Just last week, we had two people sign up for our teacher training, after being certified by a program that did not require their instructors to teach! You might think the value of a real practical exam would be understood by someone who wants to teach Yoga classes.
A practical exam prepares a Yoga instructor for future auditions and prepares an instructor to teach safe classes. We also cover how to design a class, what to do with students who have health conditions, and how to think on your feet. When you find a teaching position, they are going to ask you to teach an audition (pilot) class. Believe me, the audition has more pressure than the practical exam.
As a trainer, if I don't prepare you for the real world, I've set you up for failure. Practical application of the Yoga Method happens when you teach. 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 method, which takes place in a class. Competent Yoga teachers should thoroughly know both.
When considering the application of Yogic techniques to daily life, we know that Yoga will change a student’s health for the best and improve his or her lifestyle, but it must be gradual. The mind, body, emotional state, and spirit will not change much in a month, but a year of regular Hatha Yoga practice will yield some significant internal health changes and those changes may also be noticed by one's friends, family, and co-workers.
How many 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 classes. It is up to the Hatha Yoga teacher to fill the student’s mind with knowledge and encouragement.
If it took decades of neglect for a new student to achieve poor health, how can he or she expect a little bit of Yoga practice to perform miracles? Every aspect of a student’s health will be changed for the better by regular practice, but this is an “on demand” world, where some people are willing to risk the side-effects of a pill rather than take positive action toward better health.
The natural effects of regular exercise, proper breathing, better posture, improved diet, and self-discipline will result in a student who is less stressed, has fewer ailments, lives longer, and sleeps better.
When a student continues to make Hatha Yoga a part of his or her life for years, the true value of good health will be felt and seen. This same student will most likely practice Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, Raja or other forms of Yoga “down the road.” The benefits of Yoga, in any form, will cause a student to go deeper into his or her personal practice.
Yoga teaching methodology is how a teacher reaches out to the audience through the use of teaching, communication, or observation methods.
Student corrections, in regard to techniques, should be straight to the point, but every Yoga teacher should take care to be tactful in the process. Yoga students come to you for guidance, so keep your ego “in check.” A few “rogue” teachers, who are gruff and condescending, can ruin any student’s desire to continue practicing Yoga.
What are the qualities of a good Yoga teacher? There are many, but being able to spot students in need and still show compassion is very important. Being able to teach any student is another strong trait. The realization that each Yoga student is uniquely different from each other, and cannot be “cloned,” is a milestone in teaching.
Demonstrating and correcting techniques is only part of the job when teaching Yoga classes. A successful Yoga teacher must communicate with all students throughout the class and keep the passion for Yoga going.
© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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