How hard is it to teach? I never give it much thought as it seems that every class I went to the teacher just seems so good at it, they would guide the students into the posture and somehow they could feel what you were feeling (i.e where the tension is), what are you forgetting to do (i.e. reminding you to breathe in Navasana) and making that right adjustment for you to go a little deeper but never forcing past your limits. They made it look so effortless and naturally and they do not look tired or out of breathe when demonstrating to the class.
When it came to the day where we had to prepare the lesson plan, I realize that it was different then when you practice alone at home. You would naturally know what because you knew your own sequence well and the brain has the habit of letting you think it make sense when sometimes the instruction and cues might not make sense to other people and human beings tend to over think a lot too.
Breaking down of poses
It is always good to breakdown the posture for someone (ultra beginner) we had not tried or hear the pose before but it might not work the same for someone who has done it before as the instructional cues might confuse them even though they are in the right pose.
Breathing cues
Breathing cues are important as well as in yoga we try to connect our breath with our movements. One breath one movement. Knowing when to inhale and when to exhale can help relax into the posture and by using it as a point of focus helps us be more aware of our body and our movements.
Adjustments
Knowing when to give student the right amount of adjustment without pushing them too far beyond their capabilities can be a scary task. You need to watch the student through a few lessons to understand their body before providing them any form of adjustment.
Variations
In a class there will be people from various fitness backgrounds and as teachers we have to learn how to give the appropriate modifications to students. One size just doesn’t fit all.
It may not seem like a lot but when combining it all together suddenly it becomes an overwhelming event. The teachers that we attend classes at don’t become good at it on the first try, it takes times and practice just like our yoga journey, like how we do the asanas on a regular basis, the discipline to get on the mat and be true to your own practice, don’t shortchange yourself. There is no hurry, have patience.
Like what Sri K. Pattabhi Jois says: Practice and all is coming
Namaste
Agnes Tay
weekend 200hrytt