The Yoga rules

By Paul Jerard

After successful graduation from a Yoga teacher training program, you may want to take the shortest track to success. Sometimes, this topic is not discussed during a teacher intensive, but most interns desire professional success.

Which techniques should a Yoga teacher master for personal growth and to help others achieve success in their lives? Let's take a look at factors which are very important to the professional growth of Yoga instructors.

Optimum communication is a primary skill for all Yoga teachers to possess. When we think about teaching Yoga in a class, we consider effective communication skills to be a must. We must be able to explain Yogic concepts, and ideas, in more than one way.

Developing the right tone, cueing skills, proper voice inflection, knowing when to assist, and demonstrating skills, all come into play. Yet, to teach anything, we must also be good listeners. Communication is a two way street, and it requires empathic listening skills.

Writing and telephone skills are also part of the skill set required to teach. Telephone communication, or a response to an Email, will often be your first contact with a new student. Addressing the needs of the public requires effective communication skills and compassion for people.

Although we teach self-worth and stress management skills to our students, we have to invest time in our regular personal Yoga practice to lead by example. If we invest most of our time in networking, marketing, advertising, and the business of Yoga, there is not much time left for our personal practice.

Therefore, appoint a regularly-scheduled Yoga practice time to work by yourself or with another teacher - to do otherwise, will affect your own health. This is an irony, which also happens to medical professionals: When one has a huge workload, one has little time left for personal health.

Life is full of challenges, but we should do our best to maintain a positive attitude, even in the worst of times. Some people will state that all obstacles and challenges are an illusion, but it is not easy to convince someone who is up to their ears in them.

To focus on negative thoughts, for too long, can create a reality that nobody wants. When any of us are confronted with obstacles, and challenges, it is always best to look for a solution within our Yoga practice. This prevents us from dwelling on negative thoughts. At the same time, there is gratification in developing problem-solving skills.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html