1.
DO give more adjustments very, very wisely.
Everyone wants to be doing their asanas
correctly. Adjustments help the student feel like they’re improving their
practice with the guidance and knowledge of the teacher. When a teacher comes
over to make a personal and wise adjustment or to instruct an individual within
a group setting, they’re making a one-on-one connection — a way of noticing and
appreciating the people in the room. But don’t assume you always have to touch
your students. “A lot of teachers feel they must do hand-bone adjustments to
connect with students and it’s not really true,” says Crow. “For every student
who likes it, another hates it. People just want to be seen and know you have
their best interests in mind. They want you to help them, call out their name,
and look them in the eye.”
2.
DON’T call out beginners.
A beginner yogi can feel insecure in a room
full of intermediate or advanced students, so think twice before calling
attention to your new student for not doing a pose correctly. “There are many
skillful and educational ways to support a beginner while continuing to teach
to the rest of the class,” says Brown. “Demonstrating the pose while giving
clear verbal cues on the basic principles of the pose and the common
misalignments will support the beginner and be informative for the rest of the
class, no matter what the level of practitioner.”
3.
DO give meaning to the pose.
Explaining the benefits of a pose will help
students understand the importance of correct alignment and give the feeling
that what they’re doing is more than just an exercise or a stretch. “It is also
valuable to educate students on the mythology behind the poses,” says Brown.
“Explaining that Hanuman represents fierce loyalty, courage, and devotion may
encourage students to feel more connected to the emotional components of yoga
and get more meaning out of Monkey Pose.”
4.
DON’T speak only in Sanskrit.
Sanskrit is yoga’s native language, but some
Western students are more comfortable with the English translations of pose
names. If a teacher only uses Sanskrit, some students may feel confused, which
can cause a mental break in flow. “If people don’t understand what you mean,
it’s like you’re speaking a foreign language,” says Crow. “I say, explain how
to do a pose. The pose name is inconsequential.”
5.
DO change it up.
Students can feel frustrated with a teacher
if the same sequences are used repeatedly. Although Warrior II to Half Moon
might be your favorite transition, refrain from teaching it every week. Look
for creative sequences and inspiration to throw off your regulars. “Students
are showing up to learn, so teach them something,” says Brown. “As a teacher,
it is important to stay informed and inspired so that we can pass on our wisdom
that we have gleaned from other teachers, yogic texts, and our own practice.”
Also www.soyoga.com.sg
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