The empty teacup and the learning mind

Judi Harvin

So this man goes to see this zen teacher. He says (demandingly, as he is a very busy man) "Teach me everything you know!"

The zen master looks at him, then slowly goes to the cupboard to get a cup, which he places on the table. He picks up his tea pot, and begins to pour. Soon the cup is filled, but he continues to pour. Water begins to run over the sides of the cup and on the table.

The man watches this, confused, then yells, "Stop! Can't you see the cup is filled? Stop pouring, the water is spilling all over the table!"

The teacher stops pouring and sets down the pot. Then, he looks at the blustering man. "You come to me asking for knowledge, but your mind is like this cup, already full. Anything I add will simply pour out; there's no room for more."

I love telling students this story, and my trainees have heard it more than once. As they are embarking on a learning path, it becomes so important to learn to clear, to empty the mind.

The terms "information overload", "decision fatigue", and "TMI" are bouncing about for good reason. We have access to more information and more choices than every before. Well managed, this can be a benefit. But, poorly managed, it can lead to confusion, poor focus, and an inability to absorb and digest information.

A teacher training offers so much information that the student can feel overwhelmed. And, that's even before popping open the laptop and looking for more information to satisfy that insatiable sweet tooth that inspired students have for learning everything yoga! How does a motivated, and very busy, student handle this desire to learn more? Here are some tips:

Stay on topic.  Look back at your notes for your previous training class. List the topics that were discussed, the asanas, philosophy, etc. Study these notes. If the class left you burning with excitement, look for more information on those topics. If you have limited time for your studies, focus it here.

Resist studying ahead of topic. Just like the rest of the world, the yogic world is full of opinions and often-conflicting methods. Come to class with an clear mind. Allow your instructor to present their teachings. There will be plenty of time to learn other methods. Study one first.

Develop your personal practice. You may feel this is a ripe time to try every style of yoga, and with as many teachers as possible. This can lead to confusion when in a training. Stay on one path. Reduce the number of classes you take and the exposure to different teachers and styles. Instead, get on your own mat at home and pull out your notes. Start to study, dissect and personally experience the alignment, pranayama and meditation techniques you learned in training.

Teach it! Speak it! Share it!  While I was attending my first teacher training, the instructor of the yoga class I was attending at the YMCA decided to leave and asked me if I wanted to take over his class. I thought this would be a great opportunity, so I said yes.

My training met on a Saturday. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I studied relentlessly, solidifying the alignment and cueing I had learned. Wednesday nights I showed up in class and taught those poses. I'll tell you, it was the best way to ingest, digest and process information.

Find a willing friend or family member and start teaching them what you are learning. So many people want to learn yoga, this should not be difficult to do. Set up something regular, so you have a rhythm and commitment. Over time, this experience will not only help old the lessons solidify, but will direct your focus toward the most pertinent information in future lessons.

In only a few short months you will complete your training, and have a good understanding of the foundational principles of yoga. But, perhaps the most important skill you will learn in your training is how to empty your cup, again and again, allowing space for the next bit of wisdom.

To learn more about Focus Yoga's Yoga Immersion and Teaching Skills Training, visit our website, www.focusyogastudio.com, call Judi at 708 471 0487, or email info@focusyogastudio.com.

Creating a Sharp Mind for Learning with Agni

We are about one month into this year's Yoga Immersion and Teacher Training. Our group is is off to a strong start. We are focused, enthusiastic about taking in new ideas, digesting them, and integrating them into our practice and lives.

These qualities, absorbing, digesting and integrating describe the Ayurvedic concept of agni. Agni is the digestive fire, the energy of transformation, and it influences both physical digestion of food, as well as the mental digestion of impressions, thoughts, ideas and experiences.

When embarking on a transformative journey of any sort, ensure that agni is functioning at it's peak. Whether it's earning a degree, traveling to a new part of the world, or starting a business, agni allows us to function at our physical and mental best. We feel physically strong and healthy. Impressions that enter through the eyes and ears will be transformed into new ideas and actions, or discarded if they don't serve us.

When agni is weak, we feel sluggish, heavy, bloated. Our appetite is poor, whether for food or for life. The metabolism is slow, and toxins are created in our systems.

When agni is strong, our digestion is regular. We utilize our food efficiently. We maintain our weight. We have balanced energy, less mood swings. We have quick understanding, feel mentally sharp, and in general, happy.

Even if you are not learning a new skill or navigating a change, remember life itself is a transformative journey. To be fully engaged and an active participant, healthy agni is vital. If you'd like to learn more about supporting this fire of transformation, read the latest Focus Yoga blog, Feeding the Fire of Transformation. This article outlines steps to take to keep agni burning bright. Click here to read.

Doctor's Orders

We are approaching the beginning of our fall Yoga Teacher Training. We've got a good crew registered, ready and enthusiastic. And, I know, a little nervous. Some concerns: Will I have enough time for the additional work load? Will I be the least experienced person in the class? Have I chosen the best training for me? What if life intervenes and I need to miss classes?

While I can't remember the initial source, I'm going to paraphrase a good saying here: A new doctor will have many, many treatments for a single ailment. An experienced doctor will have a single treatment for many, many ailments. The truth is, our trainees are embarking on a huge journey. We could look at each worry one by one, but I'm going to offer one diagnosis...discomfort with the unknown.

So, in order to get more comfortable, let's remind ourselves...what is the journey really about? See if you notice any repetition of wording in the quotes below, gathered from last year's trainees about the program.

"The Immersion has helped me look into my own thoughts and recognize my reactions to my everyday experiences, good and bad."

"The training was life changing! I started out with the idea that "wouldn't it be great to teach Yoga. I'm a good student, I can stand up in front of a class and cue them in and out of Asana." But once you start to study Yoga, make changes in your lifestyle, immerse yourself in yourself, you come to find things you aren't expecting..."

"The Immersion gave me a great focus. I was able to focus on myself, my practice, really tune into my inner voice and hone my skills for my private practice. As a result, I have a deeper connection to myself and really honor that sacred place inside. It is from that place that I draw from for teaching and passing on the great gift of yoga."

"This is a journey not taken lightly. You will discover things about yourself that will change you in ways you cannot imagine."

"For me the immersion had a significant impact in helping me navigate my husband's medical crisis.  Pranayama kept me calm and balanced throughout (most) of the situation, practicing detachment (or trying!) was a big part of my attempt to surrender to a higher power when so many things felt out of my control...not easy for a type A personality like me!"

"The immersion has also enhanced my own practice - while time for my yoga practice is always a challenging reality for me, the learning I got from the program motivates me to make it a higher priority than I previously did....and the study of the 8 limbs brings so much more meaning to asana & helps me take my practice off the mat & into the world." 

"Approach this as a learning experience for yourself, not so much as becoming a teacher."

"Approach the program as if you are going to deepen your understanding of both the practice and of yourself. From the fullness of receiving there is an abundance to share when teaching. I love the story of the empty tea cup and think that is a great way to approach the program!"

(I'll share that little story very soon...it's a good one!)

Did you notice? One group of letters was repeated over and over: "s-e-l-f". This is the most important thing to remember: This is a journey about discovering yourself. Strengths, weaknesses, interests, passions. Whether your goal is to teach or not, this is a journey about you.

So, if the diagnosis for your nerves is a fear of the unknown, what's the prescription? Approach this program in a way that will enrich, not deplete, you. Don't worry if you seem to learn slowly, if you can't achieve all the asanas, if sanskrit leaves you tongue-tied. Accept these things with the patience and kindness that you would offer a struggling future student. Be willing to take more time where you need it. There is no rush.

This quote sums it up nicely from the student's perspective:
"Approach the program with curiosity & an open mind. Everybody has a different experience, the direction, path & pace of your classmates is unique to them. Don't judge your experience by comparing it to others.

A wise teacher said "Yoga meets us where we are at." This training will meet you where you are at. Pack light and prepare to enjoy the ride.

Focus Yoga's 2014-15 Teacher Training begins Wednesday, September 3, 2014. If you are not yet registered and would like to learn more, contact me (Judi!) at 708.471.0487. 

The search for the inner teacher

In my last blog, I pointed to the mass amounts of information, teachings and opinions offered in the yoga world today. I noted how important it is for students, especially teacher trainees, to have a firm connection with their "inner teacher" in order to navigate these ideas and use this knowledge to develop their own ideas about their practice.

But when you feel like a beginner, finding the quiet voice inside can be difficult, especially when the really loud voices are outside. Here are a few firm, solid steps to take:

Listen, experiment, and listen again. Then, begin to practice the most important step, learning to express.

Listen.  Begin by opening your mind. When presented with a new idea, listen carefully. This is easy if the idea feels familiar and you already feel open to it. But, what if the idea counters what you think you already know, or is very foreign? You don't have to experiment with anything that doesn't feel safe, or is counter to your principles. But, try to open your mind to see how the idea may make sense, even for others.

In my Yoga Ayurveda training, a technique of self-massage with large amounts of warmed oil, "Abhyanga" was presented as being particularly helpful for my primary dosha, Vatta. First thing in the morning, one self-massages the oil over the entire body, head to toe, lets it soak in, and then showers. Hhmmm. Considering the early morning temperature of my bathroom in the winter, an oily self-massage on a cold tile floor did not sound appealing. But, it's not dangerous, is it? 

Experiment.  Gather enough information so you can take the idea home. If it's an asana you're contemplating, get on your mat and play. Ayurveda? Get out the oil! Perhaps the first go-round is less than definitive or satisfying. Give a new idea some time to become not-so-new before making a final judgement.

My Ayurveda instructor suggested 30 days to try Abhyanga, to make it a daily practice. Yes, this was in the winter, and my house is cold during the early morning when I'd be doing this. I wake up slowly. But, I promised to give it a try...

Listen again. How does your body feel in a certain pose? How do you react to neti? You've may have been told what you should feel; now, what do you really feel? How does your mind feel? Detach from the should, or the wishes. What is the truth?

Laid out the towel, got out the oil. Okay, I was cold. I had to go downstairs to properly heat the oil so it felt comfortably warm. After I oiled, I felt too foggy to meditate, too oily to practice asana.  I craved feet up, a thick robe and a hot drink. Was not enjoying this.

Express. Now, put into words what you feel. Actual words. This is how we express ourselves to others. Write them, say them out loud to yourself, articulate them to a friend or practice student. Journal...that's a good, safe start. Find the best words to express your experiences, especially those that work for you and you feel you'd like to share with others.

I do not like Abhyanga.

Now, let's assume you love the new idea. Practice it, express it, and then feel free to teach it.

What if it seems like a sound idea, but it just isn't working for you? You certainly can share it if you think it's helpful to some students, but be honest about your experience.

Okay, Abhyanga is a standard Ayurvedic practice. I wish, wish, wish I liked it. Loads of people do it, and feel more nurtured and grounded. I tried, and was not one of them. But, I am keeping this technique in mind, to revisit at a different time. And...I find that my skin is so dry, it soaks oil up pretty well, so I have modified the practice and do it after my shower, with a little less oil, and skip my scalp. But I do keep it as a tool to practice when I feel vatta-imbalanced (maybe before bed...)

And if the idea seems unsafe or ineffective? Toss it. Only teach what is you honestly feel is useful. Teaching what you love will boost your confidence, the hallmark of a truly effective instructor.

One of the most important components of the Focus Yoga teacher training is that of helping our students find the "inner teacher" and learn to express ideas clearly. All of our trainees will eventually teach with their own voice. We feel one of the most important things we can do is help our trainees find that voice.

To learn more about our training, join us for our September 8 Immersion Sampler. Click here for more info.

The most important teacher in the whole, yoga world.

We live in a material world, and increasingly are becoming aware of the complications of consumerism. For years, we have been sent the message that our information needs to come from outside of us. We are asked to dim our internal radar, and pay more attention to the messages sent to us from teachers, companies, government, magazines, etc. This is life in a commercial, rather than spiritual, world.

Some have found that bringing greater emphasis to our spirituality is a good antidote. For some, practicing yoga, including the philosophy, has offered some relief.

But, guess what? Yoga has become a business, too. There are as many ideas, styles, and philosophies out there as brands of shampoo. And there are many teachers telling you that their way is the right way. How do we navigate this?

It would be easy to say "Well, go back to the ancient, undiluted philosophy. That's safe." But, living in the 21st century, does it always meet us where we are at, either in intention or presentation?  When teachers try to adapt and evolve some of the ancient teachings (yoga is a business, remember), how can we be certain they are keeping the gem of the teaching, and not just strive to create a new "brand"?

The first step is to realize that while that first dip into the pool of yoga can feel deliciously cool and invigorating, there is a lifeguard watching carefully from the shore, if we stay in his sights. That strong guy on the tall chair is your inner teacher.

Having experienced and observed myself and others, I offer that there are stages on the spiritual path. Initially, our enthusiasm fuels us like a shot of espresso, and we reach in all directions, like giant sponges, absorbing as much information and ideas as we can. It is all new and exciting, and we can't seem to get enough.

At some point we may reach another stage, however, were we need to assimilate, and even reject some of the ideas we've learned. We begin to reach deeper, for our own inner teacher, and our practice becomes more intensely personal and more discerning. We look outside less, and inside more.

I think the key is to be aware and to work to combine those two stages into one sustainable way of experiencing the yoga world today. If we are to truly benefit from all the learning we do in the "absorbing" stage, we need to pull in some of the qualities of the "assimilating" stage. We need to connect and maintain a dialogue with our inner teacher much sooner in the process.

This can be difficult when we feel we don't know very much. Yet, it is important that we realize that we really do know quite a bit. We've lived in our bodies for many years. Certainly we are the best judge of how they react when we enter certain asanas. We've dwelled in our minds since birth. We are certainly qualified to observe the affects of the breathing and meditation techniques we are shown.

As future instructors, you need to be open to ideas, but re-open your link to your inner wisdom. As you commit to a teacher training, to opening your mind and heart outward, you also need to open your mind and heart inward. As much as you need to commit to learn, you need to commit to feel.

I have taken two full 200-hour teacher trainings, as well as many other trainings, including an additional certification as a Ayurveda Yoga Specialist. I love learning, and always will. And, I love teaching. I feel one of the most important things I can teach the Focus Yoga trainees is how to tap into their inner teacher. There are two important reasons for this:

You are a unique individual, and not all practices that you will be exposed to will be as effective or useful for you as for the student on the mat next to you. If you are to truly utilize yoga as a life practice, you need to have the awareness radar fired up so you are not basing decisions about your personal practice simply on what you've been told by your "outer" teacher, but also by advice from your inner teacher.

Given that we are all individuals, with different bodies, minds and experiences, what works for you may not be effective for all of your students. You may experience an asana, pranayama, or teaching in a certain way, but your students bring different bodies and minds to the mat, and their experience may be different. A good teacher, (you!?) has a dialogue with the inner teacher, and will support their students in doing the same.

If you are interested in deepening your practice, or becoming an instructor, it is imperative that you develop this sensitivity in your practice. I know this can be difficult, so next week I will share some very specific steps you can take to stay connected with your own power and knowledge while you navigate the business world of yoga.

Focus Yoga offers a 200-hour teacher training designed to offer knowledge and help you connect with your own knowledge. We are offering a sampler of the Immersion this Sunday, August 19th from 4:00 - 6:00pm. Click here for more information.

Navigating the inevitable: blunders and bloopers

Any yoga instructor who has been teaching for a while has experienced low moments. There was the time I demo'd Kapalabhati breathing a few days after getting over (so I thought) a head cold. If you don't know, Kapalabhati breathing is a pranayama focused on rhythmic, sharp exhalations through the nose. This tones the abdominals, stimulates energy, and, yes, clears mucus from the lungs and sinuses. Which is exactly what happened in front of the class. It was a powerful moment.

Then, once while leading a teacher training class in the Gayatri Mantra I totally blanked the words. This is a mantra I had practiced many times in meditation, repeating 108 times. I knew this chant. Until then.

There have been several blunders and bloopers in my teaching career, and I'm happy to say I've lived through them all. But, does the thought of experiencing similar low moments leave you paralyzed, second guessing your desire to teach? They say we learn through our difficulties, not through our triumphs. So, here are some things my difficulties have taught me:

Your class wants you to succeed.  Believe it or not, your class is not willing you to fail. They want you to feel confident and comfortable. You are their teacher. They are in your corner. When I forgot the words to the Gayatri Mantra, there was a moment of silence. Then, guess what? Someone picked it up and the moment was over. Not to say we didn't have a good laugh later. But that's all it was, a funny moment.

Chances are, your students are not fluent in Sanskrit.  If you do not feel comfortable using Sanskrit, then don't. I do believe in developing enough comfort with the Sanskrit names of poses that you can use them easily, but this may take months or years to learn. Take your time. As teachers, we want our instruction to be perfect, but in all honesty, little imperfections are most likely unnoticed by our students.

But, don't feel afraid to correct yourself in class. Maybe I take a chance and teach something I'm less familiar with in class and it doesn't go well. Maybe I forget what side we are on, or blank a sequence, or find that a direction I am taking the class in is not going as planned. Well, darn it, I have the right to say "Hold on! Back up! Let's make this better!" It's your class, you are the teacher, and if something isn't going well, hit the pause button. My class and I have had a few good laughs (at my expense!) and admitting that you are not perfect can add a lightness to class. Then move on.

Remember, this is not about you.  This is the most important thing to remember. Teaching isn't about you and your confidence. It's about developing your student's confidence. It isn't about you feeling good, it's about helping your students to feel good. Once you take the spotlight off of yourself, and do everything you can to help your students feel strong and empowered, your insecurities will melt away.

As the instructors of the Focus Yoga Yoga Immersion and Teaching Skills training, it is our job to help you feel confident in your teaching abilities. This confidence we cultivate during the training will flow into other aspects of your life as your communication skills improve. To learn more, register for our Yoga Immersion Sampler, a taste of the type of information covered in our training. The next Sampler is Sunday, August 19, 4:00 - 6:00pm. For more information, click here.

Five important questions to ask about teacher trainings

A teacher training is a pretty fair investment of time and money. You'll want to take every step you can to make certain you've selected a training that will give you a good experience, and the knowledge and skills to become an amazing instructor. Some of the first things you'll probably ask when searching for programs concern schedule and location; are they convenient? If you've checked yes to those, don't stop there! Make certain to ask these questions as well:

Do I like the tone and the feel of the studio? Do I feel comfortable there? Attend class at the studio you are considering. If it feels unprofessional, such as unreliable schedules or a disorganized feel, be cautious about committing to more than general classes. Make certain you feel welcome and supported.

Do I like the teaching style of the training's main instructors? Find out who provides the bulk of the instruction of the teacher training and take a yoga class with them. Is the class engaging? Is the instructor's cueing clean? Do they display a strong knowledge of asana and philosophy? Is this someone you could spend much, much more time listening to?

What are the total requirements of the program? The base cost, in many cases, can cover only 2/3 to one-half of the total cost to become certified. Find out about additional required courses, such as anatomy, additional workshops, and required yoga classes outside the training, as well as books and materials.

Can I see a detailed list or outline of material covered? Asana is only one of the subjects your training should cover. It may take a large percentage of the training time, but after completing the program, you should also have a working knowledge of pranayama, meditation, asana-related anatomy, basic philosophy, such as the Yoga Sutras, and yogic lifestyle topics. In addition, teaching skills should be a very large part of the program. Knowledge of the above topics is only valuable to an instructor if they can effectively communicate that knowledge.

Can I talk to a graduate? Most recent graduates are excited to talk about their experience. Did they enjoy the program? Did they feel the program was well-organized and directed? Was there a lot of "busy" work, or work that did not seem to support any goals? Did they feel well on their way to becoming a confident instructor upon graduation? (Not all graduates will feel comfortable teaching immediately, but they should be gaining confidence as they teach.) Are the instructors of the program still available to them as they begin to navigate the world of teaching?

Follow the above guidelines to find the right fit. Focus Yoga offers a teacher training program that we love to talk about. We'd love to see you in class, show you our outline, and put you in touch with recent graduates. For more information about our training, including an outline of covered topics, click here. If you have any questions you'd like to post below, please comment. We will address them, and perhaps your question will benefit others!

How can I become a yoga instructor if I can't do _____? (fill in the blank)

Maybe it’s headstand, or wheel, or simply a deep forward fold. Many potential instructors feel the path to teaching greatness is blocked by their inability to master what they consider to be a key yoga asana. The question is, is this a valid concern?

The answer is, it depends. Do you (a) avoid the pose, heading for the bathroom whenever the instructor in class begins to cue it? Or, do you (b) study the pose and the anatomy involved, practicing stretches and preparatory poses that will help you cultivate the strength and flexibility to become more proficient? 

If the answer is (a), then yes, this is a problem. It will be difficult to ever teach this pose with any authority to your students, especially those who have the ability to master it. That’s your fear, after all, isn’t it? That you’ll be confronted by a student who’s physical abilities trump yours, and you will lose credibility?

But, let’s assume the answer is (b). Perhaps Chakrasana, or wheel pose, is a toughie for you (as it is for me!). You do some research and learn that tight pectorals, latissimus dorsi and anterior deltoid muscles, as well as tight hip flexors and quadriceps lead to difficulty in this pose. You develop a list of simpler poses and stretches to help open these areas. You learn that weak triceps make it difficult to press up, so you learn ways to strengthen them. You begin to practice these poses every day, perhaps even shelving Wheel for a while to focus on preparatory poses. You study the position of the shoulders and the pelvis, the feet and hands, so as you are opening, you are molding yourself into correct alignment. You learn how wrist flexion limitations affect Wheel, and you study the use of props to help with that issue. In class, you ask for extra help and feedback from the instructor (no more bathroom breaks!).

Over time, you notice you are able to lift your head a little higher from the floor, straightening your arms a little more. Your Wheel still may not feel fulfilling, but it’s improving.

Now, tell me, can you teach this pose?

Absolutely. You know far more about Chakrasana than many students who can pop up into this backbend without a thought. If Wheel pose wasn’t challenging to you, you probably would not have such intimate knowledge of everything that goes into the pose, you lucky dog!

So, embrace your challenging poses. Use them to learn, and then share that knowledge with both the students who enter the poses with ease, and those who struggle like you. I bet you’ll find more of the latter in your classes. 

A few tips to help you along the way:

A great book for breaking down the anatomy of poses is The Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by H. David Coulter. Coulter looks less at individual asanas and more at groups (forward folds, backbends) so the fabulous tidbits of knowledge you learn will be able to be applied to multiple individual asanas.

If you read magazines, such as Yoga Journal, Yoga International, etc., keep a file of articles. Magazines often feature articles on asana with many preparatory poses. You may find these poses worthwhile to teach on their own, or as a sequence in a class that features a pinnacle pose. This may seem old-school, as many magazines keep their archives online, but not all articles will be available, and having a hard copy at the ready can be helpful.

Remember, a great teacher training program will provide this level of information. A knowledge of correct alignment is wonderful, but what if you are presented with a student who cannot attain this alignment? You must understand the anatomy involved, and have a knowledge of work that can help open and strengthen a student so they can work closer into correct alignment. The Focus Yoga teacher training program provides that type of instruction. Click here for more information about our program. 

Embrace your challenges and challenging poses!

Does the world really need another yoga instructor? And, should it be me?

Okay, I’ll answer the first question first. Does the world really need another yoga instructor? 

Answer: Sure, why not?

I could get all gushy and say that there is only one you, one of your unique voice, only one you who can bring that mad mix of personality, experience and passion to the teaching, and that would be true. You have a unique blend of qualities that will appeal to someone, probably many.

But, on a more practical level, as the owner of a thriving yoga studio in Chicago’s western suburbs, I get calls from other studios, health clubs and community recreation departments looking for teachers. For real. If there is a glut of instructors out there, waiting in line to teach, why are these facilities contacting me?

I used to think “Hey, guys, why would I send you my ace instructors?” Then, with the creation of our teacher training program, Focus Yoga started to create ace instructors. Now I value our reputation as a facility that both maintains and creates a pool of some of the best instructors in the Chicago area, and welcome the calls to help position our trainees in the yoga community.

The truth is, in just a couple short months after graduation, those of our trainees that actively sought teaching positions have found them. They are now paid instructors.

So, another yoga instructor in the world will be met with wide open arms. The real question is...should that instructor be you?

Answer: Sure, why not?

If you have the passion, commitment, work ethic, consistency, empathy, reliability, creativity, mental flexibility, personality, honesty, and don’t forget, punctuality to make your mark in this wonderful business, why not?

There is a place and a need for good yoga instructors. Instructors that have a strong knowledge, clear communication skills, and the empathy that makes those qualities effective. If you feel you may fit the need, please click here to get more information about our Yoga Immersion and Teacher Training program. And keep an eye here for more thoughts on being an amazing yoga instructor.