Questions And Answers

Question 0

Is alignment mentioned in the Sutras?

Answer 0

Verse 2.29 alignment is not mentioned in the Sutras

Question 1

What are the Yoga Sutras that mention asana?

Answer 1

2.46 and 2.49

Question 2

What does Jada asana mean?

Answer 2

Yoga without breath.

Question 3

Yoga in ancient society was divided into 4 categories, what are they?

Answer 3

Youth, Householder, Forest Dweller, Forest Dweller

Question 4

For Youth Age 0 - 18 what is ratio of asana:pranayama:meditation

Answer 4

4:0:0
4 parts asana
0 pranayama
0 meditation

Question 5

What is the ratio of asana:pranayama:mediation for 18-25?

Answer 5

4:2:1
4 parts asana
2 parts pranayama
1 part meditation

Question 6

What is the ratio for Householders ages 25- 50 for asana:pranayama:meditation?

Answer 6

2:4:1
2 parts asana
4 parts pranayama
1 part meditation

Question 7

What is the asana:pranayama:meditation ratio for Forest Dwellers age 50-75?

Answer 7

1:2:4
1 part asana
2 parts pranayama
4 parts meditation

Question 8

What is the asana:pranayama:meditation radio for Forest Dwellers age 75 - 100?

Answer 8

0:4:4
0 asana
4 parts pranayama
4 parts meditation

Question 9

What is Shiram and Sukham and how do we achieve them in asana?

Answer 9

Steadiness and easy

Question 10

Describe the typical (stereotypical) beginning student.

Answer 10

Apprehensive, inflexible, unable to balance, fearful, ego centered

Question 11

What things might me said to allay the fears of beginning students?

Answer 11

Stories about your own beginnings, every body has a place where they begin, % of effort…

Question 12

What types of things might be said to keep competition out of your classroom?

Answer 12

We’re looking inward not outward, it’s not about anyone else, asana is an inward journey which allows you to discover your own body and it’s uniqueness

Question 13

What types of things might be said to help students take some of the ideas and concepts off the yoga mat?

Answer 13

Big picture view.

Question 14

Are the yoga poses to feel the same for everyone? How do you convey this to students?

Answer 14

No! Talk about body proportion and that bodies are different, bone structure is different, tell them not to compare

Question 15

Is it ok to give very specific instructions to beginning students? Why or why not?

Answer 15

No, it is not ok. Beginners do not have the body awareness and may become intimidated. For beginners use gross instruction not subtle.

Question 16

How do you teach beginners Triangle pose?

Answer 16

Through gross shape.

Question 17

When do you use props? Why/why not?

Answer 17

Props are helpful when first beginning because the offer aid, they are useful in teaching better alignment or helping to deepen the posture.

Question 18

How do you teach beginner’s to get out of the “no pain, no gain” mentality?

Answer 18

Talk about effort in percentages … As in give 70%
Efforting is good … Straining is not
Stop light effect: red light, yellow light, green light

Question 19

How do you reach beginner’s to not worry about what they look like in a pose?

Answer 19

No mirror

Direct them to the effects of the pose in their body and how they are feeling

Question 20

How much praise and positive feedback would you give our beginning students, does it feed their egos?

Answer 20

Depends on the people …

Question 21

When do you demonstrate a pose or sequence?

Answer 21

To new students before they do or to clarify for more experienced students

Question 22

What do you do if you believe a student is experiencing pain in a pose, but hey haven’t told you? Give a specific incidence.

Answer 22

Recommend small movements to see if it feels better …

Question 23

What voice qualities are necessary for a good yoga teacher?

Answer 23

Clear, rich, melodies, Confident, audible

Question 24

What qualities of voice are not good for yoga teacher to have?

Answer 24

Too loud or too soft, monotone or flat

Question 25

Does the pause of the breath play a role in asana? If so, what is thar role?

Answer 25

Yes, it provides that space of quiet to observe the observer

Question 26

Should the breath and asana be mechanical?

Answer 26

No, if mechanical the asana is being done by the mind and not the breath