To Move is to Live, is to Love
At Garuda we understand the scope and functionality of movement. We take movement and dissect it
and make it available in its simplest of forms, or most complex patterns. We coax the intelligent body in
finding its true confidence, strength, endurance and flexibility. Garuda is a movement meditation.We draw from the ancient martial arts, yoga
asana and pranayama practice, Pilates and the
different dance techniques to understand
the space within and around us.We are an ever growing family of
like minded people that believe
that through movement we
make the world a better place.We work hard to be better
versions of ourselves and, as
teachers, our physicality is
only matched by our care andcompassion to our clients and
those around us.To find out more about
The Garuda Academy visit
us at http://www.thegaruda.net or
email [email protected]Academy
Garuda Yoga & PMA Comprehensive
VISIT US AT STAND E15Certified Pilates TrainingW
hether teaching or taking part in a yoga
class the atmosphere is important. A warm
environment, both literally and metaphorically,
creates a feeling of comfort, being nurtured and
safe.
For teachers, the effects of words, and the specific use of
language, is something they need to be aware of, especially during
relaxation.
Just as an example, as soon as someone says to you, “Don’t think
about the pink elephant”, all you can think about is a pink elephant!
The fact that there is no pink elephant makes no difference,
it has been planted in your mind and it’s difficult to budge.
It’s the same when you tell students at the start of relaxation to
let go of what’s gone on today or what you need to do tomorrow.
Try it for yourself, at the very mention of today’s happenings or
tomorrow’s tasks, that’s all you can think of. Another often-used
technique is to suggest packing up your thoughts/anxieties/
problems and leaving them at the door. For some, including myself,
rather than releasing troublesome thoughts, my mind takes this
literally and conjures up a little sack sitting at the door containing
the jumble of my mind. Far from removing it from my brain, my
attention tends to rest at the door, on that pile considering those
thoughts!Letting go
‘Letting go’ is certainly a good phrase and introduction to relaxation.
Suggesting ‘letting go’ of muscles, the physical body and facial
expressions can be very effective. However, letting go of tension mayYoga teachers must choose their words carefully to
enhance the student experience, says Janet Tibble
have the opposite effect by actually introducing the idea of tension
into the mind.
Using a rotation of consciousness, guiding the mind slowly around
the body, imagining each limb, the trunk and head to be exceedingly
heavy, and therefore sinking deep down into the mat, can be blissful.
By the same token, visualising each part of the body, including the
joints, to be light and full air and therefore floating can create a
beautiful visualisation close to levitation.
Yoga teachers often repeat themselves, using the same words
and phrases to reinforce the message, which is natural and relevant.
Just make sure that the repetition is not mechanical but done with
thought and a freshness of expression.Being heard
However, most important of all, is to make sure you can actually
be heard. The most carefully selected words and eloquent phrases
can be lost if the teacher’s face is buried in the mat in child’s pose
or facing inward in downward facing dog. Try and separate speaking
and demonstrating. Indeed, in larger classes you may need to stand
when giving direction so that those at the back can hear.
And finally, silence is good and positive. There are times when all
yoga teachers talk too much. Of course, it is necessary to explain a
concept and you want to share your knowledge with your students,
but don’t talk for the sake of it. By holding your tongue, you can give
students a chance to experience the posture, their feelings and its
effects, for themselves.Janet Tibble teaches yoga in Upminster, Essex (janettibbleyoga.com)WAT C H YO U R
L A NG UAG E
Te acher zone