Significance of mantra chant in yoga class

Power of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga: Exploring the Significance of the Opening and Closing Chants

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Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic and physically demanding practice that offers numerous benefits for both the body and the mind. While many practitioners are familiar with the challenging asanas (postures) and the importance of breath control, there is an often-overlooked aspect of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga that plays a significant role in the practice: the opening and closing chants, also known as mantras.

These sacred chants hold deep spiritual and philosophical meanings, and they are an integral part of the Ashtanga Vinyasa tradition. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of the opening and closing chants in Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga and explore the benefits they bring to your practice.

The Power of Sound in Yoga

Sound, or “shabda” in Sanskrit, is considered a powerful tool for transformation and healing in yoga. Chants and mantras are used to create a vibrational resonance that can positively impact your body and mind. In Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, two specific chants are recited at the beginning and end of each practice session: the opening and closing chants.

The Opening Chant: An Invocation

The opening chant in Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is called the “Opening Invocation” or “Opening Mantra.” It is a traditional Sanskrit chant that serves as an invocation to the sage Patanjali, who is regarded as the father of yoga. Additionally, the purpose of this chant is to honor and pay respects to Patanjali, seeking his guidance and blessings for a fruitful and safe practice.

Reciting the opening chant also helps in grounding and centering your energy. It prepares your mind to transition from the outside world into the focused and meditative state required for the practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. This chant acts as a bridge, connecting you to the lineage of yoga practitioners who have walked this path before you.

Patanjali Mantra for Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

The opening chant of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice is known as the “Invocation to Patanjali” or “Patanjali Mantra.” It is traditionally recited at the beginning of an Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga session as a way to honor Patanjali, the sage who is believed to have compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text in yoga philosophy. Here is the chant along with its meaning:

Sanskrit Chant:

“ॐ वन्दे गुरूणां चरणारविन्दे सन्दर्शितस्वात्मसुखावबोधे।

निःश्रेयसे जाङ्गलिकायमाने संसारहालाहलमोहशान्त्यै॥”

Transliteration:

“Om Vande gurūṇāṁ caraṇāravinde

Sandarśitasvātmasukhāvabodhe।

Niḥśreyase jāṅgalikāyamāne

Saṁsārahālāhalamohaśāntyai॥”

Meaning:

  • “Om” is the universal sound and represents the essence of the ultimate reality.
  • “Vande” means “I worship” or “I bow down.”
  • “gurūṇāṁ” refers to the lineage of teachers.
  • “caraṇāravinde” means “the lotus feet” or “the feet of the guru.”
  • “Sandarśitasvātmasukhāvabodhe” can be translated as “who has awakened the happiness of the self through the grace of the guru.”
  • “Niḥśreyase” means “the highest good” or “the ultimate state of well-being.”
  • “jāṅgalikāyamāne” suggests “dwelling in the jungle” or “living in the wilderness,” symbolizing the challenges and distractions of worldly life.
  • “Saṁsārahālāhalamohaśāntyai” signifies “for the purpose of pacifying the poison of samsara (the cycle of birth and death), delusion, and ignorance.”

In essence, this chant expresses reverence for the guru, the teacher, who guides the practitioner towards the realization of inner happiness and the ultimate state of well-being, while acknowledging the challenges and distractions of worldly life. And it is a humble beginning to a yoga practice, seeking blessings and guidance for a successful and spiritually fulfilling session.

The Closing Chant: A Sense of Closure

At the end of an Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga practice, the closing chant, known as the “Closing Invocation” or “Closing Mantra,” is recited. This chant serves as a way to express gratitude and respect to all the teachers who have passed down the wisdom of yoga through the ages. Moreover, it is a moment to acknowledge the significance of your practice and the transformation it brings.

Sanskrit Chant:

“ॐ स्वस्ति प्रजाभ्यः परिपालयन्तां न्यायेन मार्गेण महीं महीशाः।

गोब्राह्मणेभ्यः शुभमस्तु नित्यं लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनोभवन्तु॥”

Transliteration:

“Om Svasti prajābhyaḥ paripālayantāṁ nyāyena mārgeṇa mahīm mahīśāḥ।

Gobrāhmaṇebhyaḥ śubham astu nityaṁ lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhiṇo bhavantu॥”

Meaning:

  • “Om” is the universal sound and represents the essence of the ultimate reality.
  • “Svasti” is an expression of auspiciousness and well-being.
  • “prajābhyaḥ” refers to all beings or creatures.
  • “paripālayantām” means “may they be protected.”
  • “nyāyena mārgeṇa” signifies “by the path of righteousness or justice.”
  • “mahīm mahīśāḥ” translates to “the earth and its rulers” or “the leaders of the land.”
  • “Gobrāhmaṇebhyaḥ” includes “cows and brahmins,” representing the sacred and pure.
  • “śubham astu” means “may there be well-being” or “may there be auspiciousness.”
  • “nityaṁ lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhiṇo bhavantu” expresses the wish that “all beings in all worlds be happy.”

Closing Mantra offers

In summary, the Closing Mantra offers blessings for the well-being and protection of all beings, invoking the path of righteousness and justice. It expresses the desire for the happiness and auspiciousness of all creatures, including humans, animals, and divine beings.  Similarly, this chant is a way to conclude the practice with a sense of gratitude and a wish for harmony and peace in the world.

The closing chant is also a way to transition out of the intense physical and mental aspects of the practice. It allows you to return to a state of balance and equanimity, leaving the yoga mat with a sense of calm and inner peace. The vibrations created by the chant resonate within you, creating a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere.

Benefits of Chanting in Ashtanga VinyasaYoga

  1. Focus and Concentration: Chanting the opening and closing mantras helps in sharpening your focus and concentration. It serves as a ritual that signals the beginning and end of your practice, creating a clear demarcation between your yoga session and daily life.
  2. Spiritual Connection: These chants connect you to the spiritual essence of yoga. So they remind you that yoga is not just a physical exercise but a holistic practice that encompasses the body, mind, and spirit.
  3. Respect for Tradition: By reciting these mantras, you pay homage to the ancient lineage of yogis and acknowledge the wisdom they have passed down. In addition, this sense of respect can deepen your commitment to your practice.
  4. Transcendence: Chanting has the power to transcend language and thought, allowing you to experience a state of pure awareness. Moreover, it can elevate your practice from a mere physical workout to a transformative spiritual journey.

In conclusion, the opening and closing chants in Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga are not mere rituals but profound practices that enhance your yoga experience. They serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga, fostering focus, respect, and a deeper connection to the tradition. So, the next time you step onto your yoga mat, remember the power of sound and allow these sacred chants to guide you on your yoga journey.

 

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8 best asanas in yoga for migraine relief

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Migraines can be incredibly debilitating, causing intense headaches, nausea, and sensory sensitivity. While medication is often a go-to solution, many people seek alternative methods to alleviate their migraine symptoms. Yoga, with its holistic approach to health and wellness, offers a natural and effective way to manage migraines. In this article, we will explore the top eight yoga asanas (postures) that can help you find relief from migraine pain.

  1. Child’s Pose (Balasana): Begin your practice with Child’s Pose, a resting pose that promotes relaxation and reduces stress, common migraine triggers. This gentle stretch calms the mind and relieves tension in the neck and shoulders.
  2. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Bridge Pose stimulates the thyroid gland, improving metabolism and reducing the frequency of hormonal migraines. It also strengthens the spine, helping to maintain good posture.
  3. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): This iconic yoga pose increases blood flow to the head, providing relief from headaches. It also stretches the spine and hamstrings, relieving tension in the neck and upper back.
  4. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): Cat-Cow Pose helps alleviate stress and tension by gently massaging the spine. This fluid movement can reduce the severity and frequency of migraines, especially those triggered by muscle tension.
  5. Headstand (Sirsasana): While advanced, Headstand can be beneficial for chronic migraine sufferers. This inversion posture increases blood circulation to the brain, improving overall brain health and reducing migraine frequency.
  6. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Seated Forward Bend stretches the spine and soothes the nervous system, providing relief from migraine pain. Regular practice can also improve sleep quality, reducing migraine triggers.
  7. Corpse Pose (Shavasana): The ultimate relaxation pose, Corpse Pose, can be a powerful tool for migraine management. It promotes deep relaxation, stress reduction, and mental clarity, which can help prevent migraine episodes.
  8. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama): This breathing technique balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain, reducing stress and calming the mind. Regular practice can decrease the intensity and frequency of migraines.

Yoga for Migraine relief is about more than just medication. By integrating these yoga asanas into your routine, you can take significant steps towards reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes. Regular practice not only alleviates the pain but also promotes a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Are you passionate about the healing potential of yoga? Consider taking your practice to the next level by enrolling in a Yoga Teacher Training program. Comprehensive training of Akshi Yogashala will equip you with the skills and knowledge to share the benefits of yoga with others, helping them find relief and balance in their lives.

Whether you’re seeking relief from migraines or looking to deepen your yoga practice, remember that yoga offers a path to holistic well-being that can benefit both your physical and mental health. Embrace the power of yoga and start your journey towards a healthier, happier life.

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Is Yoga Teacher Training Right for Beginners?

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Yoga Teacher Training: A Journey for Everyone

Are you new to the world of yoga and wondering if you’re ready for a Yoga Teacher Training course? It’s natural to have questions, and we’re here to provide you with some valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

Yes, Beginners Can Thrive in Yoga Teacher Training

You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to be an experienced yogi to embark on a Yoga Teacher Training journey. Contrary to common misconceptions, you don’t have to be a handstand expert or a master of flexibility to qualify for a yoga teacher training program.

In fact, many individuals pursue Yoga Teacher Training with the primary goal of deepening their personal yoga practice. Some participants don’t intend to become yoga instructors but are seeking to enhance their understanding of yoga’s intricacies and philosophy.

A Supportive Learning Environment

Yoga Teacher Training programs are designed to be supportive spaces where beginners can thrive. These programs offer ample opportunities for practice, guided learning, and self-discovery. You’ll find that these environments foster growth without judgment, allowing you to develop your skills at your own pace.

Curious to Learn? You’re Qualified!

The primary prerequisite for Yoga Teacher Training is curiosity – a genuine desire to learn more about yoga and yourself. Whether you’re a newcomer to the practice or someone seeking to enrich their understanding, you’ll find a place in a quality Yoga Teacher Training program.

What to Expect in Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga Teacher Training programs often aim to certify participants through the internationally recognized Yoga Alliance organization. This certification, known as RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher), is highly valued in the yoga community. The certification process ensures that participants receive a well-rounded education in various aspects of yoga.

Yoga Teacher Training at Akshi Yogashala: The Best Choice for Beginners

At Akshi Yogashala, we believe that yoga is for everyone, regardless of their level of experience. Our Yoga Teacher Training programs are crafted to welcome beginners and help them blossom into confident practitioners.

We understand that embarking on a Yoga Teacher Training journey can be transformative, and we’re committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for your growth. Our experienced instructors guide you through techniques, philosophy, anatomy, and the practice of teaching, ensuring you have a well-rounded experience.

Discover Your Yoga Path at Akshi Yogashala

Whether you’re aiming to become a certified yoga instructor or simply wish to deepen your personal practice, Akshi Yogashala offers the ideal platform for your journey. With our expert guidance and inclusive approach, you’ll find yourself well-equipped to embrace the world of yoga with confidence.

Join Akshi Yogashala for the Best Yoga Teacher Training Experience in India

If you’re a beginner seeking a transformative yoga experience, look no further. Akshi Yogashala offers the best Yoga Teacher Training in India for individuals like you. Our holistic approach and dedicated instructors will guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your journey is not only enriching but also empowering. Embrace the opportunity to become a part of our yogic community, where growth, learning, and self-discovery are celebrated. Your yoga journey starts here at Akshi Yogashala – the destination for the best yoga teacher training in India.

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Do you want to become a yoga teacher? Or are you interested in learning yoga for self practice?

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The yoga teacher training course is a life changing experience. If you are sure you want to take a yoga teacher training course, the best place to start is with the Basic 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course. This is an intensive course that requires your physical and emotional efforts. But be careful, as such a course can transform you and your lifestyle.

Choosing the perfect yoga teacher training course for you can be tiresome and confusing. So, we are here to help you decide you will never regret.

When choosing a yoga teacher training program, consider the following points:

  1. Be clear about your yoga goal

Clarity is essential in life. When it comes to achieving your goals, be sure to define your intentions before moving on.

If you are interested in teaching yoga, then look for schools that follow teaching methodology. If you are not interested in teaching yoga, look for schools that specialize in topics that interest you. It is important to set the right goal, and then work towards its achievement.

 

  1. What will you do with the acquired knowledge after finishing the yoga instructor course?

It is important to clarify how you will use yoga knowledge in the future, and then look for a suitable yoga teacher training school.

 

If you want to teach in a yoga studio, look for yoga teacher training courses that offer a Yoga Alliance certification upon graduation. And if you want to change your lifestyle, for example, want to include pranayama, meditation, yoga philosophy in your life, then choose yoga teacher training accordingly.

 

  1. Determine the type of yoga

Different yoga schools offer different courses for different styles of yoga. If you want to practice a particular type of yoga, look for yoga schools that offer the same approach.

 

Some yoga training centers offer unique programs for different types of yoga. Hatha Yoga is the most popular and foundational yoga style included in the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program. All other styles are born from hatha yoga. Explore the various styles in detail to see which one is perfect for you.

 

  1. Choose the right learning style

Everyone has their own unique learning style; choose what suits you BETTER!

 

Here you have two options. First, you can go through intensive immersion programs during which you disconnect from the rest of the world and immerse yourself in a deeper understanding of yoga. And the second option is to choose yoga training without leaving home, that is, online yoga teacher training. It’s up to you what you prefer.

  1. The perfect place to learn yoga

Choose India for the best yoga training experience, an experience you will never forget.

There are many reasons why India is the best place to study yoga.

 

  • The birthplace of yoga
  • Authentic yoga training
  • Experienced teachers and yoga gurus
  • Affordable prices
  • Yogic food

Since it will take a month to learn yoga, choose a place where you feel comfortable and where you would like to start your yoga journey. Look at the various yoga schools in India that offer courses that interest you.

 

 

  1. Think about the cost

 

Cost is an important factor, but not overly important. If you choose India for yoga teacher training, yoga training will be fun yet affordable.

  1. Listen to the experiences of others

By listening and learning from others, you will easily plan!

 

After hearing the opinions of people in the same profession, you will be able to decide about Yoga TTC. If you admire any yoga teacher, just ask him where he/she was trained and how was his/her whole experience of study yoga.

 

In the end, the decision should be yours, because everyone is unique and there is no universal course that would suit everyone.

  1. Choose a place that resonates with you

 

Yoga training can be physically and mentally challenging. So, choose a place where you feel at home. And then check off your favorite yoga teacher training schools, visit them, attend a few classes, and then decide.

 

Training is a significant investment for a yoga teacher, so it must be productive. Make sure you like your teacher trainers and the way they teach.

 

We hope these points will help you choose the perfect yoga teacher training course. A good course can affect your entire life. So be wise in your decisions as some decisions cannot be undone.

 

If you choose India for yoga teacher training, choose Akshi Yogashala yoga school in Rishikesh. We offer 100, 200, 300 and 500 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. This is an opportunity to learn yoga in the bosom of nature and on the Ganges. The vibrations of this place are fantastic and embrace you with positive energy.

Happy yoga journey with Akshi Yogashala !

Yoga Nidra Best YTTC 200 hrs Rishikesh

Learn Yoga Nidra in Simple Steps | Yoga for Relaxation

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Learn Yoga Nidra in 10 Simple Steps | Yoga for Relaxation

Yoga Nidra has come from the tantric texts of Yoga. And is a way to learn conscious relaxation via specific cognitive and somatic control.  It is a quiet and internal form of yogic practice where the practitioner usually lays down in corpse pose (shavasana) and carries out a series of mental visualizations with regulated breathing to achieve a state of deep relaxation with the mind awake and alert, while the body relaxes completely. Best looked at as a state of “body sleeping mind awake” where complete emotional, mental and physical relaxation is achieved far beyond the value of regular sleep. Yoga Nidra could be regarded as a super charged state of relaxation. That invigorates the entirety of your being in a relatively short space of time.

There have been numerous studies carried out on the benefits of Yoga Nidra, and in particular this yogic practice has been shown to:

  • Lower stress levels (salivary cortisol) effectively.
  • Increase the immune response due to lowered cortisol levels.
  • Activate alpha brain waves responsible for increased cognitive function (creative and logical).
  • Be of particular benefit to people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

In a rapidly expanding world of technology, opportunities and stimulus it takes discipline to actually say “no” and to let the mind and body relax, rest and regenerate. The modern lifestyle that promotes al always “up” approach to work, personal life and even holidays is not only impossible to maintain; as with any natural system there are always ebbs and flows; it is dangerous to your health and sanity. By utilizing the methods of Yoga and in particular the internal practices of Yoga Nidra (among other extremely applicable techniques), you will have the internalized knowledge of how to maintain calmness in the midst of chaos. And respond to the external environment more effectively and efficiently with salient mind, relaxed and ready to adapt to anything life throws in your direction.

This being said, the techniques need to be learned and then practiced in a regular way. The positive for this is that as you go to sleep you can set aside thirty to forty minutes to practice and enhance the actual sleep you will have afterwards. You may even find that you begin waking up earlier in the morning, and with more energy, mental clarity, and motivation.

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So here are some basics for you to begin your Yoga Nidra initiation:

1) Allow 30-40mins for the practice.

2) Set yourself up in a quiet space and create an intention for your practice. Be it to feel more calm, have more energy, release emotional baggage or just to de-stress. It can be as specific or as broad as you like.

3) State mentally to yourself where you feel the safe “zone” in your body, where your maximum strength and resilience lay. And use this as a reference point on your Yoga Nidra practice map, so that you may return here whenever you need to restore a feeling of strength and peace to your body and mind. If you don’t feel like you have this place, then just use your attention to follow the peaceful and slow breathing you will engage in during the practice. There is no expectation of a result in the practice, just the action or karma of the practice.

4) Lay down on either a yoga mat or a mattress so that you’re comfortable.

5) Ensure the room is dimmed and not too bright for allowing the mind to relax more easily.

6) Lay on your back, spine lengthened, palms facing upwards, chin gently tucked inwards.

7) Close your eyes and let go of the tension in your hands first.

8) Now move your attention from the hands to the arms, relaxing each muscle in a wave.

9) Let your shoulders and neck muscles go heavy and relax down towards the floor.

10) Begin to notice how each breath relaxes you even deeper, heavier and with more content.

11) Now move your attention to the muscles of the face, letting the cheeks and jaw relax.

12) Breathing slowly and moving your attention when you’re ready down, to the chest and relax.

13) Let all the muscles of your chest and abdominals go heavy and relax fully.

14) Notice with each out breath how the body relaxes and relaxes fully down.

15) Now notice your hips, letting them drop towards the earth heavily and easily.

16) Breathing long and slow, you relax more fully and easily.

17) Notice your legs dropping down towards the earth easily and relaxing fully.

18) All the way down towards your feet and toes you relate and relax easily and freely.

19) Now just continue breathing gently and deeply, enjoying this sense of deep relaxation.

20) Notice the breath fall and rise, there is a still point in this flow at both ends of the breath. Let your mind take rest here in the stillness at the end of each breath.

21) Let yourself flow with the breath and any thoughts or cognitions that come through the body or mind are just clouds in the open sky. The same goes for feelings and emotions. Just observe them like the sun shining its rays of light through the atmosphere and down onto the earth.

22) Continue to notice the joy of just being still and wholly alive in each temporal moment.

23) Notice any and all sensations that flow through consciousness as a part of the temporal and transient movement of karma.

24) Let your body and breath become aligned as you just observe without any comment, the goings on here.

25) Continue to observe the breath, the stillness, the movement of mind and emotions. Notice everything like you were just the sun shining down on yourself and all these temporal moments, with open loving awareness.

26) Continue for as long as you like or are able to contuse the observational practice.

27) When you are ready, very slowly, begin to wriggle your fingers and then your toes. Then move slowly to the hands and feet, clenching and spreading the joints, muscles and tendons, feeling the movements with full awareness.

28) Move the feet and hands slowly in circles, first in one direction, then the other. And enjoy observing how awake your body and mind are becoming as one unified relaxed whole.

29) Bring your awareness to the hips and abdomen. And slowly rock and roll your pelvis and lower back in circles or figure eights on the floor. Feeling and observing and enjoying each subtle motion.

30) When you are feeling ready slowly raise your hands together and rub them to create some warmth, then place them over the eyes and enjoy the sensations of warmth there, while continuing to observe the breath slowly coming in and going out.

31) As you feel more and more awake and energized, gently roll to one side by bending the knees and rocking towards your preferred side. Support your head on a pillow, blanket or your arm folded beneath.

32) Now smile and keeping your awareness on the original intention for this practice just observe how your body feels. Thank your body and mind for engaging so thoroughly in this practice. And thank your highest self, the universal and limitless consciousness for the opportunity to enjoy this deep tantric practice of relaxation.

There are many online sources for videos and audios that are excellent for assisting the progression into Yoga Nidra. As a state it is the wakeful and aware sleep of uniting all of yourself with the higher and all-encompassing part of yourself. You only need to engage a slight effort in the practice. Not too much as a militant, and not too little as a sloth that may fall from its tree and get eaten by the jaguar. The balance of attention and relaxation is what we are seeking in the practice. And ultimately it is better to err on the side of relaxation than adding more stress to yourself.

Enjoy the practice and Om Mani Padme Hum – May all beings be free and happy!

Namaste !!

By Thomas Clayden Eckersley B.H.Sc

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Yoga for kids. How yoga is beneficial for children?

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Parenting in today’s world is full of challenges. It’s not uncommon for parents to feel overwhelmed by their busy schedules and seemingly endless responsibilities. But, it is uncommon for us to think about how the demands of parenthood may also be overwhelming for our children. Our little people are strong and resilient. But they are often influenced by stressful situations just as much as big people. Many adults practice yoga for stress release and relaxation. And what about yoga for kids? Is it beneficial for children?

The answer to that question is: ABSOLUTELY. Introducing children to yoga is not only valuable for relaxation. It is valuable for sharing knowledge, building confidence, and developing communication skills.

Yoga Educates

Many Asanas (yoga postures) were named after animals and plants because they were created by yogis who lived close to nature. When children practice these asanas they will use their imagination as they embody the movements of a cobra or a butterfly, and sharpen basic skills as they count to ten while standing tall and strong like a tree.

 

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Yoga Builds Self Esteem

As a form of exercise, yoga is good for building coordination, flexibility and strength. What separates yoga from youth sports and other goal oriented physical activities is that it is noncompetitive. This creates a space for a child to experience control over their physical being and develop body awareness without any feelings of judgement or comparison.

Yoga Strengthens Communication

Children may not be able to understand the complex and dynamic systems of human anatomy but they can experience their brain communicating with their body through yoga. As they alternate between Cat and Cow, they will be actively listening to, and speaking with, their bodies. After completion they will be able to talk about the different physical sensations they felt, adding an opportunity for them to verbalize the connection between their mind and body.

Yoga is Fun

In addition to all the benefits mentioned above, let’s not forget that yoga is really fun. Indeed, kids deserve time to play and let’s be honest, a yoga mat is a playground. So next time you’re looking for something to do with your kids, drop down into Lion’s Pose, stick out your tongue, and let out a roar. Your pride will have some happy cubs.

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How to choose best Yoga teacher training course

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So, you want to do your yoga teacher training and curious how to choose best yoga teacher training course for you? That is awesome! In my opinion, doing a yoga teacher training program, even if you never intend to teach a day in your life, is one of the most amazing, life-transforming things you can do for yourself.

That said, with so many options for trainings out there, how do you even begin to decide which program is right for you? How do you know if the one you are going to be investing a few thousand dollars and at least 200 hours of your time into is going to pay off for you?

If you are feeling confused about your options, this post is for you. I have created this checklist of considerations to help you narrow down your search for programs that best suit you and your life.

1. Make Sure Your Training is Yoga Alliance-Certified:

As the international governing body for yoga, the Yoga Alliance has set the standard for what a properly constructed teacher training program must contain.

If you hope to teach yoga at some point in your future, you want to ensure that the training you choose is Certified by the Yoga Alliance; otherwise, you will not qualify for insurance.

I know it does not feel all that yogic, but insurance is a part of the world we live in, and an important point to keep in mind while you are program shopping.

I am not saying that taking a training that is non-Yoga Alliance certified is a mistake—there is a plethora of good non-accredited trainings out there—just know that your chances of teaching and teaching safely may be diminished if you disregard this credential in your decision.

2. Choose Hours That Work for Your Life:

For some, totally checking out of their everyday life and going on a retreat-style yoga teacher training is far more effective for learning. For others, doing their training in their hometown on evenings and weekends works best.

You have to think this through before signing up for anything. If you know that life is going to distract you from your studies, you are most likely better off getting out and away.

If you know that you need time to go away and digest concepts, perhaps doing your teacher training course over a longer period of time, with breaks in between sessions, will serve you better.

Take into account how you learn, and how much life is going to serve as a distraction from your learning. From there, you will have a better idea on what kind of training will serve you best.

3. Look into How They Teach Anatomy:

This is a big one. Make sure that your yoga teacher training program has a strong anatomy section. I would even suggest that you do some research on what the instructor of the program you are looking into has to teach that section.

Anatomy may not seem like the biggest deal when you are in the middle of trying to memorize all the Sanskrit names for postures or figuring out how to sequence properly.

Still, a solid understanding of human anatomy will not only transform your own practice into one that is ideal for your specific body, it will also enable you to bring so much more consciousness to your teaching in public and private classes.

Knowing your anatomy is going to pay off big time in the long run, so make sure it is really emphasized in your program.

4. Study the Program’s History:

Do some research into the history of the company with whom you are considering doing your training.

There are some companies that have been around forever, doing teacher trainings for years, and that have extensive experience delivering very strong programs.

It is not all that difficult to put a teacher training program together, however, and just because a program is certified by the Yoga Alliance, does not mean it is top quality.

Unless you have a ‘home’ studio that you know and trust through which you are doing your training, do a thorough background check on the company. Read reviews, talk to people who have been through the program, and get very familiar with your studio of choice.

5. Evaluate the Course Syllabus for Balance of Subjects Taught:

This is my favorite tip—each Yoga TTC is required a minimum number of hours dedicated to things like posture labs, anatomy, history, and philosophy—but each teacher training is going to emphasize different areas, and bring their own style to their program.

If you are really into the nuts and bolts of yoga asana, then a spiritually-focused program most likely isn’t for you. Likewise, if discussing the Yoga Sutras at length turns you on, then a super anatomy-focused program may make you feel less than interested.

Study the curriculum and ask about how many hours are dedicated to each topic if it is not advertised. Pick a program that speaks your language.

6. Do Research on The Instructors:

Lastly, check up on the teacher trainers with whom you are thinking of studying. Look at how long they have been teaching, how long they have been doing teacher training, and even at who trained them. This information is useful for deciding if you want to work with them or not.

I am not saying not to do your training with a teacher that does not have thousands of years of teacher experience—some of the best teachers I have ever worked with have been relatively new—I am simply suggesting you get an idea and feel for your instructors.

Take some public classes with the teachers who will be on your teacher training faculty as well. Make sure you enjoy their teaching style and connect with them.

So what do you think? Do any of these tips make choosing your program seem less overwhelming? If you have done your training, is there anything you would add to this list?

Special discount available for Indians
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Special discount available for Indians
Call or whatsapp for more info
+918077214182