I TRY to incorporate yoga philosophy into the classes I teach. I have good intentions as I am creating themes and sequencing the asana portion. However, when it comes to the actual delivery, I tend to forget the important things I wanted to say. I get so wrapped up in making sure that people are …
Before we start, I want you to take a moment and consider something. Were you triggered by the image that I used? Was it hard to read those words, “White women killed yoga”?? It’s okay if that title isn’t sitting well with you — but let’s sit with that discomfort for a minute to find …
I began teaching a new style of yoga just after the new year, and while the differences were minor, it was pointed out to me by several students that the transitions were what stood out to them. The number of them, the difficulty level, the energy required, and the overall challenge. When I was learning …
What is Yoga? Well, to answer that, let’s actually back it up a step and answer what it ISN’T: Yoga is not handstands and contorting your body and limbs into awkward shapes. Yoga is not just for (young, female, thin, flexible, white etc.) people. Yoga is not just exercise. Yoga is not a religion. Yoga …
Mat — Nice to have, but not totally necessary if you have the right type of flooring to practice on. If you don’t have a mat, try to find a space with soft wood flooring. Carpet is challenging during standing / balancing postures and tile flooring may cause you to slip. Soft wood flooring or …
Register in advance and complete any necessary forms ahead of time. A teacher running his or her own studio (even if it’s just online) is preparing for class too and probably doesn’t have time 5 minutes before the scheduled start time to send you login information or help you troubleshoot. Set up your space ahead …
Do be prepared, show up EARLY. The listed class time is when the teacher will begin. Allow yourself enough time to set up your mat and props as well as handle all of the technical needs if the class is online (log in, set up the lighting, adjust the camera and audio, etc). Do introduce …
What is yoga? The word yoga itself means union or to yoke — bringing together mind, body, and breath to find inner stillness / peace. While in the Western world a vast majority of people view yoga as a physical exercise regime, it actually consists of many other parts, with physical postures only making up …
Periods and yoga — bear with me — I promise this relates to self care: Ladies, have you ever considered changing your workout routines based on your menstrual cycle? I’m a little embarrassed to admit that it took me until VERY recently to heed the advice of many yogic traditions. It is generally said that …
Everyone needs therapy. Let me say that again for those of you who read that sentence and thought, surely she doesn’t mean me. EVERYONE needs therapy. Before you stop reading this, sit for a moment with those feelings of discomfort and think about WHY this statement may be triggering for you. See, even you just …