What is somatic theory?
how emotions appear in the body; it suggests intelligence is everywhere in the body
How does our breath & asana practice reflect our inner selves?
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.
What is the benefit of more complex asanas?
We are opening/expanding awareness. By engaging/relaxing muscles, we allow energy to move more fully and freely.
What are the primary tools that teachers use for communication during their teaching?
verbal cues, visual demonstrations, and tactile cues/assistance
In what learning style would a student most benefit from a tactile cue?
When they learn from doing it themselves.
What are general reasons that a student might not want a tactile cue?
- personal
- religious guidelines
- ideology
- cultural expectations
- traumatic experiences
When asking student for feedback while they’re in a pose, what one-word answer should be avoided?
good
What are the benefits of tactile cues/hands on adjustments?
- clarifies a verbal cue
- highlights a verbal cue
- accentuate a point
- put greater emphasis on one area of the body
- suggest relaxing or activating a part of the body
- help cultivate stability
- assist student in finding sense of a transition
- develop friendly human connection with a student
In teaching, what should we not glorify & what should we do instead?
- not glorify the physical techniques of asana
- should clarify and elevate our lives via yoga’s tools
In modern yoga, what can we cultivate in our lives as a whole?
- relating to aspects of our lives where we can have conscious choices
- cultivate aspects of our lives that we want more of
What is the most important thing we can do as a teacher in relation to our students?
get to know them
What should be celebrated in a student’s practice & minimally diminished?
their sense of joy or accomplishment
What is our primary role as a teacher?
Hold space for the student to experience whatever it is they’re experiencing, without interfering in that journey.
Our intentions are formed by (blank) of the students.
conditions
Using physical strength to overcome (blank) causes injury.
limited range of motion
How might we best serve a student’s conditions for their physical practice?
by considering benefits of asana families and if those benefits match the conditions & intentions
What five things should we consider when giving tactile cues?
- ask permission
- be informed
- combine it with a verbal cue
- use defined hands & body positioning
- quality of touch
What three questions should be considered under all modern day teaching styles?
- what is being taught
- how it is being taught
- who is being encouraged to participate
What theme(s) does yin yoga encourage?
playing the edge
What theme(s) does restorative yoga encourage?
relaxation and softness
During yin yoga, what should be focused on after holding a pose for two minutes?
Focus on relaxing the parasympathetic nervous system by relaxing the mind & nerves.
What are five character qualities of a good teacher?
- authenticity
- holding integrity & remaining true to your own knowledge
- having intention and purpose
- having their own personal practice
- keep learning
Meditation requires what two physical aspects?
stability and ease in our seat
Name the four main physical benefits of practicing yoga.
- build strength and flexibility
- stimulate circulatory system
- refine the neurological system
- stimulate the lymphatic system
