After successful graduation from a Yoga teacher training program, you may want to take the shortest track to success. Sometimes, this topic is not discussed during a teacher intensive, but most interns desire professional success.

Which techniques should a Yoga teacher master for personal growth and to help others achieve success in their lives? Let’s take a look at factors which are very important to the professional growth of Yoga instructors.

Optimum communication is a primary skill for all Yoga teachers to possess. When we think about teaching Yoga in a class, we consider effective communication skills to be a must. We must be able to explain Yogic concepts, and ideas, in more than one way.

Developing the right tone, cueing skills, proper voice inflection, knowing when to assist, and demonstrating skills, all come into play. Yet, to teach anything, we must also be good listeners. Communication is a two way street, and it requires empathic listening skills.

Writing and telephone skills are also part of the skill set required to teach. Telephone communication, or a response to an Email, will often be your first contact with a new student. Addressing the needs of the public requires effective communication skills and compassion for people.

Although we teach self-worth and stress management skills to our students, we have to invest time in our regular personal Yoga practice to lead by example. If we invest most of our time in networking, marketing, advertising, and the business of Yoga, there is not much time left for our personal practice.

Therefore, appoint a regularly-scheduled Yoga practice time to work by yourself or with another teacher – to do otherwise, will affect your own health. This is an irony, which also happens to medical professionals: When one has a huge workload, one has little time left for personal health.

Life is full of challenges, but we should do our best to maintain a positive attitude, even in the worst of times. Some people will state that all obstacles and challenges are an illusion, but it is not easy to convince someone who is up to their ears in them.

To focus on negative thoughts, for too long, can create a reality that nobody wants. When any of us are confronted with obstacles, and challenges, it is always best to look for a solution within our Yoga practice. This prevents us from dwelling on negative thoughts. At the same time, there is gratification in developing problem-solving skills.

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. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Let’s take a systematic approach toward happiness, by using Yoga principles, and applying them to life. Here are a few more methods to help anyone find happiness at any time.

Just by visiting a local Yoga class, you will find yourself surrounded by positive energy. Yet, this same principle applies to going anywhere like-minded people exist. Always surround yourself with optimists.

Look within, and you will find good qualities. Be aware of your strong points and stop worrying about your short comings. We are all human, so do not be the last one to forgive yourself for a mistake. One of the worst mistakes you can make is not forgiving yourself.

Stay away from sinking into a self-pity slump. The future is often what we anticipate. With that said, there is a real need to anticipate success. You have nothing to lose by maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Learn to laugh often, and learn to laugh at yourself – it is good for your health. This is why Laughter Yoga has become so popular. When you start to take life too seriously, observe it and smile.

Life is too short to worry all the time. In fact, worrying is a complete waste of time. Finding solutions is not worrying. If you focus on solutions, you may just solve those worries away.

Believe that you deserve success and happiness. To think otherwise, invites disaster. If we think we deserve failure, we begin to attract pessimists. The last thing any of us needs is to find ourselves in the company of critics.

Be thankful for your health, family, friends, home, and your good qualities. Focus on the good things in life, which you already have. Yoga practice starts when you roll up the mat and learn to put the methods into practice.

Students come to Yoga classes for a variety of reasons, but one of the reasons is because the steady practice makes them happy. Those that think Hatha Yoga is a physically demanding form of torture will not continue the practice.

For teachers, the objective is to show students the multiple benefits of Yoga over the course of a month. Why a month? These days, most people are only willing to give 30 days to try something new, and Yoga is no different. Let’s look at ways to make new students aware of the benefits of a continued Yoga practice.

What is the primary form of instant gratification? If you are thinking of chocolate, that’s close. The primary form of instant gratification is happiness. In fact, you do not have to pay to smile or laugh. Some people pay for entertainment, but this is not a requirement for laughing or smiling.

Yoga teachers want their students to appreciate life “in the now,” but an easy place to start is by teaching them to develop full awareness of their surroundings. For example: The smell of flowers, the feeling of sunshine, and the sound of a bird’s song, are small features on this journey we call “life,” and they can each bring about states of happiness.

Your classroom does not have to become a comedy club or circus, but you can create a joyful atmosphere. Just by getting students to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, they will begin to open their minds to new paths of happiness.

Look at how much you appreciate the benefits of Pranayama – it required your awareness to appreciate it, and developed happiness, before you continued the practice on your own.

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. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Unfortunately, some Yoga teacher training courses do not cover the value of mantra or japa. In fact, in some rare cases, an intern might learn two dozen (24) Yoga postures (asanas), at level one, over a weekend. It is true that you have to start somewhere, but, in this case, a teacher’s continuing education must be pursued in a multitude of directions.

However, let’s talk about the true benefits, and value of mantra. The definition of mantra should be clear to all Yoga teachers, but the most common understanding might be: A mystical or sacred syllable, word, or set of words. In Sanskrit the definition of mantra is: “Mind protection.”

One might ask: Protection from what? In short, mantra is protection from self-destructive “mind chatter.” Not all mind chatter is self-destructive, but some of us easily default toward negative thoughts, when we are awake, and even, when we dream.

Mantras are words, with the power to protect the Yoga practitioner through repetition and practice. How is this possible? Positive affirmations and prayers do the same thing. The only person who doubts the power of positive affirmation and prayer is a pessimist. Pessimism is a guaranteed path toward self-destruction.

Therefore, let’s consider the optimistic path of enlightenment. Your mind will need protection from negative internal or external influences, which naturally occur during the course of a day. Even if you were in the middle of a sacred prayer, while driving your car, would you be able to maintain good thoughts? Now, what if other drivers were endangering your life by running stop signs?

This is just one example of real life situations. How do you usually react to a bullying co-worker? Would prayer, affirmation, or mantra, protect you from negative thoughts? Would you be peaceful, and logical, in the face of an adversary?

In truth, you would react to torment, but your emotions would be kept in check, to some degree, as a result of mantra practice. It is only human to have feelings. As you know, feelings and thoughts can be good or not so good.

So, why do we judge ourselves so harshly over thousands of daily thoughts, which come and go? We fear that we are what we think about. Now, we have come back “full circle,” to the true value of mantra, prayer, and positive affirmation.

The self-protection of our mental health is dependent upon having a focused, and controlled, mind. This is the reason why every Yoga teacher certification program should completely expose the positive value of mantra. In turn, Yoga teachers should pass this knowledge on to their students as Yogis did for thousands of years before us.

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. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Does an affordable Yoga teacher training option, for interns, exist anymore or is it pure fantasy? With the price of everything, except a house, going up; how can we expect to find a reputable training for an intern, who wishes to become a yoga instructor, at a reasonable price?

Some interns apply for “seva” programs (community service) in the larger ashrams. Any large facility needs cooks, housekeepers, office help, and a maintenance crew, so this is a good arrangement for the student and the ashram.

Seva is a form of selfless service, where one may be asked to perform a variety of tasks that will maintain the ashram. In some Yoga ashrams, all students seek to perform “guru seva,” in the spirit of selfless giving toward the head teacher and the facility.

This exchange of work for housing, meals, and learning, is a traditional one. The idea of giving of one’s self to a larger cause is noble and a form of Karma Yoga. Not every applicant is accepted, and some centers do not have seva programs at all.

Yet, it should be realized that a seva agreement between a student and his or her guru may last years. If you have obligations, such as children, spouse, family, job, or a significant other, the concept of seva may not fit your lifestyle.

Interns, with obligations, may seek a Yoga certification course, which gives them the independence to meet their obligations at home or on the job. In this case, a
home study option is your most affordable and flexible choice.

Correspondence courses have been around for years. With technology advancing to its present level, every skill can be studied at home. If you are not sure about techniques, and desire some hands on experience, you may want to seek out a local Yoga teacher or search for a mentor.

Some interns have years of previous experience. This is obviously significant, when approaching any intensive learning program. Therefore, experienced Yoga students will progress much faster, than those who have less experience.

The Internet has made it possible for anyone to learn about Yoga instantly. Just a few decades ago, you would be lucky to find a Yoga book in a small town library. We now live at a time when any subject can be learned in an instant.

With the use of CD’s, DVD’s, e-Books, streaming video, and the ability to ship anywhere, learning to become a Yoga instructor, at an affordable cost, is much more common than in the past.

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. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

When teaching Yoga classes, there are times when you have to be a “cheer leader.” What do I mean by this? There are many interconnected aspects of life, and we all play a small part in them. Each student’s level of success, in life, depends on constant positive reinforcement during the day.

When you see an accomplishment, do not hesitate to praise your students. This does not have to be artificial praise or flattery. A heart felt compliment is much different. Far too often, people in general, and some of our students, feel they do not deserve praise, or that they have a right to succeed in life.

Every Yoga teacher knows students, who feel they do not deserve a better life. This variation of negative thinking is “baggage” that holds back all of humanity.
As teachers, we have the ability to instill positive habits, which will result in happiness and successful living.

The average student has to see the value of a Yogic lifestyle long enough to cultivate the habit of regular Yoga practice. For many people, this is a big step. You cannot expect new students to be present in their practice, until you point out how to connect mind and body with Pranayama. This may seem very basic, but some students never learn this step because they did not have the guidance.

Does this mean you can reach every student? No – each student has different thoughts, needs, and aspirations. Some people see only the superficial layer of everything. You cannot make everyone see the deeper aspects of life. An example of this is the student who sees Hatha Yoga only as a stretch class.

There is nothing wrong with this. Stretching alone is a good physical exercise, but stretching and exercise are only components of Yoga. Happiness, clarity of mind, tranquility, and Samadhi, require guidance from a competent Yoga teacher.

Eventually, your students will learn to honor the true teacher within themselves, but they need to develop a clear vision of progress, success, and achievement, before they undertake their journey. The starting point in the journey is usually “sparked” by an exceptional teacher.

Teaching Yoga is, in some ways, like parenting. If you have instilled a strong foundation in your students, you will be proud of them and their achievements. The student with Multiple Sclerosis, who is making great progress, or the child who is learning to concentrate, each has a significant success story.

Make it a point to recognize student progress, when you are aware of it. Our advancement, as a species, depends on it.

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. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Sometimes, Yoga instructors are asked to teach classes for free; there is nothing wrong with giving your time for free, but this brings up many more underlying issues. Are “true Yogis” obligated to teach for free because anyone who would accept payment is violating the fifth Yama: Aparigraha?

What is a “true Yogi?” What is Aparigraha?

The term, Aparigraha, can mean many things, but the definition can range from voluntary poverty, to limiting your possessions, to only what is necessary. So, are Yoga teachers who receive payment for services “pseudo-Yogis?” After all, a true Yogi should never receive payment to teach Yoga – Right?

Wrong – In fact, dead wrong. The people, who talk this foolishness, do not teach Yoga, but will accept your services for nothing. They may accuse you of greed, covetousness, and hoarding. Yet, they accept payment for their livelihood.

So, here’s the logic: For a Yoga teacher to live with no money, and no material possessions, is fine because we have all taken a vow of poverty by the act of giving or teaching. If you believe this, please wake up. You live in a modern society, and you need to earn a wage in order to survive.

Unless you live under the protection of a fellowship or charitable trust, you have to consider food, clothing, and shelter a priority. What is your family supposed to live on, or should you give up the right to have a family too?

After you decided to become a certified Yoga teacher, it was only natural that people would want to receive lessons, sessions, or classes. Most of your students see a value in what you do, while a rare few do not.

There are always a few people who manipulate their way through life looking to get everything for nothing. In fact, they are practicing greed, covetousness, and hoarding, but will gladly take anything you have for nothing.

There is nothing wrong with giving, if you can afford to give your time or money. Karma Yoga is selfless service and it is goodness for all humanity, but do not feel guilty for accepting student tuition fees. How can you feed your family otherwise?

Please observe and learn from the fitness industry. The masses consider fitness to be physical torture. As a result, some health clubs charge less than ten dollars per month. The cost of a daily shower is more than $10 per month. Fitness centers also give a free month membership, in hopes that will lure new memberships.

How can they cover equipment, building lease, utilities, taxes, wages, and liability insurance costs? On top of this, health clubs run each other out of business by giving everything away for free.

The truth be known, the fitness industry is hanging on by a very thin thread, and that thread is about to break. Yoga is not fitness, we do not teach people who join for a New Year’s resolution and quit by Valentine’s Day. Yoga is a lifestyle, and changes are clearly seen over the long haul.

Every Yoga certification course should teach interns about marketing, networking, communication, business, and advertising. This is an essential part of surviving in any economy. Yoga teachers cannot give their time freely, unless they have the means to do so.

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. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html