Philosophy of Teaching
My personal approach in teaching yoga is to treat it as a holistic subject and not as exercise. Yoga is so much more than a set of ‘feel-good’ exercises, but is focused on the inner journey. By using the body, the practice expands the mind and leads to the inner self, heart and soul. The physical body combined with the breath is the medium for which self-discovery, mastery and transformation can take place. The body is a wondorous and remarkable tool having both the ability to repair and heal itself after illness and injury. All of our injuries whether they be physical or emotional, our limitations, problems, personal strengths and weaknesses are understood as the living, workable material for practice. Because without it there would be no practice.
Given the context in which I trained and studied yoga, I adopted a more traditional approach. My experiences as a student have informed my practice and teaching methods. Under the guidance of my teachers each posture was individually taught to me. With time and practice the postures were tied together as if they were a bead on a mala (a traditional garland used for meditation). Based on my years of training, I developed the 5-point philosophy. This creates the ideal condition for students to go beyond their known and/or preconceived limitations both physically and mentally. It is also aligned with the traditional practice in which students were addressed individually and not in mass classes.
Traditionally yoga was not taught in large classes, on a drop-in basis or taken randomly. The 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 potential. These are of course the ideals. But on the realistic level, this means breaking up the habitual patterns of the body, thoughts patterns, depression, anxiety, fear and/or any other negative aspects of the mind. Yoga provies 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.
Today people are looking for quick fixes or fast results. In yoga there are no short cuts or magicial tricks. It is path and a practice that gives back to you as much as you give to it.
PERSONAL ATTENTION
Limited class size 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.