YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) 200 HOUR WEEK TWO

In week two YTT class we covered the basic principles for any asana practice. We had the chance to teach each other basic poses. Our homework was to observe a group of people take notes on our observations, practice teaching basic poses, and take note our experiences.

This was my first experience in teaching with the intent to learn. I “teach” people all the time. I am usually full of information! My student had never practiced yoga before but I still I found it natural and comfortable to explain Tadasana and Sukhanasa to him. He followed my direction and was positioned properly. He said that his back hurt.  I did struggle making adjustments to make him more comfortable.  I will add that to the list of things to study.

Here are some quotes from our lessons that resonated with me:

Yoga is not about achieving the perfect posture; it is about being with the body and the posture however it is on any particular day.

When we are in an asana find a way to notice what muscles you are using and think about what is necessary and what is not necessary for that posture and encourage your body to release what is not necessary.

These quotes really remind me to think about what muscles I tighten that are not related to the pose I am  practicing. The first thing I think about releasing is my griping toes!  What about you? Sometimes a pose will be more difficult or more easy than it should and you don’t know why, use this as an opportunity to think about what muscles you are using that are not related to the posture.

We find a balance between firmness and softness, tension and relaxation, effort and ease, muscle and flexibility, which offers a delicious luxurious challenge. Patanjali says that the combination of Sthira and Sukham creates a state of equilibrium (satva) that is without agitation (rajas) or inertia (tamas). Depending on our personality type will determine which aspect of Sthira and Sukham we need to work on more. If we naturally find our self full of effort, strength and steadfastness we need to work on softening and experiencing the delight in our poses. If we are more lethargic we need to push ourselves harder. (Patanjali, From: Yoga Sutra Chapter 2, sutra 46)

I hope you enjoyed your glimpse into my YTT. I can’t wait to share more next week!