The Process

Yoga 121

 The Process
9th September 2010 
Home
The Process
Classes and Events
Yoga 121 Questions
Contact & Links

Heathfield
 
click here to email
The Process #01

Personalising Yoga - The Process

Before embarking being taught on a one to one basis it is a good idea to get some concrete information about this traditional way of learning yoga. All KHYF Teachers have been very well taught, they all have a Teacher or Mentor and have their own personal practice, therefore they are all too aware of the obstacles that students themselves may encounter. The KHYF maintains a high standard of teaching by committed teachers, but more importantly all teachers have a lineage back to Krishnamacharya and his knowledge.

Having made a decision to work with a Teacher, the student makes a commitment to the process, to the teacher and to his or herself. After all change will only happen if you are prepared to make time, be patient and keep up a regular practice. It is the responsibility of the student to create change, the Teacher plans the personalised practice for the student which respects each student's strengths, honours their abilities and addresses their needs directly. The Teacher guides, supports and instructs the student accordingly.

"Every major text, including Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, says the same thing. In yoga, in order to heal or to achieve any goal, the student needs to commit to the practice and have faith in the practice and the teachings. These requirements of discipline and faith are complimentary. If our faith is true, it will inspire us to do the things that are needed to move forward. Similarly, when we commit to our practice, approaching it with determination and eagerness, it will enhance our faith. Doing the work, having faith in the work, I am empowered, and I become my own healer."
The Yoga of the Yogi by Kausthub Desikachar


Firstly, the student will be asked to attend a consultation. At this consultation the Teacher will establish the students needs, these could be anything from physical needs to spiritual needs. The consultation will involve discussing the student's present health and an observation of the students posture will take place. This examination evaluates the strength and flexibility of the student as well as any difficulties. By giving the student a few movements ie forward bends, side bends, kneeling, standing, lying, sitting positions and back bends will give the Teacher information on the students general physical abilities. Before a personal practice can be planned the Teacher also has to clarify what time of day the practice would be carried out, the duration of the practice suitable for the student as well as long and short term goals. Once the Teacher has obtained all the necessary information he or she will plan a personal practice for the student.

The student will not be taught during the consultation. The Teacher will complete the consultation by answering any questions the student may have. An appointment will be made for the student to return where the practice that has been planned by the Teacher will be taught. During this session any adjustments will be rectified and any queries will be answered. A follow up appointment for a week later will be made and the student will then be given the personalised practice plan to take away and begin to practice daily as discussed.

At the follow up session the student will have an opportunity to express any difficulties or obstacles that may have occurred during the week. If there are any problems with the physical practice and modifications have to be made these will be rectified during this session. It is important for me to emphasise here that healing and change takes time this is why faith, patience and commitment to the practice is essential.

sa tu dirghakala nairantarya satkara adara asevito drdhabumih - Yoga Sutra 1.13

"It is only when the correct practice is followed for a long time, without interruptions and with a quality of positive attitude and eagerness, that it can succeed." Yoga Sutra 1.13

For all students embarking on the journey of practicing yoga it is imperative that they understand that eagerness, consistency, discipline and a positive attitude are essential elements in a successful practice, when all these components are in place the healing and change happens from within us, not outside us. When we connect with the powerful healing force within us this connection facilitates the healing process even in situations where it appears that healing may be impossible. So many changes can be made that inspire students to move forwards positively on their life path bringing more happiness and contentment into their lives.

The student will continue to practice on their own for 1-2 weeks and then return for a review, so that the Teacher can monitor the student, correct any problems or change the practice. This will continue until the student feels confident to carry on practicing at longer intervals between appointments. It may be that the student will feel that a weekly or monthly appointment would be more appropriate for their needs and the Teacher will, of course, work along side the student to facilitate the learning that suits best the requirements of the student.


THE TOOLS THAT MAKE YOGA A POWER FOR CHANGE

Yoga teaches us that the human body or system comprises many different levels and systems. It is not just a physical body, this body breathes to keep us alive, it has senses that help us to recognise what is happening around us, it has a mind an intelligence which it uses to perceive and analyze things in a particular way. We also have different personalities, some are more introverted and quiet others are extraverted, and not forgetting the emotional aspect of the human psyche.

No two people will have the same personalities and emotional makeup neither will they react the same when in difficult or extreme situations. During the consultation the Teacher will have gained the information about the student through observation and discussion to establish the students current needs, the teacher then will consider what to teach the student and what tools or set of tools would be most appropriate and how to apply them.

I list here some of the tools available for the Teacher to use:


    kala             - Time
    desa             - Place
    vayah            - Age
    vritti           - Occupation/activity
    sakti            - Strength/capacity
    marga            - Direction
    dhyanam          - Meditation
    asana            - Postures
    pranayam         - Breath 
    yama             - Social attitudes
    niyama           - Personal attitudes
    pratyahara       - Sensory control
    ahara niyama     - Dietary recommendations
    vihara niyama    - Lifestyle recommendations
    bhavana          - Visualisation
    mantra japa      - Recitation of special sounds/hymns
    mudra            - Use of gestures
    svahyaya         - Self-inquiry through counselling
    yajna            - Ritual







YOGA CHANGES THE QUALITY OF LIFE

What is quality of life? Well it can vary from individual to individual because of our uniqueness. Yoga philosophy understands this and all the teachings give insights on ways of changing ourselves so that we can all experience a more harmonic quality of life. This work has to be done by the individual along with guidance and support from a qualified teacher.

Each one of us has many layers from the gross to the subtle, Yoga gives us the tools to work through these layers bringing a more integrated energy to the whole human experience which, of course, influences our sense of well being. This in turn creates a radiance of acceptance and compassion for ourselves and others making the individual feel happier, healthier and complete.