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!
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