Mar 2 - Initiating the Yogic Process

Our homework for the second day of Chakra 2 was to come up with 15 poses and think about ordering them for a warm up - hot part (pathway to the peak) - peak - cool down.  We all had to come in and teach a mini-class with our 15 poses!  We did not see that coming.  

After we muddled through and finished the morning class was over Pretzel walked us through "initiating the yogic process," and think through the structure of a yoga class.  She described the steps below:

1) Create a space for initiation
2) Establish a foundation
3) Sit to start - create some stillness
4) Pranayama - do some breath work
5) Set the tone - intention, theme, etc.

Her "formula" for teaching that she revealed is:

1) Get them into the pose
2) Get them breathing
3) Get them feeling
4) Get your hands on your students

Then she walked us through (made us do) several warm-ups which included lots of lunges and chair poses and planks.  We were plenty warm!

We discussed the different ways people learn, different things that will affect the class (including weather and size of the class), and things to consider about people and poses including injuries, contraindications, and flexibility.  She also cautioned us against using certain phrases like "bend over" and spread your legs" for obvious reasons.  :)