Carmen Chen

Although many people are only familiar with the physical postures of Yoga, there are also a number of very effective Yogic breathing exercises that can invigorate you or calm you down. Additionally, there are pranayama or breathing exercises that can effectively “clear the mental cobwebs” and help to increase mental clarity.

When one decides to become a Yoga teacher, there are many responsibilities. We are obligated to keep our students safe, teach them about holistic health, and to guide them toward states of relaxation and meditation. The physical style we know as Hatha is more than an exercise session.

If you have long been avoiding teaching yoga to pregnant students, you can complete a few basic training requirements that will allow you to move ahead without worry. As a certified instructor, you can enroll in a specialist prenatal training program for yoga teachers.

According to the dictionary, courage is the ability to maintain a quality of spirit, mind and heart that empowers one to face fear, danger and the vicissitudes of life with confidence, resolution, bravery, and equanimity.

Some would say, “Yes,” but this is a universal Yogic principle within all religions. There is no religion which has exclusive rights to the law of karma, but all religions address karma, in principle, even though the word, “karma,” may not be mentioned. Giving to those in need, without seeking a reward, creates good karma.

Shaking hands, holding hands, clapping hands, praying, writing, eating, drinking, art performing, playing music, caressing, loving, signing, counting, dressing, bathing, the list of the things we do with our hands will go on for ever, thus the importance of our fingers is not to be demonstrated.

With the many forms of practice, Yoga provides the opportunity for experiencing higher states of consciousness. This is a naturally occurring phenomenon that accompanies Yoga practice, even if the individual practicing it is not actively seeking such experiences. Many times, people begin Yoga for purely physical reasons, but stick with it for a lifetime, because of the spiritually-enriching elements. Why does Yoga promote states of bliss?

When we think about teaching Yoga classes that facilitate weight loss, we often think of vigorous Power Yoga routines or physically challenging Yoga practices performed in heated studios. These types of kramas or Yoga asana sequences certainly do help to boost students’ metabolisms, burn calories and expedite weight loss. However, it is also important to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems of your students through a regular practice of pranayama exercises, in order to facilitate mental well-being and hormonal balance.

Finally, spring has blossomed. After a long, cold winter for many Yogis and Yoginis, we are experiencing the rebirth of spring flowers, delicate new leaves, and the return of many different kinds of birds. Even the bears are coming out of hibernation! If you find that your heart has also been in an extended period of hibernation, connecting with the gentle unfurling of the springtime energy in your Yoga practice will support you in the process of releasing the fetters that may be surrounding your own Heart Chakra.