What to read to students during class?

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Kamori00
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Jul 27, 2013 8:40 am

What to read to students during class?

Post by Kamori00 »

Any ideas on short stories, or a book of quotes... Something to give the students something to reflect on as they are static for long periods of time. How do you calm the antsy?
Bernie
Posts: 1293
Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 2:25 am
Location: Vancouver

What to read during a Yin Yoga class

Post by Bernie »

Whatever moves you!

There are many views of what to do with the "free" time that arises in the stillness of a Yin Yoga class, including pure silence. Silence is challenging for teachers: we want to fill up that empty lacunae with sounds, but in the deepest practice, silence grows out if the stillness of the pose.

If you want to lead up to silence, then – sure – feel free to read some passages from whatever texts you find inspiring: if you find these words inspirational, chances are so will your students. There are many themes to choose from: meditative, spiritual, educational … you can focus on sharing anatomy lessons with your class; or explain the various theories of energy (Indian, Daoist, Western); or go over the many different views of mind and consciousness. There really is no limit.

You could quote words of wisdom from these writers:
  • Khalil Gibran
    Thich Nhat Hanh
    Sarah Powers
    Georg Feuerstein
    Sally Kempton
    Stephen Batchelor
    Carl Jung
    Joseph Campbell
Oh my – the list could go on and on!

Cheers
Bernie
FreedomYoga
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Mar 11, 2013 12:12 am
Location: Belle River, Ontario, Canada

Post by FreedomYoga »

Hi Kamori00

I teach & regularly practice Yin....I find that I teach the way I prefer to practice (which I suppose isn't that unusual!). As I guide my students into a pose I do talk a little...but within the 1st minute I allow the chatter to drift away...if the pose is being held for extra long (say 5 minutes or more) I may offer a few classic "Bernie isms" or if I see someone fidgeting I'll quietly & gently remind the students to breath...I believe that during this type of practice there is such an unparalled opportunity to listen to & experience your body that I don't like to intrude on this space when my students are in their poses...I do however offer a theme-related reading as people are transitioning into Savasana...

Just my $0.02!
Anne Hunt, RYT
Yin Yoga/Yoga Nidra Specialist
www.freedomyogastudio.com
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