing good results and improvements in their lives. Yogic therapy and medicine can work in harmony to treat any ailment. In the case of postures (asanas): They can be modified for anyone, even if the student is in a hospital bed.

There are so many breathing techniques (pranayama) to choose from; they can also be modified for the particular student. Pranayama and asana are just two aspects of a huge and evolving therapeutic field.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA - http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com - He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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Yoga Instructor Training - Your Classroom Communication Skills

By Paul Jerard

For Yoga teachers, there are many advantages to fine tuning the art of spoken communication. When compared to writing, speaking is much more personal. The interaction with one student, or an entire class, establishes a rapport.

Working face-to-face, with a class, allows you to use voice inflection, body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures. Through this, you have created a form of unconscious human interaction, which results in trust.

Some Yoga instructors manage to make each student feel important during class time. A Yoga instructor gives physical assists, when needed, and addresses each student's needs. This is much different from being a public speaker because of the student / teacher relationship.

Yet, a public speaker must also establish a bond, develop trust, and create an open atmosphere. In any type of classroom setting, the student should never be afraid to ask a question. The open environment enables the collective group to make progress, and prevents misunderstandings.

Once open communication is established, there are no limits as to what students can learn in your Yoga classes. Information is exchanged rapidly, clearly, and without confusion. Many times, sincere students, who ask in-depth questions, stimulate the interest of the entire group.

Some Yoga teachers have a firm policy of not answering questions during class time. The concern, among these teachers, is how to handle a disruptive, or ego-driven, student. If you have a person who you feel is purposely disrupting the class, keep your answer short and offer to discuss the question after class.

Yoga instructors can misunderstand the motives behind a student's questions or actions too. Take the time to see the big picture and resist judgments. The student, who is curious, has sought you out for the answers to his or her questions. Students, who ask a lot of questions, cause us to research an old topic again. There is no harm in this because curious students make their teachers better.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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Yoga Teacher Training Aspects - Reminders to Yoga Students

By Paul Jerard

When we teach a Yoga class, there are many things to remind our students. We want to be sure that everyone, attending our Yoga class, receives the best possible experience. Let's look at a short list of topics that will help your students on their journey of self-discovery.

"Being present for practice," and "living in the moment," seem like worn out slogans, at times, but students need to be reminded; without the mind and body connection, there is no presence in their practice. Therefore, teachers need to remember that Pranayama techniques are a very important ingredient in creating a connection between mind and body, which results in presence.

Non-judgment of oneself, and others, helps students create self-awareness without competition. This is a unique mindset for many people, who come into the Yoga studio from work and commuter traffic. Competition is outside the Yoga class, but it should never be allowed to exist within the walls of your studio.

Yoga students need to be reminded of this, in each class, for their mental health, emotional health, and physical safety. The result is a calm mind and an Asana practice without injury. Every student should leave our classes feeling better than when he, or she, came through the doors.

We have briefly touched on Pranayama, but students need to remember to breathe completely and deeply, throughout the session. As teachers, it is easy to forget what comes naturally. Yet, most people are rarely conscious of their breathing, unless they are reminded of it.

If you teach Asanas in your classes, students need to be aware of their "comfort zone" and their "edge." The comfort zone is self-explanatory, but we know it as a range of motion without pain. The edge is the range, where we are at our physical limit, but we are still not in pain. The saying: "Work smart, not hard," applies to the edge of the movement. Student safety is priority number one, in all Yoga classes.

At the same time, your students should be reminded that the Yogic path is full of discoveries and treasures, which will help them with their inner challenges. They learn from us, but they also learn from within. Self-discovery is a rewarding part of Yoga practice. Therefore, they should be encouraged to develop a safe practice at home, and to take Yoga with them, wherever they go. As any Yoga teacher already knows: Our practice does not end, when we roll up our Yoga mats.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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Becoming a Yoga Instructor - Is it a Good Fit for Me?

By Paul Jerard

If you're reading this, it's probably a given that you are already a yoga fan. You know firsthand the benefits of incorporating yoga into your life: stress management, mental balance, and more. Perhaps it's time to take your love for this art and discipline a step further and become a yoga instructor.

Whether you're thinking of leaving your current job, or simply supplementing your income, becoming a yoga instructor may be the change you're craving. Deciding whether it's a good fit for you will require you to do some soul-searching. Take inventory of your own yoga experience and see if you relate to any of these benefits to teaching the art yourself:

* Have I ever been inspired by a yoga instructor? If you've been practicing for a long time, you may recall an instructor who really helped you achieve something that surprised you. What was it about him/her that made you accomplish what you thought you couldn't? How did you feel afterwards? Now, imagine being able to inspire that same sense of delight and accomplishment in others. Does this sound like something that appeals to you?

* Has yoga changed my life? Few regular participants would disagree that yoga has made a change in them. Those who practice regularly report increased flexibility, improved muscle tone, an overall sense of wellbeing and a decrease in stress related problems. This includes fewer headaches, less anxiety and the ability to positively deal with potential conflict. Now consider how rewarding it would be to pass this ability on to countless others around you. Plus, you get the joy of participating in this discipline on a regular, maybe even full-time basis.

* Am I passionate about physical fitness? That's probably an easy answer. If you're like most participants, you engage in yoga because you have a commitment to physical fitness. Not only does it produce positive physical changes, it also enhances your body's abilities in relation to other sports and physical activities. Runners who regularly do yoga report less muscle fatigue and improved speed. Gymnasts notice increased agility. Those who play sports find that they are able to concentrate better and think faster under pressure. Does the idea of sharing this ability with others who are committed to physical fitness excite you?

* Am I in need of a positive change? Maybe your life isn't lacking. But if you're looking to make it just a little bit better, becoming a yoga instructor may be the way to do it. You'll be taking your love for the practice one step further. You'll learn how to instruct and motivate others to experience the health and wellbeing that you know is possible for anyone. Plus, the sense of accomplishment you'll receive from finishing an instructor's course will reward you even if you don't plan to become a full-time instructor.

If you answered 'yes' to most or all of these questions, then you probably have what it takes to become a yoga instructor. The option of doing a job that not only fits your lifestyle, but also inspires your spirit is well worth investing.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard, CG / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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Yoga Teacher Training Aspects - Class Presentation

By Paul Jerard

Once you have become a certified Yoga instructor, there are a number of ingredients involved in your class presentation and future growth. Any person, who teaches any subject, must have good diplomatic skills. The leap from student to teacher is a large one, and it comes with newfound responsibilities.

You must make it a point to learn your students' names and mentally retain them. You will want to greet each student by name with a smile. You must be prompt for class, happy, calm, helpful, encouraging, respectful, positive, and courteous, at all times - even when you have your own problems.

The strongest positive point, in arriving to class 15 minutes early, is "environmental concerns." If we show up to class late, the thermostat is not set right, water is on the floor, the power is out in the room, or the fan does not work. The result is, your Yoga class will not start on time, and your energy is not focused on the class.

You should be mentally prepared, well groomed, have music with you (if you use it), and be wearing the proper clothing to teach a Yoga class. You should have a class lesson plan in your mind. Lesson plan notes seem to take away your students' confidence in you. Students should have a perception of confidence in you and your teaching method.

You should respond to questions. One student may ask a question, which is on other student's minds. At the same time, it is important to avoid digressing. So, stick to the point, avoid tangents, and get back to your lesson plan, after you have politely answered a question. At the same time, be prepared to elaborate with your students after, or before, your Yoga classes.

You may also want to share a small example of Yogic philosophy, or a quote, applied to daily life, at some point during your class. I usually cover something related to daily life at the end of class, after meditation.

As much as the importance of starting on time has been mentioned, it is also important to end the class at the scheduled time. Some Yoga teachers start late and end late. Others want to add one more sequence or have too much material on their lesson plan. Show respect to your students.

They have lives and obligations outside of your Yoga class. If you want to reduce stress in their lives, end your class at the scheduled time. The students who want to know more about Yoga will "hang around" after class.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com - He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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