Instead of saying this…

[Kimberly]

We had an amazing discussion on Feb. 8 related to experiences in classes. The fact that the majority of the conversation was about things teachers said or did and we had very little discussion about the actual components of the class really says a lot, doesn’t it? To this end, rewrite the following cues in a more positive active voice.

• You are not doing this right
• Don’t forget to breathe
• Don’t let your knee extend past your toe
• Don’t worry about everyone else.

Then, please share how you plan to create an environment that is supportive to all in the room using verbal and body language, atmosphere and connection.

[regmarlew63]

1. you are not doing this right…say instead: Be mindful of your form in this pose, you want to be sure your arms are straight out from the shoulder…

2. don’t forget to breathe….say instead: Where is you breath in this pose?

3. don’t let you knee extend past your toe….say instead: to protect your knee, glance down to see that the knee is not past the toe line.

4. don’t worry about everyone else…say instead: wherever you are in this pose it is part of your journey, notice what your body is saying to you.

The environment I would like to create:
If there are students new to yoga, find a discreet way to let them know, if they are not certain with the names or execution of a pose, I will be sure to talk them discreetly through the pose, and to encourage them to use the modifications I speak out.
I plan to do the asanas along with the class, and tell the sanskrit name after instruction into pose. Some students, even experienced ones, do not know all the sanskrit terminology.
Acknowledging, and welcoming students as they enter in and be sure to introduce myself and the style of yoga before starting class.
Be sure the students know I’m available after class if there are any questions.
Tell about where they can purchase yoga equipment.
Encourage them to practice at home between classes. Tell them about free resources, like library videos…
Have humor.
Thank them for their time and effort to attend.
Ask politely, for them to be mindful of others by being on time, turn off cell phones, and lend to a clean and neat environment.
Regina Lewis

[betshellhaas]

1. Instead of pointing out that a student is doing something wrong, I would suggest modifications to make it easier for them to do. I love when a teacher comes around and actually touches you to show you how to get into a pose. I think this would be a great option for someone who maybe has a harder time listening or understanding the cues.
2. I think it is very important to remind students to breathe, especially new students. I think it’s easy to forget about the breath because in most other exercises you do not concentrate on it. I would suggest a cue of “Allow the breath to control your movements” or “follow your breath”. This acknowledges the importance of the breath with the movements.
3. “To build strength we must stack joints. Allow your knee to come directly over your ankle” This would be a great one, as well, for a teacher to go around adjust anybody who may be pushing it too far.
4. “When you are on your mat, it is your time. Allow yourself to find fluidity, meditation and clarity through your practice. Your practice is different from everyone else’s.”

How I plan to create a supportive environment is to welcome everyone into the classroom myself. That connection between teacher and student is important for people who may be nervous about taking the class. I would make sure each student knows exactly what they need for the class and direct them to what they need to do. My body language is open and inviting. The atmosphere is quiet with music in the background. At some point, I truly believe you have to ‘trust the yoga’. Sometimes I think we can get caught up in our head as to whether or not we are giving our students exactly what they need at that time. However, yoga is powerful and brings clarity, meditation and positivity to each one of us, know that our students are receiving this too.

[msinghal]

Meenal Singhal
You are not doing this right:
When I notice this happening, I would offer modifications. “Maybe you can…” or “As another option, you can try… if that feels better in your body.” Or I would come over and ask if I can touch him/her or show the pose to him/her next to him/her by saying, “Allow me to show you how to do this pose safely.”

Don’t forget to breathe:
I have often heard this exact phrase and I don’t find this phrase offensive at all. However, offering constant cues informing when to inhale and when to exhale are important. The focus and importance on breathing is what makes yoga different from a workout. I could also say, “remember to breathe” or “let you breath be your guide”

Don’t let your knee extend past your toe:
“Look down and notice the position of your knee and your ankle. It is best when they are stacked at 90 degrees. This is for your own safety and strength. ”

Don’t worry about anyone else:
“Yoga is your time, your journey. Everyone’s body is different. Each pose will look different on each person. Just do what feels best to you in your body today without worrying about the perfect pose or comparing. Practice ahimsa – nonviolence”

I would do some of the following to create a welcoming environment:
• As students walk in, smile and meet them.
• Play a calming music.
• Inform them of what props they will need.
• Introduce myself at the beginning of class.
• Let them know that this class is judgement-free, non-competitive, all-inclusive. Remind them to practice at
their own pace, coming to child’s pose or any other calming pose as their body desires. This is their
practice. I am only a guide.
• Try to stay relaxed myself (which I have to learn to practice).
• Ask if they are ok with touching and then move around to help during class.
• Encourage and praise often (again something I need to work on).
• Keep the narration simple. Do the pose myself.
• Offer modifications.
• Be available after class.

[KHuttsell]

“You are not doing this right.” Ideas to use instead: “Let’s all take a look at where our bodies are” and re-cue. or “Sometimes I find that I tend to do [this] when I actually should be doing [this]” and demonstrate the change.

“Don’t forget to breathe.” – Ideas to use instead: “Let’s all take an inhale on the next movement, and then exhale together.” or “Sometimes when we are in more constrictive poses we may find it more challenging to breathe. Check in with your breath – are you continuing to breath into the movement?”

“Don’t let your knee extend past your toe” – Ideas to use instead: “Be sure that you can look down and see your big toe over your knee.” or “Look to see if your knee is stacked over your ankle.”

Don’t worry about anyone else.” Ideas to use instead: “When we do yoga, we call it our practice. It is called practice because no one perfects it. We are each on our own unique journey to explore our bodies and the yoga practice. Focus on what you have accomplished and what you enjoy about your personal yoga practice.”

Creating a welcome environment:
• Personally greet each student – especially those who are new to the class or you don’t know
• Acclimate new students to the studio – where props are located, restrooms, beverage station – it can be overwhelming to be new to studio and not know where things are located
• SMILE!!!
• At the beginning of class – let students know what classes/workshops the studio is offering so they are encouraged to return
• Offer students the opportunity to set an intention for their practice if they wish
• Show praise to the class during the practice – i.e. “beautiful everyone”
• Break the class down – “Today we are going to focus on opening the hips” – so students can understand what to expect, where the class is headed and where to check in with their bodies
• Discuss props and modifications and the benefits to incorporating these into your practice
• Calming music, if appropriate for the type of class
• Adjust the heating and lighting to levels appropriate for the comfort of the students
• Let students know when transitions in the class will occur – “We will finish our flow sequence and then move down to the mat.”
• Close the class with something more than just a quick Namaste – either a “thank you for practicing with me today” or “the light in me honors the light in you” – a rushed close seems like the teacher is in a hurry to leave
• Show willingness to speak with students after class

-Karen

[sally200]

I feel that a teacher(guide) begins to create the positive energy as the students arrive, with her greeting. She sets a tone for the class, the positive, active voice starts there.

Here are a few examples of turning theses phrases around.

1) You are not doing this right, turn that around – I would ask the class to watch me for a moment and I would demonstrate the pose and say let’s do this together.

2) Don’t forget to Breathe – a better version could be “ pay attention to your breath.”

3) Don’t let your knee extend past your toe-better version “gaze down and you should see your big toe inside your knee, your knee should be stacked on your ankle, check now to see your big toe”

4) Don’t worry about everyone else- better version “Today is your special morning on your matt, your practice,
Let’s all think of our intention for our practice today,”

[lisaclick48]

LISA CLICK –

You are not doing this right: “If it feels ok to you, try it this way” or “remember to focus on” as the instructor demonstrates the right way to do the pose and perhaps the wrong way too so each student can try to correct their pose on their own. Always using positive verbiage and re-enforcing positive self-talk and acceptance at the same time. “do what you’re able to do today” “tomorrow might be different” “be glad that you are trying something new or learning it a different way” “We are all on our own personal journey”
Don’t forget to breathe: I would refrain from using any negative words as instructors should be the role models of healthy words and actions. I would say ”remember to connect your breathe” or “lets breathe together for the next round….Inhale and exhale” or “focus on where your breathe is during your movement – are you in sync? Does it feel good to you?” or ask “where is your breathe? Are you breathing deeply and filling up your lungs?”
Provoke thought into the students so they start thinking about their own breathe as they incorporate the focus of breathe into their practice

Don’t let your knee extend past your toe: “Check and look down to see where your knee is in reference to your toes. Make sure your knee is directly stacked over your ankle, so you are safe in this pose”
Don’t worry about anyone else: You are different than your yogi neighbor next to you so remember to focus on yourself. This is a self-journey, self-discovery – it’s important to embrace your journey as you grow and develop into your practice. Anatomy is different, and everyone is on this journey differently so embrace your own pace and progress…

I would do some of the following to create a welcoming environment:

1) Be present before students arrive so you are ready and prepared to be in instructor mode
2) Greet and make eye contact with each student, ask if they have any concerns or issues if they are new
3) Be engaged to all students when they arrive and be observant on their energy and mannerisms which sets the tone of the class
4) Setting expectations at the beginning of class is critical to ensure everyone is getting the same message – any updates, props that can be used along with modifications, purpose of the yoga class with focus of safety is highest of importance. Mention the card near them for yes or no touching. Anything else yoga type specific
5) Music should fit the type of yoga practice as well as lightening thru out the class duration
6) In eyesight, ask again a student if they are ok with you touching them before you move forward into their private space
7) Speak clearly the steps to do the pose and demonstrate those steps
8) Provide modifications to various poses that could be a safety or health issue for any student
9) Remind students to be careful moving or transitioning from one pose or getting out of a pose to avoid injury
10) Remind students that they should not be in any pain and modifications can still be providing great benefits to them
11) Encouraging words throughout the class and words to provoke thought in students such as self-care and gratitude of self for being there in class
12) Share affirmations, intentions, or statements and include a bit of yoga history – incorporate these if and when it makes sense based on energy of class
13) Express gratitude to your students and gratitude of self, gratitude is a big piece of healing and positive focus
14) Provide an experience where students feel safe and excited about their own personal journey so they want to return to their mat in your class
15) Be in instructor mode even after class end for questions or concerns

[EmilyD]

Emily DeRee

• Instead of “You are not doing this right”, “It might feel better if…”
• “Don’t forget to breathe.” I don’t think I’ll cue it this way, rather remind people to inhale/exhale as we move through poses. If you say it enough, it starts to stick. I also like when teachers say the breath sounds beautiful.
• Instead of “Don’t let your knee extend past your toe,” I think it sounds better to cue to bend the front leg, keeping the the knee over the ankle.
• Instead of “Don’t worry about everyone else,” I like “if it’s in your practice…” or remind students that balance can be off from day to day, one side of the body might be more flexible than the other (or whatever is appropriate for the pose).

I think the best way to create an environment that is supportive to everyone in the room is to teach to the lowest level and cue modifications/suggestions to meet the needs of those more advanced. I always feel like I’ve improved when I’m in a class that is lead that way, even I’m doing the same level of work that I did the day before. If it’s the other way around (starting with a difficult pose and dumbing it down), I don’t leave with the same positive feeling.

For atmosphere, I think music selection, as well as volume, is very important. Music sets the tone for the class and really helps with the energy. I want to keep the music at a level where people realize it’s there, but aren’t straining to hear cues over it.

To create connection, I plan to just be myself. I’ve had people tell me for years that I am easy to talk to. I think if I try to be anything else, it will come of as fake and not sincere.

[CindyHurst]

Rewrite the following cues in a more positive active voice.

o You are not doing this right

May I suggest a modification? Are you OK if I adjust you? Is that OK?

May I get you a block? It might help you feel more aligned and comfortable in this pose.

o Don’t forget to breathe

Connect with the breath. Link the breath to the movement.

o Don’t let your knee extend past your toe

I like that you’ve gotten so deep into the pose. See what it feels like to lengthen your stance and align your knee over your ankle.

o Don’t worry about everyone else.

The poses are going to look different in everyone’s body. Make this your own yoga practice; do what feels good for your body today.

Then, please share how you plan to create an environment that is supportive to all in the room using verbal and body language, atmosphere and connection.

By being friendly and welcoming. By connecting with students in the class. By providing clear cues so students know and understand the poses. By creating a warm, safe environment so students can feel comfortable making the practice their own. By promoting an environment where, as long as the student is not in danger of getting hurt, as Mary Coleman says, all poses are legal. Encouraging students to focus and honor what their body needs today. And helping students with the transition of their physical practice to include the spiritual aspect of their yoga practice.

[LAD92761]

• You are not doing this right: as we come into the pose, make sure your…, in order to get the most out of this pose, see if your…and if not, let’s sdjust.
• Don’t forget to breathe: let’s come back to your breathe, inhale up, exhale release, beautiful breathe everyone inhale up, exhale down, breathe with your moves
• Don’t let your knee extend past your toe: let’s all take a moment and see if you can see your big toe, if not then adjust your knees back so you can
• Don’t worry about everyone else: as you find movement, thank yourself for coming to your mat today. You are right where you are supposed to be. As you focus on your breathe and your movement, be content just as you are. Remember we are all so different so focus on what works for your body.

Then, please share how you plan to create an environment that is supportive to all in the room using verbal and body language, atmosphere and connection.
I plan to have a few go to cues, to remind everyone they are just where they need to be, warm encouraging cues and smiles to each person throughout the class. I’m hoping to connect with warmth in my body language to those that wish to receive. I will play music before class as everyone enters to create a calm space. I’m also thinking of a chalk board with the class focus written so they see if as they are setting up. Lori Davis

[heatherfly]

1. Instead of saying “you’re not doing this right” maybe I’d say, “I see where you’re going with this. Maybe if you adjust in this way you’ll find the opening/stretch this pose offers”

2. Instead of saying, “don’t forget to breathe” maybe I’d say, “breathe,” or “keeping in mind the breath in every movement and posture,” or “if you find you’re holding your breath, bring your mind back to your breath and allow it to be a part of this pose.”

3. Instead of saying, “don’t let your knee extend past your toes” maybe I’d say, “take care of your alignment, being sure your knee is over your ankle. This will protect your knees so notice this with care.”

4. Instead of saying, “don’t worry about everyone else” maybe I’d say, “notice how this feels in your body,” or “everyone will look and feel different in every point of a practice so there may not be a value in comparing your pose with anyone else’s,” or “in this time you’ve set aside for your practice, it is of great value to turn inward. If you notice you’re comparing yourself to others, that’s ok, but bring yourself back inward so you receive the full benefit of today’s practice.”

Forgive me if this is a repeated post, I wrote and then lost it somehow…

I enjoy classes led by warm and welcoming instructors who ask my name and acknowledge all the people individually. I’ll hopefully remember to offer modifications constantly so each part of the practice is available comfortably for all participants. I think music at the right volume is so helpful but that is subjective so I’ll do my best with music knowing it won’t be just right for all participants. I also will make space for everyone. Literally and figuratively. Literally because I am most often just on time and not early so I know the feeling of having to find space. Often the goodwill of others prevails but sometime I would like help from the teacher in finding space. I’ll be sensitive to that with students. Figuratively I’ll help others find space by leading them through a practice, reminding them at intervals to turn inward and notice their experience.

[Beth]

This question is interesting to me as I attend more classes in different place and speak to people about their yoga experiences, because I realize that my version of relaxed or calm in a space and environment, may be very different from my students. I like a clean, open space, with soft lighting, soft music or no music, essential oils, slightly warm, but some fresh air flowing into the room, with little outside distractions. I imagine I will want to create a space similar to what I like, but I have to consider the preferences of my students at the same time. I think some things, like soft lighting and open space are ok, but music is a challenge and setting the overall tone of the class is intimidating to me.
I think welcoming people, preferably by name, and making sure everyone has props would be a start. I have been told by my students at the college and in previous jobs that I have a natural skill to make others comfortable, but I find myself questioning my ability in the yoga classroom. I need to trust my natural ability to connect with people and be encouraging, approachable even though I’m teaching something new. The environment or space where I may be teaching could vary or not be how I imagine, so it’s important to stay flexible and find ways in all spaces to make people feel accepted and encouraged in their practice. This to me really means the way in which I speak to my students and acknowledge them when the arrive, when they are doing well, and when they leave class.

The way I would modify the following statements:

• You are not doing this right – “Can I offer a suggestion to you in this pose?” OR “I have an idea about how to adjust this pose for you”
• Don’t forget to breathe – “Remember to breathe” OR “Find your breath in this pose” OR “See if you can return to your breath here”
• Don’t let your knee extend past your toe – “Take a look down at your mat and see if you can see your big toe over top of your knee” OR “Peek down over your knee to see if you can still see your toes and gently ease your knee back until you can”.
• Don’t worry about everyone else. “You can close your eyes if that feels good” OR “Yoga is a personal practice and will look slightly different for each person in each pose”

[dooley]

Instead of say “you are not doing this right” you can demonstrate the pose and give cues to where you body is suppose to. For example when you are in Warrior 2, you can cue them to keep your knee over the ankle and keeping your weight pushed through the pinky side of the back

Instead of saying, “Don’t forget to breath”. I would cue them to inhale and exhale or give cues for them to notice their breath when moving through the poses.

Instead of saying “Don’t let your knee extend past your toe, you can cue them to keep their knee inline with their ankle.

Instead of saying, “Don’t worry about everyone else, When you on your mat it is all about you. You listen to what your body is telling you and go with that feeling. Everyone is unique and will look differently to everyone else.

How I plan to create an environment that welcome all everyone is to meet everyone at the door and make them feel they are walking into a safe and comfortable environment, but introducing myself and asking them questions about themselves. I will provide clear cues with suggestions to help them get into the pose. Play music that will help them stay calm and focused. Give encouraging words throughout the class to let them know this is a non-judgemental environment. Also as the students are packing up go around and talk the students to see how they feel, what did they enjoy, and did the struggle with anything that you may offer some suggestions to help them the next time they come in. Thank them for coming and you look forward to seeing them in the next class.

[melross1]

• You are not doing this right. Verbal cues would be great to help the entire class. Normally saying make a small adjustment, most people will look at their alignment and make adjustments.
• Don’t forget to breathe
Say one breath per movement. Or nice breath as a reminder to breath.
• Don’t let your knee extend past your toe.
Stack your a knee over your ankle.
• Don’t worry about everyone else.
This is you safe space. Each person is different. There is no competition or judgement here.
Then, please share how you plan to create an environment that is supportive to all in the room using verbal and body language, atmosphere and connection.

During centering I say things like “your mat is your magic carpet for the next 60 minutes. I’m going to guide you thru this. No judgement or competition.” I will give you cues to keep you safe and help you with proper alignment.
Thru the class I give little reminders this is their practice and their body.

[Author]

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