Teaching Concepts

Question 1

What is somatic theory?

Answer 1

how emotions appear in the body; it suggests intelligence is everywhere in the body

Question 2

How does our breath & asana practice reflect our inner selves?

Answer 2

The practice creates prisms through which we see ourselves, and the prisms can be clouded/hard to see through. Qualities of awareness are found in certain postures, and the breath brings clarity to clear the prisms.

Question 3

What is the benefit of more complex asanas?

Answer 3

We are opening/expanding awareness. By engaging/relaxing muscles, we allow energy to move more fully and freely.

Question 4

What are the primary tools that teachers use for communication during their teaching?

Answer 4

verbal cues, visual demonstrations, and tactile cues/assistance

Question 5

In what learning style would a student most benefit from a tactile cue?

Answer 5

When they learn from doing it themselves.

Question 6

What are general reasons that a student might not want a tactile cue?

Answer 6

1. personal
2. religious guidelines
3. ideology
4. cultural expectations
5. traumatic experiences

Question 7

When asking student for feedback while they’re in a pose, what one-word answer should be avoided?

Answer 7

good

Question 8

What are the benefits of tactile cues/hands on adjustments?

Answer 8

1. clarifies a verbal cue
2. highlights a verbal cue
3. accentuate a point
4. put greater emphasis on one area of the body
5. suggest relaxing or activating a part of the body
6. help cultivate stability
7. assist student in finding sense of a transition
8. develop friendly human connection with a student

Question 9

In teaching, what should we not glorify & what should we do instead?

Answer 9

1. not glorify the physical techniques of asana
2. should clarify and elevate our lives via yoga’s tools

Question 10

In modern yoga, what can we cultivate in our lives as a whole?

Answer 10

1. relating to aspects of our lives where we can have conscious choices
2. cultivate aspects of our lives that we want more of

Question 11

What is the most important thing we can do as a teacher in relation to our students?

Answer 11

get to know them

Question 12

What should be celebrated in a student’s practice & minimally diminished?

Answer 12

their sense of joy or accomplishment

Question 13

What is our primary role as a teacher?

Answer 13

Hold space for the student to experience whatever it is they’re experiencing, without interfering in that journey.

Question 14

Our intentions are formed by (blank) of the students.

Answer 14

conditions

Question 15

Using physical strength to overcome (blank) causes injury.

Answer 15

limited range of motion

Question 16

How might we best serve a student’s conditions for their physical practice?

Answer 16

by considering benefits of asana families and if those benefits match the conditions & intentions

Question 17

What five things should we consider when giving tactile cues?

Answer 17

1. ask permission
2. be informed
3. combine it with a verbal cue
4. use defined hands & body positioning
5. quality of touch

Question 18

What three questions should be considered under all modern day teaching styles?

Answer 18

1. what is being taught
2. how it is being taught
3. who is being encouraged to participate

Question 19

What theme(s) does yin yoga encourage?

Answer 19

playing the edge

Question 20

What theme(s) does restorative yoga encourage?

Answer 20

relaxation and softness

Question 21

During yin yoga, what should be focused on after holding a pose for two minutes?

Answer 21

Focus on relaxing the parasympathetic nervous system by relaxing the mind & nerves.

Question 22

What are five character qualities of a good teacher?

Answer 22

1. authenticity
2. holding integrity & remaining true to your own knowledge
3. having intention and purpose
4. having their own personal practice
5. keep learning

Question 23

Meditation requires what two physical aspects?

Answer 23

stability and ease in our seat

Question 24

Name the four main physical benefits of practicing yoga.

Answer 24

1. build strength and flexibility
2. stimulate circulatory system
3. refine the neurological system
4. stimulate the lymphatic system

Question 25

What is an energetic action?

Answer 25

effort in the body without movement