| When teaching Yoga classes, there are times when | | | | each student has different thoughts, needs, and |
| you have to be a "cheer leader." What do I mean by | | | | aspirations. Some people see only the superficial layer |
| this? There are many interconnected aspects of life, | | | | of everything. You cannot make everyone see the |
| and we all play a small part in them. Each student's | | | | deeper aspects of life. An example of this is the |
| level of success, in life, depends on constant positive | | | | student who sees Hatha Yoga only as a stretch class. |
| reinforcement during the day. | | | | There is nothing wrong with this. Stretching alone is a |
| When you see an accomplishment, do not hesitate to | | | | good physical exercise, but stretching and exercise are |
| praise your students. This does not have to be artificial | | | | only components of Yoga. Happiness, clarity of mind, |
| praise or flattery. A heart felt compliment is much | | | | tranquility, and Samadhi, require guidance from a |
| different. Far too often, people in general, and some of | | | | competent Yoga teacher. |
| our students, feel they do not deserve praise, or that | | | | Eventually, your students will learn to honor the true |
| they have a right to succeed in life. | | | | teacher within themselves, but they need to develop a |
| Every Yoga teacher knows students, who feel they | | | | clear vision of progress, success, and achievement, |
| do not deserve a better life. This variation of negative | | | | before they undertake their journey. The starting point |
| thinking is "baggage" that holds back all of humanity. | | | | in the journey is usually "sparked" by an exceptional |
| As teachers, we have the ability to instill positive habits, | | | | teacher. |
| which will result in happiness and successful living. | | | | Teaching Yoga is, in some ways, like parenting. If you |
| The average student has to see the value of a Yogic | | | | have instilled a strong foundation in your students, you |
| lifestyle long enough to cultivate the habit of regular | | | | will be proud of them and their achievements. The |
| Yoga practice. For many people, this is a big step. You | | | | student with Multiple Sclerosis, who is making great |
| cannot expect new students to be present in their | | | | progress, or the child who is learning to concentrate, |
| practice, until you point out how to connect mind and | | | | each has a significant success story. |
| body with Pranayama. This may seem very basic, but | | | | Make it a point to recognize student progress, when |
| some students never learn this step because they did | | | | you are aware of it. Our advancement, as a species, |
| not have the guidance. | | | | depends on it. |
| Does this mean you can reach every student? No - | | | | |