Yin Teacher Training Teaching & Sequencing

Yin Yoga is the realization that the perfection of now is all you will ever need.

INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING & SEQUENCING

Welcome to the My Health Yoga Teaching and Sequencing Module. As part of the entire Yin Teacher Training course, or on its own, this module is designed to assist in the preparation and facilitation of enjoyable, effective and memorable Yin classes for new teachers.

This module will cover four sections, outlined below:

1. Preparation and Organization: The Foundation of a Successful Teaching Experience 2. Delivery and Instruction: Effective Tools for Teaching Yin 3. Themes and Sequencing: Structuring Yin Class 4. Finishing Touches: Tips and Pointers for Bringing Bliss

1. Preparation and Organization

The Foundation of a Successful Teaching Experience

Let’s begin by first discussing what the nature of Yin is, and from there we can move into why preparation and organization are so important for this style of teaching. Think back to your Meridian notes (From Level 1), and our discussions on Yin and Yang throughout previous lectures and Teacher Training. We can find examples of Yin and Yang everywhere in the universe, around us in the environment, and within our own body and energy. From the food and drink we consume, to the thoughts that are in our mind, every single part of the universe has Yin or Yang properties. We constantly move between stages of Yin (when we are asleep, when we are meditating, when we are with animals or children) and Yang (when we are playing at the beach in the sun, when we practice dynamic Vinyasa, when we fight or argue). From your Level 1 Teaching (or your own intuition, knowledge or pre-reading), circle the words below that are more Yin and cross out those which are Yang. There is only one ‘trick’ question – just one response is both Yin AND Yang and you can definitely circle it if you notice it in the table, as it falls equally into both categories. The rest of the words are either Yin or Yang. Some of these may seem a little strange or difficult; so feel free to use any resource (text, online articles or previous My Health notes) to work out the correct answer.

COOL DEEP STILL GENTLE DYNAMIC

NIGHT BUSY LOVE MOTHER SUNSHINE ADRENALINE

GROUNDING FAST STOMACH EARTH COFFEE CALMNESS

RUSHING NIGHTMARE ANGER KIDNEYS GENTLE RAIN BLAME

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module

What did you learn or remember from completing the above exercise? And, considering what words you discovered that are Yin in nature, describe the emotional, physical and mental state a Yin Teacher needs to be in when they are preparing to teach Yin Yoga:

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My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module There are two ways we can ensure that we are emotionally, physically and mentally ready for teaching Yin Yoga:

1. Time Management.

- Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your first student. Realistically, you will need to arrive earlier when you teach Yin than for any other style of Yoga (perhaps except ) to prepare the room. - Allow for extra time incase there is traffic, parking difficulties or any unforeseen circumstances setting the room up. It is better to be very early for class and then relax with a calming tea and think about what you will teach then to be rushed or risk being late, as your class energy will not be conducive to Yin. - When planning your actual class, have a rough idea of the length of introduction () and meditation (Savasana) needed, and keep an eye on the clock. It is better to leave out a pose or two and give the correct Pranayama and Savasana then try to rush the end of the class, as students will benefit most when they receive adequate healing time at the conclusion of practice. If the students sense you are ‘rushing’ or losing track of time they will begin to lose the trust in you to guide them through the practice. - Leave enough time at the end of class in your schedule to chat with students as they are leaving. Encourage questions; ask how they are feeling, offer advice to continue practicing after class (show them Pranayama to do when driving or at home, advise them to come back as soon as possible). When students leave your class it is your chance then to solidify a connection with them that will in turn prompt them to come back to your class. This is not purely for building numbers, but more importantly for encouraging and fostering a regular practice in your students.

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module 2. Mental & Emotional Focus.

- When you are on your way to class and immediately when you are arriving, become conscious of your own breath and slow it down as much as possible. The more you can activate your “rest and digest” state and initiate your own Maharaja Pranayama (full yogic breath) the easier it will be to transfer this energy to your teaching. - Set up your own mat or teaching position in the class and take a moment to check you have what you need to teach. Do you need water? A watch? The stereo remote? Your own props? - If time allows (see above section), practice your own mindfulness or mini- meditation for 3-5 minutes before the students begin arriving. Either seated or lying on your own mat, connect with your breath and heart space and be physically still. Visualize your class arriving and practicing, your teaching, and the conclusion of class as you smile and thank your class. Then come back to the breath and feel confident and excited that you now have the opportunity to connect to the Source and channel a beautiful healing experience for those who need it today. - When your students arrive, connect with them (eye contact, open energy) without judgment. If they mention any physical or emotional concerns, have empathy and use positive encouragement rather than sympathy to show them they are in the right place.

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module

2. Delivery and Instruction

Effective Tools for Teaching Yin

There are many different styles and techniques we can learn and use when instructing an Asana, Pranayama or Meditation class. According to how students prefer to learn and their confidence and experience, different classes and students will prefer different teaching methods. This explains why not all teachers suit all students, and why some teachers seem to relate ‘better’ to their classes then others. The three main styles of learning are Visual, Kinesthetic (movement based) and Auditory (listening). When teaching any style of Yoga, you may have students who respond best to visual cues – they will watch you come into the Asana, they can close their eyes and visualize themselves performing the pose, or they may look at you or others in the room and mentally recognize the shapes they see. For these people, recognizing angles and lines (the right angle knee shape of Warrior 2, the straight line from hand to hand in Triangle Pose or the twisting lines of Eagle Pose) will help install the basic foundation alignment in their mind. Those who are kinesthetic learners will learn via touch and palpation. They may watch their teacher however rather than looking at the shape which is being made they may look at the gestures – when you open your arms, when you lift your chest to inhale, when you relax forward to bend from the waist. These students will love being adjusted – in face, until you actually adjust them they won’t feel like they have been taught the pose. They may also like simple touch – laying your hands on their back during pigeon pose or child’s pose and simply feeling the connection between the teacher’s palms and their own energy will help them to relax and breathe.

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module

Auditory listeners – possibly the least common form of learning – can perform Asana with their eyes closed regardless of what the teacher is doing. They listen and pick up on tone, descriptions and other cues vocally to guide them through the class. Sometimes repetition will help – for example, you may say “with every exhale you will feel better and better...” ten times in your class, however each time this phrase sinks deeper and deeper into their psyche. Sometimes auditory learners respond best to Chants, as they serve as affirmations and help cement knowledge at a deep cellular level.

Fill in the three learning types in the table below, then, complete the exercise on the following page.

3 LEARNING STYLES

1. ______2. ______3. ______Watching Asana Gestures Listening Imagining Adjustments Chants & Repetition Shapes Palpation Tone & Expression

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module

SELF STUDY CHECK POINT:

1. Without over thinking, what learning style most fits your nature as a teacher? ______2. Which learning style most fits your preference when you are a student? ______3. Is it possible to be a combination of two, or even all three learning styles? ______

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4. If you already teach yoga, which learning style do you feel most comfortable using and which is the most challenging for you? If not, what may be in the future? ______

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5. Looking at the circumstances below, which teaching/learning style would best fit? (This is for you to consider and expand upon in your own time): à Dark, relaxing yoga studio with regular yogis: ______à Noisy, crowded and light gym with beginners: ______à Private lesson with a regular practitioner: ______

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module The following pages contain two guides, including examples of how you may choose to fill them out. One is guide to plan your first Yin Class (useful for first time teachers), the other is a guide for teaching each Asana (useful if you are teaching a new pose, or if you wish to learn more and use as a study guide). YIN CLASS TEACHING PLAN

Class Length: ______

Class Experience: ______

Theme for class: ______

Pranayama / Class set up length? (see example, next page) ______

Savasana / Meditation set up length (see example, next page) ______

What Asana will you teach and what duration for each?

1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______5. ______6. ______7. ______8. ______9. ______10. ______

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module Example of Class setup:

“Welcome to our Yin practice. If you are new to Yin Yoga, this may be a slightly different style of class from what you are used to. If you have practiced Yin Yoga before, welcome back. Regardless of your experience, remember that each day is different, and our purpose today is not to compare ourselves with how we used to be or how we want to be, but just to notice how we are in this moment, during the current breathe, and use the information we gain to form a loving relationship with yourself in the now. Yin Yoga requires nothing other than your breath and a willingness to let yourself relax and be supported by the Earth. Remember, this is not a stretch class or strengthening class. As we go through each Asana, your goal is to find a place where you can maintain a deep breath for an extended period of time, without feeling a strong sensation but just a mild feeling of warmth in your connective tissue. If at any stage of the class you have questions or want some help, please just raise your hand and I will come over to you. Yin Yoga is slow, so we have plenty of time. Let’s begin in ______pose now. We will begin with a few minutes of Pranayama in order to settle our energy and relax….”

Example of Meditation setup:

“As you slowly begin to move into Savasana, please set yourself up to be as comfortable as possible. We have blankets and eye pillows available, if you wish you may place a bolster under your knees, you can either lie down in Savasana or if you wish you may bring your feet together in reclined butterfly, or any other meditation position you feel most comfortable in. This is perhaps the most important part of our practice today, when the physical, mental and emotional benefits of our class will deliver their benefits into our physical and energetic bodies. After working deep with our connective tissue, as well as regulating our breathing to induce a state of parasympathetic rest and digest, and allowing the Yin Meridians to find balance, now is the perfect time to simply allow our body, mind and emotions to find balance and heal. There is nothing else we need to do but allow our physical body to rest, focus on our breathing, and experience the rush of Prana that is reconnecting our body, mind and spirit into perfect harmony. Now that you are in the position for Savasana, please allow your eyelids to gently close, turn your palms upwards in an attitude of giving and receiving, and let yourself drift into bliss while I guide you through your meditation…”

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module ASANA TEACHING PLAN

Asana name: ______/ ______

Length of time: ______

Props: ______

Set up / alignment:

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Benefits:

Physical: ______

Emotional: ______

Metaphysical: ______

Meridians: ______

Teaching Style (which is most appropriate for this pose?) Visual: ______

Kinesthetic: ______

Auditory: ______

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module 2. Themes and Sequencing

Structuring Yin Class

It is not necessary that you decide upon a particular theme for your Yin Yoga class, however, particularly as a new Yin teacher or if you are looking for fresh inspiration, theming can be a fantastic way to open new channels with your teaching and find a new passion and energy to use in your teaching. There are literally hundreds, or even thousands, of themes you can use. Once you decide a theme, you can then use the guides in the previous section (Class Guide and Asana Plan) to apply this theme through your Yin Yoga class. Themes may be emotional, mental, physical, energetic, or focus on a , meridian, crystal, colour, chant, mantra, affirmation or even element. It is up to you and your imagination! Be creative! Once you have chosen a theme, you can then use the Yin Yoga Asana Notes (Yin Asana Module) or any Yin Yoga resource to work out which Asana you think will suit that theme. Consult your Yin Advanced Meridian notes to work out which meridians and organs will be most affected or influenced by this theme. For stronger emotional classes (Forgiveness, Stillness, Clarity, Focus) you may use less poses and hold them for longer. For more physical classes (Unblocking energy, clearing joints) you may only hold the poses the minimum time of 3 minutes and include more postures then other Yin classes. It is up to you! Draw inspiration from the world within you and the world around you. Part of the reason themes can be so helpful is to keep students interested and to keep the energy fresh. Yoga is the practice of non-attachment, after all, so the more we can offer variety and a fresh approach, the more our students will learn and grow. Yin Yoga doesn’t offer the variations and dynamic flow of Vinyasa or the goal- oriented approach of Ashtanga. Using themes will keep your classes fun and unique, even if you use the same poses each and every class.

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module Here are some self-study questions, which will help open up a channel for you to teach through and hopefully trigger your imagination to develop your own themes. You don’t have to fill these questions out immediately, but come back to this section if later on when you are planning your class you want to develop your own theme and need some inspiration.

1. What are your students looking for, what do you think they need?

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2. What is happening energetically in the World today?

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3. What season is it? What is the weather and environment like at the moment?

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4. What is the current moon cycle?

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5. What is happening astrologically at present?

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My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module EXAMPLE THEMES

Emotional

1. Heart Opening - Giving and receiving love - Balancing Heart meridian - Backbends and heart opening Asana - Self-love and self-approval - Mantras and affirmations for love - Heart Chakra chants and visualizations - Healing crystals/sound healing

Physical

2. Hip Opening - Releasing fear stored in hips - Liver, Kidney and Spleen meridian - Forward folds and external hip rotation Asana - Forgiveness, Letting Go and Trust are emotional themes - Visualizing fresh oxygenated blood and repair of connective tissue - Help improve lubrication of joints - Reduce inflammation and stiffness

Mental

3. Focus - Strong drishte during each Asana (internal focus on Third Eye) - Balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system - Balance of forward folds and backward bends - Feeling the support of Earth to nourish the Spleen (reduce overthinking) - Guide concentration back to present moment (repetition/auditory learning) - Mental affirmations

Seasonal

4. Warming (for Winter) - Using blankets, socks and warming Pranayama - Visualizing warm blood moving through physical body - Focus on Kidney energy and lower back to strengthen immunity - Vibration of Prana to create internal Agni (fire) - Poses that focus on Heart (fire) meridian and Kidney (energizing) meridian - Aromatherapy/colour therapy for warmth (sun, gold, yellow, shining) - Inhaling warmth/exhaling cold energy - Emotionally focusing on storing energy, conserving energy, ‘hibernation’.

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module

Sensible Sequencing Tips

The purpose of this section is not to provide you with a plan of the class and to tell you exactly which pose to do and in what order, as good Yin teachers will teach according to a theme and plan but also trusting a higher channel which will help direct the class according to the needs of the students on that day. This requires a commitment to trust yourself when you decide to teach Yin. Not only trusting your ability to teach, but also trusting your own inner voice and intuition. Regardless of what you have planned, your plan should be a guide or back-up only. Most of the time, you inner voice will provide the information you need. However, for new teachers, a plan will definitely help incase you feel ‘stuck’ or forget what you wanted to do. For sequencing, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your class makes sense and provides physical, mental and emotional balancing:

1. Use Transitional and Rebound Poses in between your planned Asana When moving from Child’s Pose () into Thread the Needle (upper body), use Table Top as a gentle transitional pose. Encourage students to keep their eyes closed as if they are asleep, and move as slowly and gently as they can from Child’s Pose into Table Top pose and then into each side of Thread the Needle pose. Rebound poses (Child’s Pose, Savasana) are poses of stillness inserted between Asana in order to help rest the physical body and Prana flow. They usually last 30 seconds – 90 seconds. 2. Balance Forward/Backward and Inward/Outward Using your class plan and guide, ensure that you include an even amount of opening and closing and inward and outward (hip, knee, ankle) poses so that your class is balanced. If your theme is ‘Heart Opening”, you may include more opening poses or backward bends, however you still want the class to be well balanced, so you may focus your meditation at the end of class on ‘sealing’ heart energy or ‘ground the Yin” in order to make sure your students don’t feel to exposed after their class energetically. Asana may be practiced in groups – such as practicing Pigeon (Rajakapotasana) on the Right into Hero () pose, then into Pigeon on the left and finishing in Reclining Hero (Supta Virasana) pose. This way you have balanced the right and left side of external rotation (hips, knees) and also the right and left side of inward rotation (hips, knees). My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module

3. Give a (verbal) Preview at the End of Each Pose The last thing we want is as a pose is finished students unsure of what is happening next. Before you bring your class out of the pose, it may be necessary to let them know what will be coming next. E.g. “In a moment, you will slowly transition from this backward bend into a forward bend. When we begin to move, please keep your eyes closed and move slowly so you remain relaxed and take as much time as you need…lets take one more breath here first…”

Self Study Checkpoint for Sequencing:

Your class theme today is “Heart Opening poses”, and you have so far taught Childs Pose, Melting Heart, Supta Virasana and Bridge pose (supported). What might you teach next as a balancing pose so that the class is not too open?

How would this pose help to balance the class – what makes it balancing?

What pose might you use in between Thread the Needle right side and left side (upper body) as a transition?

Would you encourage the students to open their eyes during the transition or keep them closed, and why is this important?

Coming out of lying twist right side you notice the class feels a little restless, and you want to settle the energy before moving to the left side of lying twist. Which pose could you do in between, and what is this style of pose called? (Hint: check Sequencing Tips #1)

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module

5. Finishing Touches

Tips and Pointers for Bringing Bliss

By now, you will have a good basis and foundation for structuring and presenting your own Yin Yoga class. Using the educational tools, guidelines and information from this module will help to ensure that your class has four key ingredients: 1. Balanced – Physically, Mentally and Emotionally 2. Well received and understood – By all learning styles 3. Enjoyable – Using themes and sequencing to keep it simple but fun 4. Nurturing – Possibly the most important quality of a Yin Yoga class!

Once you are planning your first Yin Class, it’s also important to pay attention to the finishing touches. Because Yin Yoga allow us as teachers so much time to play with – to use our voice, to use music and sound, to use scents and aromatherapy, to use touch and adjustments, to use props and massage – you can be so creative and create a class that students will be eager to come back to. The finishing touches can be something unique to you; your own flair depending on your background and perhaps your previous training. Here are some questions to help develop the finishing touches to your class; this is where we get to have fun! Are you trained in Reiki? What about another energetic healing art? Can you do reflexology or massage on hands/feet during meditation? Do you enjoy putting relaxing music together, nature sounds or chants? Do you study aromatherapy? What about sprays or oil diffusers? Do you sing? A gentle chant during meditation can be so powerful!

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module Although certain students will be attracted to certain teachers, please remember that whoever is at your class at a particular time is there for a reason. They are there to learn something from you, and you will learn something from them. Make each class special and memorable, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. This will help you stand out as a human (You’re not just as a walking encyclopedia!). Most classes become popular thanks to teachers who show their unique talents and human traits, not just those who have the most experience or alignment knowledge. In our experience at My Health Yoga, the teachers who provide unique and interesting classes connect best with their students and find their classes growing continually. Some students (Kinesthetic learners, healers) love being touched, so for them, a foot or hand massage in Savasana will be bliss. You can even use essential oils to rub (check for allergies or sensitivities first!) gently on pressure points, or use reflexology. As with all adjustments, ask first if you are unsure or if it is a new student. Some students will love your voice and connect with sound. Don’t be afraid to sing along if you are using chants in your meditation! “Om Mane Padme Om”, or “The Gayatri Mantra”, are two beautiful chants perfect for Yin (Savasana), which can be easily learnt by you with a little practice. You can either encourage your students (perfect for private lessons) to join in, or just quietly sing along to the recording during Savanasa while your class rests. The vibrational energy from your own vocal chords can be so much powerful then what is provided electronically through speakers. Don’t worry about your pitch too much; it is the energy and love that resonates which is important. What can you offer to your class that is unique, and will add a little extra ‘bliss’? ______

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module

YIN CLASS TEACHING PLAN

Class Length: ______

Class Experience: ______

Theme for class: ______

Introduction / Pranayama length? ______

Savasana / Meditation length? ______

What Asana will you teach and what duration for each?

1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______5. ______6. ______7. ______8. ______9. ______10. ______

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module

ASANA TEACHING PLAN

Asana name: ______/ ______

Length of time: ______

Props: ______

Set up / alignment:

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Benefits:

Physical: ______

Emotional: ______

Metaphysical: ______

Meridians: ______

My Health Yoga Yin TT Teaching & Sequencing Module