Yoga Stuff Happens Here is a summer goal for you to think about: As vacations and more family time approach, (or encroach) it might be advisable to practice some Detached Awareness. What is Detached Awareness? Detached awareness is the yogic way of becoming more pure in your reactions to others. It’s simple; “always try to […]
Gazing into the Meaning of Drishti
Yoga “Stuff Happens” Drishti is a Sanskrit word that comes from yoga. (In fact, it is one of the few Sanskrit words that I can remember and properly pronounce.) According to my Google search, the practice of Drishti is “a gazing technique that develops concentration and teaches you to see the world as it really is. In […]
To Chant or not to Chant? That is the Question…
Yoga Stuff Happens What do you do when half of your yoga class wants to end the class with an “Om” and the other half would rather eat glass, instead? Truly, I don’t think anyone completely hates chanting, but then again, I have a student who doesn’t celebrate Easter because her church considers it to […]
Teaching Yoga without Doing Yoga: Serving as a Yoga Master
Yoga Stuff Happens Next week I am having a medical procedure done that will require me to not do yoga for a week. This could be a potential problem for me as a yoga teacher. When I asked the doctor about what it meant to “not do yoga,” she specifically stated, “No Downward Dogs.” Are […]
Keeping your Yoga Teaching Fresh
Yoga “Stuff Happens” As a yoga teacher, do you ever lie awake at night wondering if the classes you are teaching are good enough? Interesting enough? Hip enough? Challenging enough or even too demanding? How do you keep things new and refreshed in your yoga teaching? It is very un-yoga-like to be so “judgy” with […]
Savasana is a Pose
Yoga “Stuff Happens“ Yogis never sleep. They just do Savasana.” ~Jill Reeves Question of the Week: What do you do to make your Savasana special? As I teach my yoga classes, I try to explain that Savasana is an official yoga pose. It is. Yes. Just lying there, on your mat, relaxing on your back; this […]
Embarrassing Yoga Moments
Yoga “Stuff Happens” Teacher Question of the Week: What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you in your yoga practice or while teaching yoga? One of my crazy experiences happened last winter. I had the ultimate pair of black, fleece sweat pants that fit perfectly over my yoga pants. On cold days, I […]
Music for your Yoga Practice
Yoga “Stuff Happens” Teacher Question of the Week: What type of music do you like when you do yoga? What are some of your favorite selections? Please share examples! I grew up in a house where music was everywhere. My Mom would play classical music to lull me to sleep. She took me to concerts […]
Teaching Challenging Yoga Poses
Yoga “Stuff Happens” Teacher Question of the Week: How do you offer challenging yoga poses in your classes? Is it worth the time and effort? Is it a distraction to those who do not want them? What are the risks and liabilities? What if you have a large class and you can’t tend to every […]
What’s the Best Way to Lay Out Your Yoga Mat?
Yoga “Stuff Happens” Teacher Question of the Week: Which way do you turn your yoga mat and what direction do you face to teach your yoga classes? Is there an “official” right way or wrong way to do this? I know much depends on the space of the studio.