The difference between my 2008 experience and the classes I taught in 2010 could be summarized in one word – Preparation. From the broadest perspective, I felt as though the workshop was a kind of testing ground for my 20 years of study. It was an opportunity to synthesize everything I knew as a teacher […]
I also saw this as an opportunity to develop a curriculum that could be applied in other studio settings. The theme for the weekend was appropriately titled, “Rebuilding Your Practice,” and featured four distinct classes: The Practice –Gave an overview of all the themes we would be visiting The Core of the Pose –Used the […]
Early on in the preparation process, the question that loomed largest in my mind was, “How am I going to teach a three-hour yoga class?” Much of this concern stemmed from the fact that my own practice consisted of an hour of mediation and only one hour of asana practice. What I began to notice, […]
After a mild period of hesitation, I began working with my chosen subject matter, about six weeks from the début. I began by brainstorming every possible theory and practice that could support each theme-based class. From this basic platform, I constructed sequences and drew together key points. In the process of assembling the sequences, I […]
Having taught once already at the Canebrake was a huge plus. Despite being particularly nervous during my first class, I really felt in my element, in no small part due to the gracious support and hosting I received from Lisa and her husband Sam, the owners of the establishment. I was especially mindful of monitoring […]
Still, I noticed that I gradually became worn down over the weekend and came home with less energy than when I left. I think some of this is to be expected. Two suggestions come to mind as to how to address waning energy. The first is practice – I could teach longer venues/workshops more often […]
All of the preparatory work I had done was fundamental to the success of the weekend. While having a rehearsed sequence was invaluable, at times it drew me away from the immediate needs and skill levels of the students. As the workshop progressed I felt more confident peeling away from the game plan and being […]
Another change I would make would be to increase the volume of my own voice. I found myself dipping into a low auditory range more than once and have gotten similar feedback from students in the past. Do you have any suggestions as to how to cultivate this skill? On another auditory note: the music […]
Dear Yoga Students, This is Derik from Axis Yoga Trainings. I want to announce and invite you to our ongoing, donation only, classes. These classes are held once a month and are an ideal opportunity to deepen your practice and view yoga from a totally new perspective! Each class will focus on a specific theme […]
One could easily make a case for or against the roll of music in yoga practice. On the one hand music/sound has played an intimate roll in the history of yoga (particularly in the nada and bhakti yoga traditions). On the other hand the power of sound can unduly influence the environment and mind of […]