Does this feel familiar?—You’ve been teaching a group of students for a while, and you’re seeing signs that they’re bored with the “same old poses.” One or two of them might even have said so, or lobbied for more advanced poses. What should you do? All of us have experienced this to some degree, but when I read David (Uddhava) … Read More
In addition to instructing teenage dancers in Ananda Yoga (Yoga for Teens Part 1), I also had the opportunity at Langley Fine Arts School to teach a group of beginners, grades 10 & 11, from a Western Civilizations Class who were already familiar with studying different cultures, religions, and spiritual paths. Because Ananda Yoga is richly filled with deep spiritual … Read More
Swami Kriyananda, the founder of Ananda and of Ananda Yoga, was a wellspring of wisdom and inspiration for teachers of any subject. His teaching style balanced deep insights with common sense, and inspiration with practicality—all delivered with delightful humor. I am endlessly grateful to him—and he in turn always gave credit to his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda. He even said, “Ananda … Read More
I recently had the privilege of teaching Ananda Yoga and meditation to teenagers at my old high school in Fort Langley, BC— a private school uniquely designed where students major in one of the arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Writing, Photography, or Visual Arts)—and focus on that area of interest from grade 8 through 12. During my own years at Langley … Read More
Here is a summary of what’s brand new in Level 1 Ananda Yoga Teacher Training for 2013: Asanas We wanted to inject more variety into the selection of asanas. We already had 31 asanas and didn’t think that trainees could handle more than that, so a few had to move aside to make room for the new ones. Here … Read More
By now you may have heard about the Ananda movie, “Finding Happiness.” Filming concluded in October 2012, and post-production is nearly complete. Those who have seen the “director’s cut” say that it’s fabulous. The grand premiere is at Ananda Village on July 26, 2013. And yes, Ananda Yoga plays a role! Here’s the plot: The global economic crisis and widespread … Read More
Arthur Schnabel, the famous pianist, once said: “The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes — ah, that is where the art resides.” It’s the same in Hatha Yoga: Sure, you want to move into and out of the asanas as well as you can, but if you want more than just exercise, … Read More
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Start by sitting against a wall with legs extended in front, and with a blanket or sticky mat rolled up under the knees. The roll under the knees is very important as it prevents hyper-extension while contracting the quadriceps muscles, and is helpful in initially locating the vastus medialis (VM). Place your fingertips about one inch above your knee caps, … Read More
Question: Is it time for me to learn more about Ayurveda? How would it enhance my teaching of Ananda Yoga to do so? Answer: Yes! By learning the basics of Ayurveda as it relates to the practice of hatha yoga and meditation, you can help yourself and your students achieve greater balance and harmony in your lives and asana practice, … Read More
