The idea came to me while meditating in class about mid-October. As I was fighting myself to focus on the white light resonating from the middle of my head, it came to me. I wanted to make sequences for my friends. Specifically for my friends with ailments. Thus unfolded my four part (sequencing, ailment understanding, […]
**Designed for lower back pain, weak knees, stress, anxiety, weight loss** NOTE All poses should be done vigorously and held for an extended period of time. Modifications are available if needed for your knees. I’ve provided a longer meditation period for grounding and relaxation. Dandasana-Staff Baddhakonasana-Bound Angle Bhardavajasana I-Bhardavaja’s Twist Cat/Cow Suptabadhakonasana -Reclined Bound Angle […]
**Designed for relaxation, concentration, and back and shoulder stiffness** NOTE This will be a twist sequence to loosen up your back. The warmup and cool down, along with the forward folds should loosen your shoulders. Focus on the poses and hold them for extended amounts of time. The important emphasis for relaxation and concentration will […]
**Designed for slight asthma, wrist pain, weak ankles, stiff knees** NOTE Hold each pose for as long as is comfortable. Do NOT continue if you have pain. You can work up to extended length of the poses. Virasana (Hero’s Pose). If you need a modification to make it more comfortable, sit on a block or […]
**Designed for anxiety, headaches, and asthma, with an emphasis on relaxation** NOTE Hold each pose for as long as is comfortable. Do NOT continue if you have pain. You can work up to extended length of the poses. Virasana (sitting on your knees) or Sukhasana (cross legged) Cat/Cow Pose. Tadasana (Mountain) Uttasana (standing forward fold) […]
As part of Denver’s Axis Yoga teacher training program, students engage in final student experiments that incorporate what they have learned in the 3-month training into their daily lives. As someone who works with at-risk youth, this student chose to bring her knowledge of yoga to the kids she works with. She had to change […]
As I prepare to conclude my yoga teacher training and move out into the world as an instructor I would like to bring yoga to those people who may otherwise not have access or afford to practice yoga. One population in particular, with whom I already work, is inner city youth. In my role as […]
Armed with these tools I planned and prepared for an hour-long class that I would teach, which looked something like this: Discussion: Ask the kids: What is yoga? Give additional insight to their answers. Set Ground Rules including: Stay on your mat 2.Try everything 3. Everyone is different so it’s impossible to be good or […]
After teaching the class I reflected quite a bit on my experience and what I struggled with, what I would change, and what worked well. While I certainly did some things well, I was confronted with more challenges than anything else. First, I struggled with my ability to discipline. I am fully aware that a […]
After reflecting on these challenges for quite a bit, I realized that I was trying to squeeze carefree and dynamic young children into a rigged and sterile framework that is intended for adults. Adaptation, creativity, and flexibility are requirements when working with kids; therefore they should also be requirement when teaching yoga to kids as […]