Yoga Methodology module

This is a 16 hour module about asana technique and adjustments. The training goes from 10am to 7pm with a one hour lunch break from 2-3pm. Everyone should bring a lunch (vegetarian food only please) We have well water that is great for drinking and there is complementary tea and coffee available in the kitchen. There is also a fridge for you to keep food items in. If you prefer to camp overnight there are spots available for $20 per night and this includes use of the kitchen and hot shower.

As always we touch on all aspects of yoga training, but focus primarily on postures and adjustments this weekend. Immerse yourself in yoga practice and gain knowledge of how to teach and practice effectively.

Saturday 10am

  • Introduction

  • Asana Practice - we will begin with an hour and a half of practice. We will first experience the yoga that we will be focused on for the weekend. After a short break we will begin dissecting this practice and learning each aspect of it so that we can teach and practice it with confidence.

  • Psychology of Teaching - What role does a yoga teacher play in the experience of each student in the class? What are some good habits for a teacher? How can a yoga teacher earn the respect and cooperation of the students in their class? These fundamental questions will be explored carefully. Yoga teachers who are well poised and have good interpersonal skills and social intuition often succeed where others fail, even if other teachers may have more experience or more advanced techniques in teaching.

  • Starting a Class - How to begin your class? Should we chant mantras? The beginning of any class is important. We will discuss options and implications and help each person to find their own approach which suits their personality and style of teaching.

  • Lunch Break for one hour

  • Quality of Touch - When is it appropriate to touch a yoga student? What are some guidelines to follow? We will begin with a discussion of this subject and give some ideas of how to cultivate safe and appropriate habits in teaching.

  • Surya Namaskar Technique - We will dive into the techniques, verbal cues, adjustments and safety aspects of Surya Namaskar.

  • Time for questions and answers on all we covered through the day

Sunday 10am

  • Asana Practice - Again we will practice together so that we can have the experience we are trying to create for others clear in our minds.

  • Finishing a Yoga Class - We will discuss some optimal ways to close a yoga class. Shavasana techniques will be explained in detail. What we do at the end of the class is just as important as what we do at the beginning. We will look at ways of sending people away with a smile on their face and wanting more as opposed to having had enough.

  • Group discussion of what we feel is most important in a good class

  • Lunch Break for one hour

  • Mechanics of Standing Postures - We will first take a look at each posture and identify our goals and also safety concerns. You will receive a link for a video of all adjustments in the Primary Series so that you can revisit the techniques taught here. Taking photos and notes is recommended.

  • Adjustment Practice - Touch and be touched! Get honest feedback about your adjustment abilities. By being adjusted my different people we can and will naturally imitate what we enjoyed more and avoid what we didn’t like as much. This is a chance to accidentally knock people over, push too hard and be told “woah!” or not push hard enough and be told “ummm nothing is happening here!” By exploring asana adjustments in an open, friendly, positive environment we can make very fast progress and gain confidence.

  • Verbal Instruction - Learn how to project your voice! Have you ever heard a teacher mumble something you couldn’t understand? Or have you heard a teacher practically yell and be very overbearing with their intense verbal cues? Speaking in public is an art that requires practice! No one is perfect at it when they begin. Get honest feedback, and listen to other people doing it so that you can learn from their strengths and weaknesses. Learn how to express yourself authentically in a way that fits your personality and that other people can understand and connect with!

  • Time for questions and answers about all that we covered over the weekend