Philosophy of Teaching
The approach is to teach yoga as a holistic subject and not only as a form of exercise. Yoga is much more than a set of ‘feel-good’ exercises, but is concerned with the inner journey. By using the body as the gateway to the soul, the practice expands the mind and leads to the inner heart. The physical body combined with the breath is used as a tool for self-discovery, mastery and transformation. The body is a remarkable tool having the ability to repair and heal itself even after serious illnesses, accidents and any other life-threatening struggle. All injuries, limitations, problems, personal strengths and weaknesses are treated as the living material for practice; without it there would be no practice.
Given the context in which I learned yoga, I adopted a more traditional approach. My experiences as a student of yoga also reflect the traditional method in which I was taught. Under the guidance of my teachers each posture was taught individually to me. With time and practice the postures were brought together as if they were a bead on a mala (a traditional garland used for meditation). Based on my training, I developed the 5-point philosophy. This approach creates the ideal condition for students to go beyond their known and/or preconceived limitations both physically and mentally. This is the quest of all the various types of yoga offered today and why yoga is such an amazing gift to all.
Traditionally, yoga was not taught in large classes, on a drop-in basis or taken randomly. The classical method was/is to transmit the teachings from the teacher to the student. As well, yoga was taught according to the individual's capacity; helping them to realize their full potential. What this means is breaking out of addictions, depression, anxiety, fears and/or any other negative aspect of the mind while maintaining and/or repairing the health of the body. Yoga offers the tools while the teacher is the guide in showing the student how to use them. And as in all practices, it is up to the individual student to apply what they learn from the teacher. There are no quick fixes, no magicial tricks or short-cuts. There is an ancient tradition from which to learn and to study from with the practice being one's true teacher.
PERSONAL ATTENTION
Limited to 5 students per program/class.
Detailed instructions and personalized attention.
PROGRESSIVE CLASSES
For sequential learning classes are not taught randomly.
Each class is built upon the previous one taken.
DETAILED INSTRUCTION
Each posture and exercise is explained with depth.
Classes are adjusted to suit the student.
TEACHER FEEDBACK
Individual corrections and practice recommendations are given.
Questions/concerns are addressed as they relate to the practice.
STRUCTURED PROGRAMS
Classes include the "whole" not the parts of yoga.
Step-by-step learning of the correct alignment and breath.