Yoga aims to provide a safe environment for growth and increased self-awareness, free from judgment and criticism. Teachers provide instruction that enables students to develop their unique strengths while understanding where their physical limitations lie. Maintaining direct and understandable communication between teachers and students is critical to creating a classroom atmosphere. Prompts should be clear and comprehensive to ensure everyone feels valued and supported. Here are 15 tips for effectively encouraging creativity and self-expression in safe spaces.
towards the feeling instead of away from it
towards the feeling instead of away from it
As humans, it is in our nature to shy away from feelings that exceed our preconceived limits of intensity. The language of the body is how we feel, so it’s important that we listen to what it means. By applying this wisdom, we can recognize when it is appropriate to delve further into the feeling, and when the body has reached its limit. Yoga encourages us to find our strengths in each pose and embrace the space between control and surrender. Finding the general shape of the pose is only half the battle, you have to surrender to the shape and feel it all.
stacked bodies
The strongest cues a teacher can give students usually involve some level of assurance of proper alignment. It can be difficult to fully commit to a practice when you’re constantly wondering if you’re “getting it right.” In many cases, people can rely on their body’s better judgment to deduce whether a pose feels right, but this isn’t always the case. Body stacking refers to the support system that starts from scratch and creates a stable foundation for expansion. The act of properly framing the different poses allows students to get a feel for how each shape translates to different areas of the body, and how subtle variations matter.
keep your eyes closed
keep your eyes closed
If you’re having trouble adjusting and fully feeling a pose, your other senses may be getting in the way. It’s not easy to take your attention away from sensory distractions, but it gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the practice. Closing your eyes can provide a more visceral experience while also freeing you from constant stimulation and potential stress. In a restorative form, this action calms the mind and allows thoughts to remain within. In more active or balanced poses, you can look forward to the added challenge of closing your eyes, which will inspire growth and confidence in your practice.
Discover what feels best today
What felt good yesterday may not feel so good today, and that’s perfectly normal. Respecting the changing and ever-changing nature of our being is essential when practicing in a way that respects our physical and mental state. In addition to listening within, this level of awareness involves holding values within our boundaries as they wobble and move with a sense of patience. Students are encouraged to focus on how they are doing today and to flow from the space that is best for them physically and mentally in the moment.
Never compromise the integrity of your breath
Never compromise the integrity of your breath
Yoga emphasizes the connection between movement and breath, emphasizing how they work together to create harmony in the body and clarity of mind. We use the breath as a tool to expand and surrender to different forms, bringing our awareness deeper into the practice. It is important to remain aware of the sound, quality and structure of our breath as we move between forms. Pay attention to the effect restorative and more advanced poses have on your breathing. When we physically challenge our bodies, we often forget to keep a balanced inhale and exhale. No matter where you practice, pay attention to your ability to breathe deeply and make changes as needed.
Believe that you are exactly where you need to be
This thread enables students to let go of comparison and judgment and accept the current reality of their yogic journey. It’s not easy to let go of expectations when surrounded by other yogis who may be practicing in different places. This sense of inadequacy prevents many people from fully accepting themselves for who they are and where they are. Students are encouraged to enjoy the developmental path of yoga, allowing them to appreciate the skills they already have. It also draws attention away from the past or future and embraces everything that is important in the present.
Find a comfortable place to rest quietly
Find a comfortable place to rest quietly
Savasana isn’t necessarily the best time to get plenty of cues, but guiding students to the relaxation styles that work best for their bodies will allow them to fully absorb the benefits. It is important for students to understand that they can choose this final resting place. Offer some variety to give the class a chance to distract themselves from what their neighbors are doing and see what facilitates them relaxing without intimidation.
How is your inner dialogue going?
The mind inevitably wanders, but noticing where it goes is crucial to understanding ourselves on a deeper level. Teachers may encourage students to detach themselves from external thoughts and give all their attention to what is happening on the mat, but it is quickly forgotten and our attention is quickly lost. This prompt is a cheeky reminder to notice where your thoughts have gone and gently pull them back. The point is not to shame students for having a problem with their subconscious, but to recognize where they go when the mind wanders. From this awareness, we begin to see thoughts passing through