When training to become a Yoga teacher, many people struggle with public speaking. Even if we are able to get the right words out, we may be looking for the right volume, tone, or voice inflection, at the right time.

What can you do if your voice makes you sound like a drill sergeant barking out commands in a Yoga class? Your voice may be naturally assertive, which is great in life, but difficult for projecting a serene mood in a Yoga class.

You may want to practice with an audio recorder to change the tone. Perhaps you are uncomfortable, when you initially teach, and it changes your tone, or causes you to speak faster. Slowing your speech down will require practice. You may also want to try meditation before teaching your classes.

What can you do if your voice is too soft to carry itself across the room? In this case, you will have to raise the volume of your voice, without over compensating. For many people, it is not easy to find a balance, in their voice, without some form of voice coaching from their teacher trainer.

Usually, the speaker’s state of mind has an influence on his or her speech. Here are some examples of mental preparation for speaking in front of a Yoga class or to a larger audience. Once you look at these points, you will feel more comfortable talking at the front of your Yoga class.

Mentally connect with your class by looking each student in the eyes. Observe all of them as individuals and scan the room. Start to become conscious of each student as a separate individual. Address their needs and problems, with each individual in mind.

Talk to your students as if they were guests in your living room. You want to establish trust and a rapport in your classes as soon as possible. Make them aware that class time is their time.

If you practice speaking at home, look at yourself in the mirror. What is your facial expression? Do you move your body as you speak? Did you realize your hands are public speaking props?

You should have a natural smile when you speak to your students. Your hands and your head should move naturally; especially, when you are making a point. It is not an accident, when a Yoga teacher captures the attention of a class or a large crowd.

Some Yoga teachers will go through the motions, while others learn to master their communication skills. The most positive part of your character must be present in every Yoga class you teach. Once this is achieved, you will capture the attention of each student.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

When the ancient Yogis gathered to share information about this science of life we know as Yoga, the idea of harnessing thoughts must have been of paramount importance. Most of the world sees Yoga as a physical activity.

Yet, so much effort and progress has been made over the past 5,000 years in focusing the power of the mind through Yogic principles. To achieve self-mastery is to fully concentrate in the present, and focus on your primary objective.

Wishful thinking, visualization, affirmations, positive thought, mantra, japa, and prayer, are very powerful methods. Each one of these methods, can carry any one us, toward our objective. They are more powerful, when practiced in combination with each other.

However, many people do not take action. Some people take action without practicing any of the above-mentioned methods. If you practice visualization, affirmations, positive thought, mantra, japa, prayer, and take action, you have a better chance of reaching your objective.

What holds us back from taking action? The truth is – there are too many thoughts going on in our heads. It has been speculated that the average person has 5,000 to 65,000 thoughts per day. The exact number is not really worth debating. Suffice to say: we have many thousands of thoughts per day.

No wonder we have difficulty taking action. That much thought is a serious distraction. In Yoga, the mind is compared to a monkey, but now we realize that we are dealing with a troop of monkeys. It takes a lot of practice to tame the mind.

Anyone who is successful in a leadership role is living proof that you can put aside distractions and accomplish goals through intense focus. How can we get rid of confusion and distractions? Confusion stems from living life without a plan. A written plan of the day, week, month, and year, is your template toward progress. Some will say – time spent planning is a waste of time.

If you are going to construct a house, you will need a plan, and you will most likely have to hire professionals to help you. The same principle applies in our daily lives. Now, let’s say we have a young student, who is restless and easily distracted.

One suggestion would be for him or her to do Surya Namaskars (Sun Salutations) in the morning, eat a Sattvic diet, and meditate before bedtime. In the morning, the mind is restless because the body craves physical activity.

Surya Namaskars, for at least 20 minutes, will enable the body to exercise first, and to relax later. This will bring about mental focus. For children: Running, swimming, soccer, biking, or any aerobic sport, which uses energy, will enable the body to relax and the mind to focus.

Is this a complete cure for concentration? Not entirely, but it is one major leap forward. If people practiced the above-mentioned Yogic principles, they would easily be in the top ten percentile of achievement within their current field.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

There is a huge demand for teen stress management services, and Yoga teachers are sitting on a multitude of solutions for teens and their families. The reason is simple: Teens are at risk because of internal and external pressure.

This may seem like it is nothing new to most parents, but according to a survey conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), at Columbia University, teens are more likely to resort to illegal drugs or alcohol, due to high levels of stress.

Again, this should come as no surprise to adults, as the adult behavior is identical. Many adults use illegal drugs or alcohol, due to excessive stress. Teens will naturally copy familiar adult examples, which they have observed, over time.

On another note: If young celebrities, and professional athletes, are abusing themselves, why should we expect teens to be any different? These are who our children perceive to be role models.

The television is no longer a reliable “babysitter,” for young children or teens. Parents are challenged to censor entertainment, and become better examples than traditional role models. This comes at a time, when many middle-class parents may be working two jobs each, just to make ends meet.

What difference can Yoga make in the daily lives of teens? One major difference is bonding time with family and parents. Many families do not eat their meals together. This turns contemporary families into strangers, who live in the same home. From the time a child is born, there is a need for solid relationships, with the rest of the family unit.

If relationships within the family have become strained, due to divorce, separation, death, fighting, or illness, there is still time for mending family ties. Professional counseling should be a consideration, as well as, participation in non-competitive activities. This is where Yoga can fit into the family’s weekly schedule. When families make an appointment to practice Yoga together, this will solidify the individual relationships within.

Yoga teachers and studios should run workshops or surveys to monitor local demand for family, teen, kids, or “mommy and me” Yoga classes. These classes make a difference in your community and will save the lives of “at risk teens.”

For parents who are seeking family-oriented classes, but cannot find them in their area, they can learn what they need to know from local Yoga teachers. If this is not possible, learn to develop a safe practice from Yoga books, videos, and courses. Your children can learn with you, as there are a number of videos and books designed for their age. Make sure that safety is your primary concern, and you will enjoy your bonding time.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

Just like any other subject that requires communication skills, you have to finely tune your speaking skills, if you want to become a Yoga teacher. Students will continue to come back to your classes because of interaction, social atmosphere, and intellectual stimulation.

The art and science of public speaking is still a major “drawing card,” whenever people gather in groups. If you attend local meetings for charities, business, city government, public schools, or religious centers, you will notice a few speakers, who stand out from the rest.

Yoga sessions are no different because you are giving detailed instructions to your students. You demonstrate, cue, assist, and cue again. Sometimes fitness- based Yoga classes do not have the same public speaking aspect.

Granted, the Yoga instructor who is teaching a fitness-based class may be shouting out instructions, in between breaths, but much detailed information is missed, when a teacher is out of breath.

The key to better communication, in your classes, when you teach fitness, flow, Vinyasa, or power Yoga, is to demonstrate the first round. After that, walk around the room communicating and assisting your students. In this way, you are observing, helping, and maintaining a communication link, through clear instruction with your class.

As a result of your efforts to communicate, students will clearly understand that class time is set aside for them. When a Yoga instructor does not bother to communicate, assist, or make eye contact, a student may get the feeling he or she has become one of the outermost parts of the class.

This is a difficult situation for students, as they want recognition for their efforts. In life, this is what most of us want, from the moment we are born. There are some people who would demand all of your time, if you give it to them.

However, it should be noted that when you give your best effort to your class, as a collective group, you have done what is required. Yoga teachers who stay after class to answer questions are very special. Taking the time to spread the word of this science of life, which we know as “Yoga,” is a noble cause indeed.

As teachers, each of us is different, and we will emphasize different aspects of Yoga, based upon our personal preferences. Yet, communication is an essential part of the skill-set required to become a Yoga teacher. With that said, your communication skills should be perfected to the point where they become a natural part of you.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

There is no shortage of teaching opportunities in yoga. This is where being a yoga instructor can be lucrative and fun. By getting in with a great health spa, or opening their own studio, a highly skilled instructor can sculpt their own program. Yoga has so many aspects, and applications, that the range of classes is only limited by imagination.

Besides yoga for physical fitness, you can also teach spiritual yoga classes, emphasizing the connection between the body’s well-being and the soul’s health. Perhaps you’d like to offer prenatal yoga for expecting mothers? Maybe yoga for seniors, couples, or kids, is more your style? By designing and offering your own programs, you can interject your personality into yoga instruction.

Depending on your location and marketing skills, you can make a great living as a full-time yoga instructor. If you’re in a location where a large number of people are looking for a yoga instructor, then the sky’s the limit.

If this isn’t the case, you need to develop some marketing skills. In order to get students, you must be able to make yoga instruction appealing. You have to let them know that you can make them healthier with your teaching. It’s going to take a bit more work, but if you’re dedicated to improving the health of your community, then you’ll succeed.

Yoga is one of the greatest examples, of an ancient discipline, remaining relevant in the modern age. Whether you’re looking to focus on the spiritual or physical aspects of the art, being a yoga instructor can be a profitable career path. If this is the path you want your life to take, then get off your yoga mat and take the necessary steps to start teaching!

Yoga instructors are a rare commodity, in high demand. The popularity of yoga has gained momentum, especially with people seeking low-impact fitness routines. A certified yoga instructor can use this time as a career springboard.

What kind of money can you make as a yoga instructor? It all depends on a few factors, with the most important one being experience. Yoga isn’t a discipline that can be taught without extensive knowledge and training.

The extreme nature of many positions, and stretches, could cause serious injury in the hands of a lesser teacher. A yoga master can charge much more for his/her safe instruction than a novice instructor.

Even though you may focus on one or two styles, a highly skilled yoga instructor has the combined knowledge of many styles of yoga. A rudimentary knowledge of yogic philosophy also helps. As a yoga instructor, you’ll deal with many different personalities, so it’s important to have patience and compassion.

Many certified yoga instructors choose to teach part time, while keeping a day job. This gives them the flexibility they need, at the same time that they are bringing in extra income. It also keeps them in great shape as they are teaching.

You can choose whether you want to teach a class or prefer providing private instruction. The rates you charge will vary, depending on the situation and your students needs. Private instruction can run anywhere from $30 an hour to $150 an hour. The highest rates are usually from teaching clients in their home or office.

Private clientele can range from office working professionals to professional athletes, and everything in between. Private clients are looking for quality yoga instruction and are willing to pay for it. Teaching classes to groups, costs a bit less per student, and is usually priced around $15-$20 each for a drop-in rate.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years in India but it has taken the attention of the west only in the late 19th century. Before it became popular, people in the United States thought that yoga was a mere peculiar activity invented to distort the body to come up with different positions for some strange reasons. Even until now, some people are still skeptical about yoga and refuse to undertake it. Sad to say, these people do not know the benefits they are missing.

If there is anytime that is best to begin a yoga practice, it is now. There are so many reasons why it is important for you to relive your life this very instant and yoga can be that ultimate solution.

First things first, not all myths about yoga are true. To set things straight, yoga is not a completely religious practice so you could set aside the religious issue right at the start. Yoga is also not about mind over body; it is about their “unity”, which is in fact the literal translation of the word “yoga” itself. The practice is not about repetitively reaching your toes as many times as possible; it is about proper breathing and mental focus while maintaining a certain position. There is nothing superstitious about it. In fact, modern science has already long confirmed the benefits of practicing yoga and the list becomes longer as more researches are being conducted year after year on the benefits of yoga.

Yoga is not only an art and a science. It is a lifestyle, an exercise, a therapy, a preventive cure and a medical treatment all rolled into one. Yoga is a complete way of living that can improve your life and you as a person. It is the perfect physical and mental therapy to have the most blissful life you once thought you could never experience. That is why beginning yoga now will bring you that much closer to reaping the benefits of the practice as early as possible.

Yoga has a many physical benefits to offer. It increases the flexibility of the joints, tendons and ligaments of the body. It also tones your body absent the dreadful lifting of weights. The most apparent effect of yoga on the body is loss of weight that is why yoga is also a popular exercise. Yoga is in fact the most holistic form of exercise. It exercises those body parts that are not consciously worked out upon even by gym addicts.

Another revolutionary advantage of practicing yoga is its health benefits to the body. It massages and stimulates all organs of the body. It in effect becomes the perfect preventive measure to avoid diseases, including the life-threatening ones. By becoming more attuned to the body and what the body is telling you, some yoga practitioners have also attained a heightened awareness to impeding illnesses. Yoga also detoxifies the body because all the stretching makes the blood circulate to every part of the body, so every part of the body gets the right amount of oxygen supply. In fact, it has been known to relieve or improve different kinds of medical conditions like high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, heart diseases, varicose veins, obesity, respiration problems, body pain and chronic fatigue. Of recent, researchers have found incredible effects of yoga on HIV-diagnosed persons and the benefits are truly promising.

Most of the prevalent diseases in urban areas originate from a common problem and that is stress. Yoga can help to alleviate stress that work or school may bring you. It also has other mental benefits such as reducing body tension and boosting self-esteem. It increases self-awareness, focuses attention and relaxes, calms and clears the mind. It is because it allows the mind to concentrate on the self and the body, which brings about positive effects including improvement of mood and attitude to a better you. As a whole, it brings your emotions into equilibrium, giving you a more positive disposition in life.

But the truth of the matter is that these are mere “side effects” of the real benefits of yoga. Yoga makes you learn more about yourself, your mind and your body. It will give you a sense of enlightenment, where every inch of you meet in a dimensional space where everything is ecstatically immaculate. Its goal is to fuse every part of you, the physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual levels. In fact, it is no secret that yogis are generally happy people with a zest and appreciation for life.

The world is a busy place. Busy people usually live a routinary life that sometimes, they forget to take care of themselves. In fact, modern day diseases are mostly caused by lifestyle and work. Most people who acquire these illnesses are too busy to exercise and give time to themselves. To become a better person, you must act on it and the best time to do that is right now.

Change your life by changing your lifestyle and the best beginning could be through the practice of yoga. So, before saying “no”, try giving yoga a shot and you may realize that it is the final answer you have been unknowingly searching for all along.

Me-Shell Mijangos (http://www.swellwomen.com/founder.html) is a surfer and yogini. Her love for surfing and yoga helped her to create SwellWomen (http://swellwomen.com) a Surf and Yoga retreat on the paradise island of Maui.