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OPEN MIND OPEN BODY Teaching Reflections |
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Yoga Ethics and Yoga Practice: Reflections from my Anatomy & Physiology Teacher Training Program
As part of their final exam, I asked the students in my teacher training program to reflect on how the basic principles of applied anatomy and physiology reflect the basic principles of yoga ethics. Below, are some of my thoughts on this question, based on the ideas and strategies we discussed in the teacher training. Ahimsa:
non-harming Paying attention to sensation during asana practice, and learning to distinguish sensations of stretch, effort, strain, stress, and injury. Working with injuries in a non-aggressive way - not rushing to return to movements that created or exacerbate the injury. Cultivating
your own intention, as a teacher, before physically adjusting students. Asteya: non-stealing Not attempting to do poses that require a certain amount of opening or preparation, until the body (and the student) is ready. Progressing towards poses intentionally, and honoring limitations as they arise. Using
the bandhas to create stability in places that might otherwise allow to
"cheat" your way into a pose (i.e., compressing the lower back to
move into a backbend, instead of opening through the chest and hips and entire
spine). Satya: truth Honoring the natural structure of the joints during movement and asana; respecting "true" limits to range of motion. Using props to honor the integrity of an asana, create stability in the body, and respect the body where it is, in the present moment. Acknowledging
when you do not have the "answer" - especially when students ask for
medical advice beyond your expertise. Bramacharya: connection to source/spirit Using devotion to inspire the physical practice, and make physical effort more enjoyable. Practicing specific meditations, such as metta (lovingkindness) to relieve physical and emotional suffering. Moving
with the breath, as an expression of connection to source. Aparigraha: non-attachment Not straining in a pose or forcing the shape of a pose onto your own body (or a student's body). Practicing
non-attachment to the ego or outcomes, as a way to reduce stress (for physical
and emoional well-being) and relieve suffering. Santosha: contentment Yoga practice is a way to practice not suffering. Creating a class experience without unneccessary resistance (i.e. extreme temperatures or a punishing, critical attitude towards students). The principle of determining one's own inner experince: cultivating a specific sensation or emotion through imagination and intention. Practicing breath awareness as a way to experience contentment with the present moment. Using
the breath to create a sense of ease and joy in vinyasa - coordinating the
biomechanics of the breath with specific movements. Shaucha: clarity Understanding lines of action in asana. What specific actions support the pose? How can you strengthen and express those actions, and let unnecessary tension dissolve? Understanding support in asana. How can the foundation of a pose create a clear base of support? Moving intentionally into the foundation of a pose. Respecting
principles of alignment to create a "clear" experience of a pose -
what is the purpose of this pose, and what do I need to do to find it and
express it? Tapas: commitment The principle of progression in developing balance, strength, and endurance: you have to attempt something a little bit outside your comfort zone, to experience change. Developing
a sequence of poses that, through patient persistence, makes a challenging
poses possible. Swadhyaya: self-understanding Helping students identify release valves (or other habits) in asana, as a way of understanding and exploring their unconscious habits. Developing
inner awareness through a physical practice, including developing
proprioception and neuromuscular facilitation.
Ishwara-Pranidhana: surrender Practicing
physical release through restorative yoga to fully "let go". Cultivating a full, deep breath without strain, struggle, or restriction - this reflects both a willingness to fully experience life (through the inhalation) and to fully let go (through the exhalation).
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