When you are a new yoga teacher, you have plenty to think about between sequencing, cueing and managing yourself at the front of the room. But part of your evolution as a vinyasa flow teacher is to add a little personality and elegance to your classes. To add a theme to a yoga class is good for you and your students. As a teacher it forces you to ask yourself WHY you picked this or that asana, this or that sequence. For your students, a themed class will make them feel like you are truly present and that they are really learning something. They might understand the direction of your class better, discover more layers within yoga and feel more connected to you. 5 ideas for an asana theme in yogaFor most this is the simplest way to begin theming a vinyasa class. Ask yourself what type of physical focus you'd like to teach. Use your knowledge and imagination and spin off from that asana family theme. Stay with a certain type of expressions and focus words to emphasise the asana theme. Twists - wringing out, detoxing, creating space, spinal movement focus Backbends - front body opening, heart opening, emotional release, expansion, love Core/full body strength - power, stability, static, willpower, exhales Balancing poses - presence, concentration, drishti, equal breath Hip opening - pelvic area, low back, all movements of the hip joint, emotional release, deep breaths 5 ideas for a seasonal theme in yogaA great way to begin theming yoga classes is to take a look at the calendar and the seasons. Pick something that is relevant to where you are teaching the class – that means it will be relevant to everyone in class. Weather, lunar cycle, holidays are all useful starting points. Summer solstice – light, turning point, new beginnings, energy Spring equinox - equal parts, balance, dark/light Harvest moon - abundance, harvest, gratefulness A rainy day - water element, flow, movement, nutrition New Year - letting go, starting new, inviting change, creating habits 5 ideas for an explorative theme in yogaBy selecting a theme – as in, something to speak a little extra about throughout your class – you can give your students an experience they'll remember. Invite reflection by simply drawing attention to a small aspect of yoga. First class - ask students to think back to their first class, celebrate, appreciate Childlike - ask students to be explorative, curious, question habits, be playful Root to rise - focus on the rooting down in every pose, not the drama up top Back to basics - alignment, precision, technique Enjoy the journey - less asana focus and more transition 5 ideas for a philosophical theme in yogaWhen you begin to portion out the profound wisdom of yoga philosophy, it's good to do so in small bites. Make the theme universal to your students by sharing something personal or relating it directly to what happens on the mat.
Effort and ease - remind students to find the balance Vinyasa krama - one step at the time, conscious movements, infinite path Gaze inward - less visionary intake, sensations, observation, inner confidence Appreciate yourself - Om Namah Shivaya (bow to inner self), self love, inward Moving meditation - breath rhythm, connection, expansion, trust, repetition |
AuthorArticles about the world of teaching and living Vinyasa Flow Yoga by Elin Jensen and Lisa Andersson Rhodiner Categories
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