Yoga is not just about physical exercise; it’s a holistic practice that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. To truly benefit from yoga, it’s essential to go beyond the surface and explore the deeper layers of each pose and practice. This philosophy shapes my teaching style, encouraging students to cultivate mindfulness, patience and presence.
As a yoga teacher, my mission is to guide my students toward greater self-awareness, physical well-being, and inner peace and it is important, in my teaching approch, integrating philosophical concepts into the physical practice because it helps students appreciate the holistic nature of yoga, understanding that it's not just about strengthening and stretching their bodies but also about cultivating a more balanced and hormoniius life.
An aspect of my approach is dedicating an entire week to a specific concept or area of the body. This method allows my students to immerse themselves fully in their practice, fostering a deeper understanding and a richer and more meaningful practice.
Repetition is a powerful tool for internalizing and understanding complex ideas and repeated exposure to a concept allows students to explore it from different angles , uncovering deep level of meaning and application in their lives. A weekly focus on a philosophical concept encourages my students to reflect on their thoughts and actions, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
Spending a week on a particular body part allows students to go beyond the surface level. Instead of merely performing a pose, we start to understand its intricacies. Each repetition reveals something new – a subtle adjustment, a deeper stretch, or a more profound connection to our breath. This deepened awareness leads to a more meaningful and enriching practice.
During the week my students have time to internalize the philosophical concept we are focusing on and the effect that the physical practice is having on a specific area of the body. At the end of the week they can take time to reflect on what they've learned and how it has impacted their week and their bodies and minds.