You see, I am not a yoga instructor of any sort. I am a student. A student of yoga who had a vision of creating YogaHub because I knew only a little about yoga and wanted to learn and explore more with a community of like minds. This being said, I don’t feel I know much more at this point because I have just spent so much time working on the foundation of the site.

Our YogaHub Site has kept me so busy that I have not had time to actually physically go to classes. It’s been months and I ache to be back in class again. My priorities these days are my child, YogaHub, and my team’s well being.

Months ago, my partner asked if I would lead the team through a class. “Of course not,” I replied, “that is so dangerous! What if I misguide or mislead them? I am not qualified.”

Well, the team has been under some stress in the past few months. There have been a lot of deadlines that need to be met. The energy in the group was beginning to get stagnant. So what could we do about that? The holidays are creeping upon us and you know what happens then – everything work-related begins to slow down because people are busy shopping for gifts, preparing for all the festivities, and cooking up a storm, which in turn means food consumption starts to go up, etc., etc.

It made me realize that we had to initiate a shift – not in the New Year but NOW. So a few weeks ago, I began with one simple yoga session. My entire team showed up. Well, okay, it was part of their job to do so. My intent was to just get through a few Sun Salutations, which we did. We took it nice and easy, doing four sets in 45 minutes. It felt good to finally get the body flowing again, but I still didn’t feel adequate or comfortable leading this class.

The following week we did two days, and now this week we’re doing it every day – yes, that’s right – every day.

Am I feeling better about it? No. I continually place the “not qualified” judgment label upon myself. After class today, I mentioned to my team that I think I should go and take a few courses just so I feel better about what I am doing.

I recently read Tadishima’s blog (in MyYogaHub) about his first time teaching and how scared he was, even though he had just become qualified. Well, I totally empathize with him – and I am not even qualified. Thank goodness my team is not a paying group!

I guess I have to just get over it. The feedback has been good. They seem to be enjoying it. The cool part about all this is that the team’s energy has shifted. The energy in the office has shifted. This change I love! I just need to get over my own insecurities and learn to accept having to take the lead. One day I intend to take a certified course, just for my own journey and fulfillment, but until then I’ll just keep doing what I can and do my best.

Tags: yoga class, teaching yoga, yoga teacher, first class of teaching yoga, first time teaching

However, whenever I try a new form of yoga, I like to experience it several times before I really know if it will benefit me at this time of my life. Each one of us is unique and the journeys we take as individuals inspire us to grow in different directions that in turn enable us to have the greatest effect on how we share or teach others.

With Yin Yoga, I knew in my heart that I would need to experience it through other instructors before making a decision. So I signed up for a Yin Yoga class at YYoga in North Vancouver, BC. The class was taught by Nico Luce, the co-owner of the studio.

Whenever I take a class, I like to be further up front so that I can hear and see the instructor, especially when it is a form that I am not familiar with. There were at least 25 people in the class and we spent the entire time on our mats.

Nico began the class with meditation and then went into asanas that were held for approximately five minutes. It was very much a learning experience on how to use our breath and trust our bodies to release the tensions in every area.

Nico was very, very clear on ensuring that the positioning of our bodies was correct to prevent any chance of strain or injury. He was also specific on what one might be feeling or the sensations that one may feel during a particular pose. During the class, as our bodies melted into each asana, he would speak of global balance and the sharing of peace and compassion.

His beautiful, nurturing spirit filled the room, touching all who were present. This is the type of instructor that a beginner – or someone who has hesitations about yoga – should come to for a solid introduction to yoga. For those of us who are experienced yogis, we can also benefit from a teacher like Nico, whose knowledgeable instructions remind us how a few simple adjustments can make a huge impact on our personal practice.

My experience with this class has convinced me to delve further into the benefits of Yin Yoga. By keeping an open mind, I was able to find a great instructor whose passion and commitment will continue to resonate with me as I continue on my life journey.

Thank you, Nico, for sharing your beauty with us.

Tags: good yoga instructor, patience, yin yoga, meditation, open mind

Well, yesterday evening I dragged myself to the recreation centre for my next class with her. I really wasn’t in the mood to go as I’d been so put off the last time, but I decided to give her another try. Maybe she’d been having an “off” day – we all have them sometimes.

When I arrived at class, the first thing I noticed was that it was only half full, compared to the week before when we’d had a good turnout. Oops – not a good sign for the instructor. Where was she, by the way? While waiting for her to show up, the few of us who were there rolled out our mats, settled ourselves down and started to do some breathing exercises to cleanse our minds. I’d had a particularly stressful week, so it was good to have a few minutes to regain my equilibrium and composure.

That equilibrium was sorely tested when the instructor breezed in, threw down her mat and shattered the peace by proclaiming loudly “Hey, I’m a few minutes’ late (ten minutes, actually, but who’s counting) but you know how it is”! And that was it by way of apology.

She watched us for a couple of minutes and then said “Right, you had a few minutes to get yourselves together; now, let’s get on with it!” So, exchanging glances of trepidation, we dutifully stood up, prepared for the worst.

But she surprised us. She lowered her voice to a soothing tone and started taking us through some poses, explaining them as we went along. She also walked around the class, correcting a pose here and there.  She didn’t push us but instead offered encouragement, which perked us all up. When she gave one of the women a high-five for mastering the tree pose, which the woman had been unable to do the week before, I decided then and there that the instructor had sent her “good” twin to teach us this week!

By the end of the class, we all felt relaxed and energized at the same time. I was curious to find out what had caused this sudden (and welcome) change in the instructor’s attitude, so I stayed behind to have a chat with her. I wasn’t quite sure how to start the conversation, though, so I was pleasantly surprised when she approached me with a smile and said “Big difference, huh”? She then went on to say that initially she’d felt hurt last week, feeling that we’d “ganged up” on her. But after a day or so, she started thinking about what we’d said and decided to put aside her ego and take our words as constructive criticism. I told her I was really impressed that she’d been able to do so and had really enjoyed her class this time.

As I was leaving, she called out “See you next week” – and you know, I think I will.

Tags: new yoga instructor, second chance, encouragement from teacher, egos, change of attitude

Charging their clients a sales tax is the dilemma that yoga studios and teachers in the state of Washington are currently facing. Recently, the Department of Revenue in that state notified the owners of yoga studios that they would have to start charging a sales tax. Why? Because it was decided that yoga is considered a form of exercise and therefore, under the law, it is subject to sales tax.

Just think how you’d feel if that happened in your state!

Owners and teachers of yoga studios in Washington have not taken this unpopular decision lightly and the policy is currently under fierce debate. Some teachers have tried to enlighten officials by explaining that although physical fitness is taught, the focus of yoga is on meditation and the calming of mind and spirit. There is also a discrepancy between yoga classes being taught in fitness centers that tend to concentrate on yoga as a fitness regime and independent yoga studios that focus on meditation and spiritual awareness.

Some yoga studios have already reluctantly begun to implement this new 9% sales tax. However, this has opened another can of worms because the owners and teachers of the studios are concerned that they may be subject to paying back taxes, which could end up being thousands of dollars. To add to the frustration, some studios have already been required to pay back taxes, while other studios have received a tax refund. In order to come to find a common ground resolution to this debate, Washington’s Department of Revenue is planning to meet with local yoga representatives on November 19th.

Let’s hope they find a solution before the idea catches on in other states!

So what would you do if you were suddenly told that you had to charge a sales tax under the law?

You can read the full article here to find out more about this ongoing debate: www.king5.com.

Tags: yoga exercise, yoga studio and tax, sales tax on yoga, yoga in Washington state

That is exactly what the Township Committee of the Cranford, New Jersey community has been debating over the past few weeks.

Recently, a local yoga teacher expressed interest in opening a studio within an area of local businesses. However, it was discovered that the area was not zoned for this type of business and a change in the township code would be required in order to allow a yoga studio to be set up on a retail site.

In an article published in the Cranford Chronicle, Leslie Murray interviewed Township Attorney Carl Woodward, who elaborated on the situation. “The reality is that stand alone yoga studios would not be permitted, but if they were part of a gymnasium then it would be allowed.” Woodward went on to say, however, that the Township Committee does have the authority to pass an ordinance to amend the code.

Commissioner Michael Plick is in favor of allowing the yoga studio to open its doors, and has suggested that a complete revision of the specific section of the township code would be beneficial to the community in the long term. Mayor Bob Puhak has also pointed out that there have been certain discrepancies between what types of services the code permits and what the township actually allows.

The Township Committee has scheduled a process for the discussion to continue. A first reading of the ordinance has been approved and it will be followed by a public hearing of the proposed amendment, with the final reading of the amendment to take place on November 25th.

To access the full article in the Cranford Chronicle, click on the following website: www.nj.com/cranford.

Tags: local yoga studio, township’s code, Cranford Chronicle, business of yoga

Enlighten Up is about “a skeptic’s journey in the world of yoga” and features various luminaries of the yoga world. The film documents journalist Nick Rosen as he delves into his first experiences of yoga. The question that the filmmaker explores is “Can yoga transform anyone?” In an effort to answer that question, Kate introduces Nick to several respected yoga teachers, including Norman Allen, Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar.

Also showing at the festival is Living Yoga: the Life and Teaching of Swami Satchidananda. The film is a tribute to the teacher, as well as an overview of the history of yoga in the U.S. Interviews of note include those with Dr. Dean Ornish and Larry King.

[tags] Maui International Film Festival, yoga practice, Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, Kate Churchill, Nick Rosen

Although the seniors are mostly confined to chairs, the students make adjustments to the yoga poses with the assistance of their teachers. According to one student “They need a little help, but they’re getting the hang of it.” As part of a pilot program for the special needs students of Mona Shores High School, they have been practicing yoga as an alternative to other exercise programs. And because of its success, the students have gained an understanding of the value of the yoga class, which has allowed them to gain more confidence and focus in their daily lives.

As reported in the Michigan News one student exclaims, “I am strong. I am fun to be around. I am confident. I am kind to others.”

Tags: yoga practice, yoga for special needs students, yoga for seniors, poses

Beginning on the first day with a sunset meditation and a special ceremony at the foot of the Khufu Pyramid. Each day will include yoga classes, sunrise meditation, local excursions and special lectures with noted instructors.

The festival organizers ( Hermes Arabia in partnership with Yoga Synthesis) goal is “Through educational, historical and spiritual knowledge, we hope to raise your awareness of a true world order, with inner and outer peace.” Attendance has advanced within the last two years and generally brings in about 2,000 participants.

Tags: yoga conference, yoga festival, international festivals, yoga practice, Yoga Synthesis, Hermes Arabia

Sri H. S Arun was born in India and began his yoga practice in 1974 as an answer to his struggles with asthma. He took to it almost immediately and two years later became a teacher, leaving behind his career in accounting. Since then he has devoted his life to sharing the work of B.K.S. Iyengar and is known for his compassionate attention towards each student. “As I started teaching Yoga, I saw different kinds of human bodies and thousands of complex minds; despite the apparent similarities between people I saw that each individual has very distinct needs. I appreciate the challenge of shaping body and mind of my every student”.

A familiar teacher at many conferences around the world, he has worked with professionals at medical colleges and factories. He has also authored 15 books on yoga, with an English translation called “Yoga in Day-to-Day Life.”

Tags: H.S. Arun, Yoga House, Iyengar, yoga practice, yoga teacher

In each of our lives we seek out stories that can inspire and reveal moments of courage and humanity, and that will continue to encourage us in our daily lives. Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence by Matthew Sanford, is one such story.

At the Yoga Therapy Conference in Los Angeles, we had the opportunity to meet the author and yoga teacher Matthew Sanford. Having written of him and his work, it was a treasured moment to be in his presence. Full of enthusiasm, compassion and humor he read an excerpt from his book retelling the first moments in the hospital after the car accident that left him paralyzed.

The audience of yoga professionals, students and medical practitioners were silent and focused on the intimate subtleties of a man triumphant and yet ordinary to himself. Later that day I watched him generously extend his teaching in a hallway to a woman needing advice about her own injuries. Without hesitation he made slight but significant adjustments to the student, which she quickly understood and was thankful. An effortless gesture with great impact.

This month, his profound and inspiring book is being released in paperback, which we have made available in our YogaHub Shop. It is an embracing and life-affirming journey of acceptance, hope and determination. Read it and share your thoughts with us.

Tags: yoga practice, Matthew Sanford, adapted yoga, disability, mind body connection

More About Matthew Sanford:

• Award Winning Disabled Yoga Teacher
• Reviews of his book “Waking”
• Buy an Autographed Copy of Matthew’s Book
• Matthew Sanford’s Volvo Lifetime Achievement Mini-Documentary