by Heather Greaves

As a Yoga Training Teacher I answer questions from potential students. Here are a few questions I received recently and my reply.

    1. Would the teacher training allow for adjustments for my injured ankle?

Most definitely. That is the beauty of yoga. It must be adjusted to suit the individual rather than trying to make the individual fit a yoga pose or technique. I am very passionate about this point. That’s why at Wellwood where I volunteer teaching yoga, I wanted so much to offer a Restorative Yoga class for those who were unable to take the regular yoga class. And that class has started now after about 5 years of wishing to do this.

While my ankle is getting better, I know that the next year i will have to be conscious of this injury to ensure proper healing and i think that it might still need some adjustments.  I can do most basic poses now, but I just want to ensure that i will not be expected to hold poses for lengthy periods without adjustment for my ankle.

The very first principle in yoga is Ahimsa – Non Violence. You can rest assured that you will not be expected to follow instructions that cause injury to yourself or another. As a practitioner of yoga, you will learn how to modify poses to facilitate healing of your ankle. In addition, in the yoga teacher training program it is important that this principle is modeled. We always have opportunities for this to happen. We have even had a few students who became pregnant during the training.

For your ankle, enjoy legs up the wall with entitlement and without guilt.

    2. What is your general philosophy of yoga?

Allow me to share just 3 points.
1. Yoga is like a diamond with many different facets or styles to suit the different personalities and needs. For e.g. Bhakti yoga is the yoga of devotion for those who especially love chanting. Chanting touches the heart.
2. Yoga is a discipline. Practitioners of yoga must practice regularly with patience and perseverance over a long period of time. Results take time.
3. Yoga is both theory and practice. Students of yoga benefit more when they embrace both aspects.

3. What are your feelings about the commercialization of yoga?

As a result of the commercialization of yoga, so many have come to experience the benefits of yoga. The down side is that many who are marginalized are not able to attend classes. The anti-oppression training in my yoga instructor training addresses this point.

    4. How do you think that yoga can positively affect a community?

Here’s an example of yoga working locally and globally:

The Africa Yoga Project uses the transformative power of yoga to empower communities and change lives. By inspiring the global yoga community into active service, AYP delivers effective and innovative programs that foster peace, improve physical, emotion and mental well-being, facilitate self-sufficiency and create opportunities to learn and contribute across the communities of East Africa.

http://web.mac.com/paigeelenson/Africa_Yoga_Project/Vision.html

5. I read that you, in your courses offer “study of the anti-oppression aspects of yoga”.  what does that mean to you?

This 2-hour workshop increases the group of yoga teachers’ awareness of their position in society both as a group and as individuals; and what responsibilities come with the power and privilege of teaching yoga. This knowledge can help teachers create connection rather than separation, relate to others with a sense of equal value rather than reinforce isolation, and have a spirit of cooperation rather than competition.

Within yoga, issues such as  clothing, equipment, language, gender, sexuality, holidays, age, religion, advertising can actually create separation, isolation, and competition. A yoga teacher who is aware of how this can happen in her class can help create a more inclusive society. We discuss these things in our collaborative classroom.

6. What is your spiritual connection with yoga and how does that enter your teaching?

Aah – my spiritual connection with yoga started when at age 21 yoga found me through a book. Distraught, a jilted bride-to-be, yoga soothed my soul. While I practiced the postures and was aware of some yoga philosophy, it was 12 years later that I became a sincere student of meditation, visiting India annually for meditation about 10 times. This connection was great for my mind, and terrible for my body which I ignored.

My teaching of yoga is influenced by this personal experience. Practices for the mind (meditation) must be balanced with practices for the body in whatever form that takes. In terms of my teaching that practice is Hatha yoga. My teaching emphasizes practicing and learning to teach both yoga and meditation. It is the important to pay attention to all aspects of the individual.

Honoring the uniqueness of each individual is another important feature in my teaching. I strive to meet each individual right where they are on all levels, and to show ways that a student can take small steps for improvement, if they are ready and if they so desire.

About the author:
Heather Greaves’ youthful appearance, calming presence, and vitality, makes her sharing the rejuvenating benefits of yoga and meditation authentic. She helps practitioners in helping professions and healing arts, learn the science and art of sharing yoga for wellness in ways that honour each person’s uniqueness and challenges.

For insights into power and privilege or the benefits of yoga meditation, contact Heather through http://www.yogatogo.com or email heather@yogatogo.com

What is one thing that every yoga teacher trainee must do?

Keep up with your homework and assignments on a regular basis. There is far more theory than one would expect so leaving things until a few days before classes is definitely not a good idea.

What is one thing that every yoga teacher trainee must avoid?

Taking on too much when teaching a session during practicum.

Is being a yoga teacher just trendy or is it here to stay?

I believe that Yoga will become even more mainstream over the next 20 years or so. Qualified and dedicated Yoga teachers will continue to increase in number and in demand. I see Yoga moving into the school system as a way to help children understand themselves, quiet their minds , increase their ability to focus and concentrate and also as a way of teaching empathy and compassion for others. Another benefit will be helping children understand and deal with their emotions.

I think there will also be an increase in the demand for Yoga teachers in the older group of our growing senior population.

So no Yoga teachers are here to stay, I think.

Can a yoga teacher still be successful if they are in a crowded niche?

Yes I think so.

One of the things that Yoga has taught me is that finding inner peace, awareness etc comes from inside and is not dependent upon external circumstances.

For sure some environments are not as helpful/conducive to the practice of Yoga but this then becomes a teaching space for being right here right now and in the moment and remaining in touch with your self remaining connected to your inner quiet space. I had a group of my students in my home for one session while I was having my bathroom renovated and at first I was feeling negative about trying to have a class amidst the noise of men ripping down walls etc. I gave myself over to the experience and the most wonderful thing happened. We completed our class and even had a wonderful Savasanna.  The students all said that although they heard the background noise, they were able to stay focus on the inner space they had created and after class reported feeling relaxed and energized.  I also feel more energy for daily activities. Yeah for Yoga!!

What has the yoga teacher training done for you?

Yoga has given me so much over the years even though for much of that time and until the last 2 years my practice has been an on again off again one.

It has given me a feeling of really living in my body instead of my brain.

I feel stronger in my body and more confident in my ability to withstand physical as well as emotional, mental and spiritual challenges that life brings.

I have also been given a chance to work with amazing people who are my teachers and my students and whose presence in my life has given me more meaning in my life.

Most of all Yoga has set me on a Spiritual path which I have been seeking most of my life. I have been able to integrate my own meditation practice with my Yoga and feel my connection to my Source and my Purpose.

 Cheryl Fenn is a retired Registered Nurse, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. Cheryl taught in the Nursing and Practical Nursing program at Mohawk College before her retirement in 2007 after 27 years with the College. She is very excited to begin her Yoga teaching practice starting in the spring. Her areas of interest include working with the Zoomer age group, Seniors and Children and Meditation practice.

These top yoga practices are extremely helpful, become favorites, and head yoga charts. As popular as they are, preparation for these essentials ease the beginner into yoga in a kinder gentler way. Each of the poses or practices can be quite challenging at first. Tight muscles bring discomfort, a busy mind can create silent frustration, and uneasiness rather than relaxation can make one feel like a failure. So what are the famous five, their benefits, and how to prepare so that they can be enjoyed for a long time to come?

1. Downward Facing Dog

This pose builds stamina and is a great release for muscles in the back of the legs. Those deeper calf muscles that other stretches usually don’t get to, as well as the hamstrings rejoice. There is an overall body sigh. If the upper extremities are weak, they scream in agony. Take the clue, exit the pose, and assume Child’s pose.

Preparation: Stand facing the wall, bend at the hips and press the hands into the wall.

2. Alternate Nostril Breathing

Used on planes, at bed time, to calm the mind, and to rejuvenate. Can be practiced for 1-3 minutes. The challenge is becoming familiar with this subtle practice. There are many variations as well.

Preparation: A simpler method is to breath naturally in and out of the left nostril five times, then in and out of the right nostril 5 times. Then breath through both nostrils 5 times.

3. Warrior Pose

These standing poses build strength and endurance. Psychologically one feels courageous. Warrior 1 can be extremely difficult if shoulders are weak, there are knee problems, and if there is generally overall weakness.

Preparation: Use props like a chair, stool or fitness ball. Place hands on hips. Take a shorter stance.

4. Child’s Pose

Excellent resting pose practiced after back bends, inversions, and Downward Dog. It gives a feeling of safety, stretches the spinal muscles, while rejuvenating the whole body. Tight hips and knees make this pose far from restful.

Preparation: Lie on back with knees to chest to release hips over time. Use blankets, bolsters, or a rolled up towel under the ankles, behind knees, under hips, under chest and head for comfort.

5. Relaxation

“Great” “Aah” “This is what I’ve been waiting for” – some of the comments often heard before lying in stillness on the mat. It removes fatigue. Simple. And when the mind is busy the pose becomes quite challenging.

Preparation: Keep the mind occupied counting with the breath. Count to 10 then back again.

Learn how to adapt yoga poses and practices to your body and mind, and you’ll enjoy yoga and its benefits for a long time.

And now, I’d like to invite you to claim your free Stress Warning Signals test when you visit http://www.yogatogo.com

Heather Greaves helps practitioners in healing and helping professions learn about therapeutic yoga even though their only teacher is a book. “To learn more about something, teach it.” Since 2005 this Yoga Therapist and owner of Body Therapies Yoga Training has been training teachers in a certified yoga teacher training program.

There are at least 3 voices that speak to us as we practice yoga: the voice of the teacher, the voice of our body, and the voice of our mind.

The yoga instructor or internal teacher gives instructions, and offers suggestions. The body speaks with sensations giving a green light to continue, red light to stop, and amber to proceed with caution. The mind invites to explore more, places doubt or courage, and desire to achieve a pose.  Sometimes if we listen closely all 3 voices can be heard.

When these voices are of one accord, even the breath flows in and out easily. We feel quite stable in the pose, even as we challenge ourselves.  If  one of these voices is in opposition, like the mind being pushy, there’s often the language of uncertainty in the body…. hmmm, not quite ready to do that. If the internal teacher has a voice, it will speak up, give clear instructions, and even have a chat with the overly enthusiastic mind – a little negotiation.

Possible Language of Negotiation – okay today we’ll take this one step at a time.. go slowly, move within safe limits, and definitely extend boundaries with ease and respect.

The language of the body and the wisdom of the internal or external teacher – what a powerful combination!

Heather Greaves helps yoga enthusiasts learn more yoga even though their only teacher is a book. They say, To learn more about something, teach it. Since 2005 this yoga therapist and owner of Body Therapies Yoga Training has been helping yoga students become yoga teachers in a certified program. For more yoga tips and information visit Body Therapies Yoga Training http://www.yogatogo.com  <a href=http://www.yogatogo.com>

If you want to understand how form and formlessness interchange constantly, focus on chewing the rice. Shunryu Suzuki says that you can come to understand the very nature of your life through chewing the rice you just cooked.

When rice disappears into your stomach, they lose their form so that you can continue to exist and prosper in your form. One form changes hands to continue the cycle of life.

A gesture, a kiss, a slap, a step, a leap, a trip to washroom, a kernel of rice all leads us to enlightenment; they are steps of form for entry into formless. To keep the form well and alive we need to know the means of entering the formless.

Being with the rice at this moment, or anything you are doing, in your totality is what being spiritual is.

Chew your rice well.

Dr. Parmjit Singh is Assistant Clinical Professor (adjunct) with Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University and has a PhD in psychology. He has Clinical Training in Mind-Body Medicine from HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL, Boston, USA  and is also a 200 Hrs Certified Yoga Teacher.

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