YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) 200 HOUR WEEK THREE

During week three we covered what I call the principles of yoga. We learned about the Eight Limbs of Raga Yoga, other kinds of yoga (margas), koshas, and kelshas.

There was so much information! I was totally overwhelmed, but I did not feel panicked. It’s exciting! Not only are we learning yoga principals, concepts and beliefs, but all the Sanskrit words for them too! It’s like learning a whole new language. I knew that there would be terms for all the poses, but I did not think that ALL the principles of yoga would also have Sanskrit terms. Silly me!!! I am sure with time it will all fall into place.

Here a quote from one of my favorite Yoga Anatomy Experts:

Leslie Kaminoff “When we resist the change that's inevitable, we miss the change that's possible”

Leslie has tons of resources and a free weekly updates with lessons and tips. Find him on Face Book too!

http://www.yogaanatomy.org/

I wanted to remind you that the point of this blog is not to teach you all that I learn. You will have to take your own YTT 200 hour class to do that.  I will share my feelings about what I am learning and my thoughts on the concepts. You may agree or disagree with my interpretations. I would love to get your feedback.

Assignment:  How does Ahimsa relate to life and to my yoga practice?

Ahimsa (nonviolence) means avoiding violence to others and yourself and it is the first Yama in Raga Yoga.

I think most of us are not violent. With that there is the topic of vegetarianism and violence toward animals. I will not address that now. I thought about promoting kindness rather than not being violent.

I do not think that you need to be kind to yourself to be kind to others. Many people are kinder to others than they are to themselves. With that said, the more nonviolent and loving I am to myself and others the more it manifests in my life as a feeling of extreme contentment. I get energy from practicing acceptance and loving kindness. I found that this was true in the way I treated myself as much as the way I treated others.

It took me a long time not to judge my love for yoga allowing myself the time and money to dedicate to my practice.  During Asana practice I try not to judge myself. I say that because it is a struggle for me not to want to have more flexibility, better balance or more strength. I try to observe my practice without judgment of my progress. I also try not to compare and judge my progress to that of others. I find this VERY HARD to be honest! I have felt competitive energy in yoga class before. While on the mat I take care not to physically harm myself by trying something that I know I am not ready to do. I figure there is time for that and there are plenty of things I cannot do and plenty of things I may never be able to do. I do push myself in a kind way though. I love to see change and progress my asana.

When teaching students I see the importance to be kind and accepting and honor their practice. I also it is important to give options so that people do not hurt themselves, judge themselves or judge others. The concept is basic but should never be overlooked in designing a class.

I have a question for you about judgment:

I feel energy when I have a teacher that is nonjudgmental and kind. Have you felt this or sensed this in yoga class before? What was it like?

One of my favorite teachers is kind. When she helps a student I feel her concern and kindness. She greets them with compassion and is very kind in the way she suggest adjustments. Once when she asked someone if they wanted to take their socks off in the kindest nice way I just cracked up inside, but they did take off their socks.

I am excited to tell you about week 4. It is my favorite class so far.