Teaching Yoga: Student Safety Is Top Priority

Yoga is not a sport, and not typically associated with severe injury. In fact, therapeutic forms of Yoga fit more neatly into the category of rehabilitation. However, injuries can, and do, occur while practicing Yoga. It could be that the muscles are not properly warmed up, a pre-existing condition is irritated, or a beginner tries to push him or herself too far. Safety is primarily the responsibility of the Yoga instructor. Yoga teachers must ensure they are giving all the correct cues and precautions for each pose, they must know their students' levels and limitations, and they must constantly monitor the students throughout the class session.

Create a Safe Environment

Perhaps, the primary element of Yoga student safety is creating a safe environment. A safe environment is one where students feel comfortable to ask questions, try techniques, and adjust according to personal needs. A safe environment includes a knowledgeable Yoga instructor, who repeats safety cues for each technique during a class. The Yoga teacher should never assume that the students already know the information. All Yoga instructors must consider how to create this type of environment for their students during each Yoga session.

Know Medical Histories

It is imperative for instructors to know the medical and injury histories of their students. Then, they must make sure to speak with each student about specific poses they should avoid, or modifications they should perform regularly. While teaching Yoga class, instructors must remind students about potential injuries for each pose. Before class begins, instructors should always review the medical concerns for each student - to refresh their memories and make sure any issues are addressed.

Observe Students Carefully

Instructors need to know their students. Through careful observation, they will begin to know the skill level, abilities, and limitations of each student. When teaching class, good instructors will demonstrate the pose first, then circulate about the room to provide support, advice, and encouragement to the students. Instructors need to remember that the class is all about the students - it is not time for the teacher to practice. Instructors can grow in their personal Yoga practices during personal time, not class time.

Seek Advice

Another important element in creating a safe Yoga environment includes seeking the help of more experienced teachers. Yoga teachers should never feel like they have to know it all, or portray themselves to students as if they know it all. Teaching, of any type, is an evolution of knowledge and skills. Good Yoga teachers are always learning new ways to perfect their teaching methods. Young Yoga instructors should have a mentor to consult with on a regular basis.

© Copyright 2012 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

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. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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Teaching Mindfulness in Yoga Class

When teaching a Yoga class, the concept of mindfulness will help all of your students. Some students have difficulty unplugging from electronics devices. When we encourage them to be present for practice, they may feel like a fish out of water. If you have children, or interact with them regularly, you have probably seen mindfulness in action. Watch a child walk down a woodsy road. He or she will stop every step or two to bend down and examine a leaf, a stone, or a bug. It might take 20 minutes to travel 20 feet. Most adults become exasperated by all the "dilly-dallying." A child does not have a million worries running through his or her brain. A child is focused on the journey, not the destination.

Many adults strive to reach a state of mindfulness, which is much like that of a child. Yoga helps many people escape anxiety, stress, and worry. The asana, pranayama, and meditative aspects, work wonders toward releasing physical and mental stress, which focuses the mind, while stretching and strengthening the entire body. Mindfulness is a powerful concept that helps our students live in the present moment. During Yoga practice, it helps bring awareness to each part of the body. It takes practice to be mindful on a regular basis, but it can be done, and the results are extremely positive.

Yogic mindfulness can be practiced during meditation by breathing deeply and willing yourself to be present for each breath. Instead of focusing on all the thoughts rumbling around in your head, let your mind be still. Acknowledge each passing thought and promptly release it. Stay in the present moment by soaking up your current environment of sounds, smells, and sights. Bring awareness to your body by focusing on each part for a moment. Breathe deeply into any sore or irritated muscles, and then release the tension along with the breath.

Being mindful allows us to appreciate all the seemingly insignificant moments that take place in daily life. When you vow to be mindful, you allow yourself to focus on each moment as it passes, instead of encouraging your brain to wallow in suffering, worry, and stress. Yogic mindfulness allows you to breathe and appreciate each moment for what it is. You can be fully present when your child or significant other speaks about the day. You can put everything else aside, while you play with your kids. It allows our students to show gratitude toward the people they interact with. When we practice regularly, a deep sense of peace blankets our shoulders. No matter what happens, good or bad, you are able to acknowledge it for what it is and move on. Mindfulness is a method for applying Yogic principles toward real life situations.

© Copyright 2012 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

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. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

View the original article here

Read More