...othing for too long. I needed to get into shape or I was going to DIE. I was only 34 years old at the time.

So a friend of mine -who I was telling this pathetic story of myself to- suggested that I come with him to a Bikram Yoga class. Reluctantly I said, "Yoga, I don't think so". But I eventually agreed, knowing that something had to be done. So I went. And I got hooked. This form of Hatha Yoga awakened something in me that had been dormant for too long. The physical benefits were obvious, as Bikram Yoga is a full and total body workout. But the mental benefits actually outweigh the physical ones. I quickly began to realize that there was a focus and calm pervading my existence, one that I could apply to every part of my life. It has now become part of who I am. I have more energy, more focus, more peace, more happiness.

Bikram Yoga has, in fact, chang...more

Even More about Communication Skills for Yoga teachers

...ructors are not good at what they do by accident. Time spent in front of a crowd, or a mirror, causes us to look within and communicate effectively.

Knowing the audience is a valuable skill every Yoga teacher should take the time to learn. What are the interests of your Yoga students? What parts of the lesson plan raise their level of motivation? Do you feel a stir of excitement or anticipation at certain points in your Yoga class? Even if none of them says a word, you can still read body language.

When students feel the beneficial aspects of your Yoga class, it is written all over their faces. Develop your intuition, but do not drive yourself crazy. If you are still not sure what motivates your students, it is time to ask them some tactful questions.

A sample question, about one subject, might be: Do you see the benefit of practi...more

Yoga and Ethics

...The word yoga brings to mind, especially in the West a system of exercises or meditation to keep the body and mind healthy. But yoga is actually a philosophy, one of the six ancient schools of philosophy in india. The literal meaning of the word is union and the aim of yoga philosophy is the union of the individual soul and the Super-soul usually called God. The goal is to evolve the individual human being to spiritual perfection following a long and arduous path of self-discipline. The most authoritative book on yoga is Yoga sutra of Paatanjali who expounded the philosophy. Yoga is also a science as most of the concepts discussed in Yoga sutra are rational and even compatible with the views of modern science.

The system of yoga described in Yoga sutra has eight components and thus it is called ashtaanga yoga. The first two components are called yama and niya...more

Teaching Hatha Yoga - Obstacles to Instructing in Western Public schools

...s are monitored closely to make sure you do not discuss Yogic philosophy or meditate. In the US, we live at a time, when a different form of fundamentalist has successfully worked to ban Christmas trees, decorations, and carols, from pubic schools and government buildings.

Whether you feel it is right or wrong; this is only the "tip of the iceberg," as the US government has "bent over backwards" to prove there is a separation between any religion and the state.

Therefore, if you teach Yoga in public schools demonstrate posturing (Asanas) and breathing (Pranayama), only. This will help you avoid being drawn into the "gray area" of debate.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications<...more

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