Yoga Certification - The Beginning of a Yoga Teacher's Journey

Many people compare the Yoga teacher certification process to a big hurdle in life, but the day an intern receives his or her diploma, for teaching Yoga, is only the beginning of the journey.

The day of graduation, from student to Yoga teacher, could be compared to a butterfly coming out of a chrysalis. For a new Yoga teacher, this is the beginning of a quest to learn about the body, mind, and spirit.

Each is a vast field, within itself, and you could compare Yoga subjects to flowers in a field. It is easy to become confused as to which Yoga subject we should study first. Is there a way to "streamline" the journey, and get to the next horizon, before another Yoga teacher finds it?

The journey is not a race, but a path of self-improvement. Many people spend their lives in a race to "chase their tails." Enjoy each day, like a new verse to your favorite song.

Yoga teachers should learn not to get caught up in pursuit of deadlines and today's hectic lifestyle. This is easier said than done; but students come to Yoga classes for stress relief; and a Yoga teacher who is "stressed out" is of little help to them.

So, what is the answer? Choose a direction of continuing education, which "calls to you." This happened before, when you initially decided to become a Yoga teacher.

Make a habit of writing in a journal, so that you can plan your Yoga teaching path. Pursue Yoga subjects that are directly related to your interests and the needs of your Yoga students. You must do both; the specific needs of your Yoga students take priority over your independent interests.

This concept is clear to see, if you are receiving doctor referrals for Yoga students, with a variety of ailments. You have no choice, but to research the particular ailments and related Yoga subjects. In your free time, you can pursue your independent Yoga studies.

There are so many areas of knowledge for a Yoga teacher to pursue - when you consider asanas, mantras, mudras, pranayama, meditation, nadis, chakras, Sanskrit, and more.

Some Yoga teachers are seeking physical prowess by learning hundreds of asanas, and that is a healthy pursuit. Physical solutions can easily be seen and felt, especially if you have a young body. As the body ages, we learn there is much more to Yoga than the physical solutions, which worked so well when we were young.

New Yoga teachers often ask, "Which aspect of Yoga should I pursue first?" The answer is: pranayama. Pranayama is the cultivation of life force, and we take it for granted. If we look at Pranayama as, "just breathing," consider how long you will last by holding onto the single breath you have right now. Breath is life in this moment. Without it, none of us will exist for long.

When you receive a Yoga teacher certification, look at your diploma, and take a deep breath. This is the beginning of learning pranayama as a Yoga teacher. The more you learn about pranayama, the smoother your journey will be.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

The Journey from Back Pain to Yoga Class

Why are doctors referring their patients, who have chronic back pain, to Yoga classes? How many studies have been conducted on back pain and Yoga? Is Yoga a "cure all" for back pain? What kind of Yoga class is best for back pain? Let's look at all of these issues and see if we can clear up some answers.

It is conservatively estimated that more than half of the world adult population suffers from some sort of back pain. Yoga, for back pain, is the most popular subject that teacher interns write about at our Yoga teacher training center.

However, this does not explain why so many doctors, within the United States, refer their patients to Yoga studios as an additional alternative to medication and physical therapy. The truth is, that within the U.S., there have been very few studies, and I only know of one in particular, which was the Group Health Cooperative study, which recently took place in Seattle, Washington.

Therefore, one study is not the answer; especially one study which just happened. The truth is, most of the studies on back pain and Yoga, as a form of therapy, are taking place in India. So, why does your family doctor, chiropractor, or orthopedic doctor, take a leap of faith outside the view of traditional western medicine? To put it simply, doctors read and continually educate themselves. They do not look down the narrow path of medicine that is laid down by bureaucracy.

Yoga is relatively inexpensive, in comparison to prescription medicines, so why bother to do a study? In comparison to the joint ventures, and potential profits involved in pharmaceutical studies, Yoga can't promise a "big pay day." Yet, the fact that physicians, within the United States, are willing to "look outside the box" for answers, speaks volumes in regard to their integrity. Doctors are often accused of being too quick to prescribe medicines, but the public often demands quick and effortless solutions in regard to health care.

Is Yoga really a "cure all" for back pain? In short, the answer is "no." How can I say that? Nothing is a cure all for back pain, but Yoga helps most of the students I work with. No prescription can claim 100% patient satisfaction either. Odds are that most people, with pre-existing back pain, who take up Yoga classes for relief, will reduce the number of pain killers needed. This fact has been stated by my Yoga students over the years.

If you have pre-existing back pain, which style of Yoga should you seek out? Regardless of style, you may want to observe a Yoga class before trying it. You should seek out a gentle style, and you should talk to your prospective Yoga teacher ahead of time.

Stay away from vigorous Yoga classes. I would advise against taking part in my Vinyasa Yoga class, but I would welcome you with open arms in my Restorative Yoga class. Why do I say this? Yoga styles, class formats, lesson plans, and teachers differ.

My suggestion is that you get a private session first, and your Yoga teacher will work with you "first hand." If possible, get a referral from your doctor, or from a friend, who practices Yoga. This will help you avoid the guessing process.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

The Yoga Journey

Yoga is a practice that endeavors to balance your life and join the mind, body and spirit. The practice is roughly three thousand years old. The yoga lifestyle is characterized by physical activity and training with the goal to unite the body breath and body spirit.

Meditative yoga is designed to help achieve emotional balance through the process of detachment. Meditation removes you from what may be accruing around you, creating a calm and relaxed attitude. This will benefit your physical and psychological health.

If you have been practicing yoga for a lengthy period of time with no positive, life changing results, perhaps it is time to review the practice. By following a few tips that may help to maximize the benefits of yoga and bring you to the greatest level yoga practice and lifestyle.

Do not eat one hour prior to the practice and one hour following the session. New yoga members commonly make this error. Yoga requires full attention from every one of your body's organs. Eliminating eating before and after your Yoga session will allow you to be fully focused and you will save energy that would have been used to digest food. Also, it is far easier to maintain certain positions on an empty stomach.

Always remain fully relaxed and comfortable. Try not to let your mood affect your session; a bad mood session will not maximize your yoga experience. Ensure that the venue or room is warm as cold environments may lead to a less affective session. If it is cold outside, use a blanket to keep your body warm. If you feel pain in your session cease the position, take a rest and try a different pose. Pain can be sign of potential injury; do not underestimate pain intensity and frequency during a session.

Do not miss a session. Many people may find they are too busy or find other excuses not to practice. If you expect to get the best results from yoga routine you must practice regularly. Find motivation in the benefits you will gain through a more balanced healthy lifestyle.

Hatha (physical activity) yoga is based on physical activity as well as chants and meditation. Hatha is a gentle yoga that focuses on slow stretches, flexibility and deep breathing. Ashtanga yoga is focused on strength building, concentration, flexibility and stamina and is characterized by vigorous moves and controlled breathing. Vinyasa yoga or power yoga is similar to Ashtanga, focusing on strength and stamina, and regularly practiced in the United States. Yoga that centers on stamina and strength is sometimes practiced in rooms heated to one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Lyengar refers to the focus of precise body placement in your pose. Mats, covers, rubber bands, chairs or other accessories may be used to help you achieve a precise pose and stay comfortable and relaxed.

Many people have seen benefits from practicing yoga, from reduced anxiety and stress to better sleep and mind improvement. You may also see an improvement in your general health and happiness. Practicing yoga can be part of your healthy lifestyle and a positive change.

Brent McNutt enjoys networking with healthcare professionals online. He also likes talking about Landau Scrubs and Landau Shoes and also likes writing articles about various topics.