Tuesday, May 6, 2008

What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? Part 4

...Yogic Methodology: When thinking about Yogic Methodology, there are two kinds that come to mind. One is the application of Yoga techniques to daily life, and the other is Yoga teaching methodology. Competent Yoga teachers should thoroughly know both.

When considering the application of Hatha Yoga techniques to daily life, we know that Yoga will change a students health for the best and improve his or her lifestyle, but it must be gradual. The mind, body, and spirit will not change much in a month, but a year of regular Hatha Yoga practice will yield some significant health changes.

How many Yoga students want an instant life change? Too many - and this is why we should not make unrealistic promises. It is up to the Yoga student to take action, come to classes regularly, and practice what you have taught in your Hatha Yoga classes. It is up to the Hatha Yoga teacher to fill the students mind with knowledge and encouragement.

If it took decades of neglect for a new student to achieve ...more

Can Children Do Yoga?

...enefit from a more upbeat and fast-paced workout. Additionally, you want to work games into their workouts and exercises if you can.

Children are also not as experienced or educated as adults, and are still learning. For that reason, they may not be able to comprehend complex spiritual teachings, and they may not be as interested as adults in trying to understand complex ideas. It may be wiser to offer children a simplified introduction to yoga, as opposed to the more advanced approaches that would be offered to experienced adults.

If teaching children who are not your own, it is often a good idea to avoid mixing strong religious messages or opinions with the yoga...more

Yoga in the West

... in Chicago in 1893. One of the most influential of the Indian gurus was Parmahansa Yogananda (18931952), who was sent by his revered master to bring the teachings of yoga to the West in 1920, when he attended a congress of world religions in Boston. In that same year, Parmahansa Yogananda founded the Self-Realization fellowship, an organization through which he initiated thousands of Westerners into yoga. His Autobiography of a Yogi remains one of the most widely read books on yoga throughout the world today. Since these two pioneers, a number of other influential teachers have brought their particular focus on yoga to the West, including, most notably, B.K.S. Iyengar (founder of Iyengar Yoga), Swami Rama (t...more

Yoga Mats - Finding The Perfect Yoga Mat For You

... types of yoga mats have become popular. The older styles of mats are made from pvc (Poly Vinyl Chloride). Since the manufacture of pvc releases toxins into the atmosphere, "eco" mats have been created from materials like cotton, jute and rubber.

So the kind of yoga mat you choose is up to you. Have fun with your yoga. It's your time to refresh, relax, and be with yourself. Of the many different types of yoga mat, you'll find the perfect one for you.

...more

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