Stepping into the role of 'teacher' implies that there is something of importance to 'teach'. An effective yoga class not only offers a safe, methodical and thoughtful sequence, but conveys deeper meanings while inviting students into their own direct experience. Offering clarity with regards to the tradition, a class offers a context for receiving accurate information that allows for exploration, choice and assimilation.
To 'teach' means to impart knowledge in a way that is accessible - this requires personal reflection, honesty and direct experience on the part of both teacher and student. A purposeful sequence resonates with this type of enquiry, and guides people into their own experience at a pace and level appropriate to them. A sound and safe order of poses with warm-up, main body of class, and cool down presents the surface level of a purposeful sequence. To imbue a sequence with intention that transmits the deeper aspects of yoga involves study of scripture and self-study, swādhyāya, being applied to practice. This provides the creative “stuff” for a refined methodological sequence that ensures learning. To combine these aspects is the high art of teaching.
This teachers' intensive provides: a review of sound sequencing; reflective processes for developing a purposeful sequence which includes working with intention and methods for studying and applying a yoga teaching and/or sūtra to practice; access to knowledge and practice to improve teaching skills; a supportive space for coming together with other teachers in an inclusive and empowered learning environment.
