Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

Yoga for Addiction and Recovery with Margaret Kirshner

Margaret shares important things yoga teachers should know about addiction and recovery, what we can do to support our students who are struggling with these issues, and simple techniques for helping all our students build resilience.   Highlights An inclusive definition for addiction. The different forms addiction may take and who is at risk. How yoga can help those suffering from addiction How addiction and trauma are related CRM community resiliency model (how to return to resiliency) Margaret’s advice for yoga teachers in how to support people in addiction and recovery Signs of stress and signs of recovery Invitation for Inspired ActionTechniques we invite you try in your classes: Offer pauses to check in Cue interoceptive awareness (locate and track sensations inside as they shift). Ask the question “What are you feeling on the inside right now?” Use a countdown in challenging poses to help people learn to tolerate discomfort   Links and Resources The Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Margaret’s Website

[Reality Check] Teaching Yoga Full-time vs Part-time

Many yoga teachers dream of making their entire living from teaching yoga, but is the reality of that idea really so appealing? In this episode, Mado breaks down the nitty gritty of what it takes to be a full time yoga teacher and also a few reasons you might want to stick to part time.   Highlights The reasons yoga teachers go full time and why some prefer part time. The realities of being an entrepreneur. The conflict between practicing yoga and teaching yoga as a business. The dangers along the path of being a full time yoga teacher. The reasons I choose to be a yoga entrepreneur anyway. 4 questions to ponder in deciding whether or not full time is for you. Links and Resources The Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Schedule a strategy session with Mado

Anatomy and Physiology of Breathing with Dr Crystal Frazee

Dr Crystal Frazee, physical therapist and yoga teacher, shares the essentials of what she believes every yoga teacher should know about the physiology of breathing. This includes why we breath, how we breath, and how to properly teach breathing to our students. Highlights Introduce foundational respiratory mechanics and physiology translate the anatomy and science to common pranayama practices apply pain science and knowledge of the stress response to help people relieve pain through breathing practices learn the habit loop and why it's important when teaching breathing practices gain confidence that you are teaching safe, sound pranayama practices that heal and don't harm   Links and Resources The Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group Crystal’s Website Graduate School Of Behavioral Health Sciences (where Crystal studied breathing mechanics) Breathing Basics Handout Breathing assessment worksheet *note- this worksheet is laid out as a diagnostic tool, however yoga teachers are not qualified to make diagnoses. If you download this worksheet, you agree to use this for your own education and as a tool to evaluate whether or not to refer a client or student to a clinician for diagnosis.   Breathing assessment worksheet *note- this worksheet is laid out as a diagnostic tool, however yoga teachers are not qualified to make diagnoses. If you download this worksheet, you agree to use this for your own education and as a tool to evaluate whether or not to refer a client or student to a clinician for diagnosis.

How to Succeed As a Yoga Teacher by Focusing on Cooperation Over Competition

Mado and Shannon Crow talk about competition among yoga teaches. They share how and why yoga teachers can use yogic principles to guide their actions, especially when faced with the challenges of competition, jealousy, and scarcity. Highlights The brahmaviharas and how they guide our interactions with others Why yoga teachers benefit from a specific niche What do do when a feeling of competition or envy comes up The hidden benefits of jealousy Links and Resources The Yoga Teacher Resource Facebook Group The Connected Yoga Teacher - Shannon’s Website  

Do Yoga Teachers Really Need A Website?

Mado draws on her former roles as freelance web designer and web project manager to help you decide whether or not you really need a website as a yoga teacher. She will share the potential benefits and possible pitfalls to creating and managing your own website, the most essential features to include on a yoga teacher website, and the top 3 mistakes yoga teachers make when creating their first website.   Highlights My background in web design Which yoga teachers do not need a website at all Why the rest of you need a website Who can (and should) get away with a super minimalist website Essential components of a super minimalist website What you need to do BEFORE you invest in a more complex website 4 basic choices for creating your website Links and Resources *please note that some of these may be affiliate links, which means that if you sign up with them I may make a small commission. This does not change your cost and helps support the podcast.  Some reputable website hosts HostGator BlueHost Free DIY wordpress website training

Getting Hired at a Yoga Studio w/ Jennifer O’Sullivan

Jennifer O’Sullivan spent 5 years as the hiring manager for an urban yoga studio in the DC metropolitan area. In this episode she shares insider tips and tricks for getting noticed and getting hired. We also dive into the world of the yoga studio business model and what it’s like on the other end.   Highlights Understanding the yoga studio marketplace and why being professional and putting best foot forward matters Market pressures on yoga studio Saturation of teachers If you want a career teaching yoga, you have to treat it that way Studio owners/hiring managers are very busy, they wear many hats, and manage many right and left-brain tasks that aren’t common in other businesses.        The thought process that owners and teacher managers go through when they receive a teaching inquiry: Is this person a good fit?     Is this person qualified to teach what they say they can teach?         When is this person available? How the process generally works, keeping in mind that all studios are a bit different   You inquire, hopefully not too much back and forth b/c you provided all the relevant info up front. You will likely be invited to audition or if you are already teaching somewhere the hiring person my came to your class (don’t expect this!) Initially you are likely to be invited to join the sub list which gets you in the door for openings when they come up. Usually studios fill class spots from within.   Inspired Action: Get your Resume updated (or make your first draft if you don’t have one yet). Download our bonus printable checklist to make sure yours is on point.   Links and Resources Jennifer’s Website Join the conversation on the private Facebook group for this podcast Bonus: YTR Printable Resume Checklist

Ahimsa as an Ethical Framework for Dealing with Difficult Situations w/ Anna Ferguson Robas

Mado and Anna have a conversation about how to make ethics from the yamas and niyamas a part of your daily yoga practice. Highlights   Ethics are the foundation of a stable & consistent yoga practice. Reframing Ethics:   Reframing the Yamas/Niyamas can lead to deeper understanding. Yamas/Niyamas are key to mental health. Ethical frameworks bring empowerment.   Ethics of Yoga over a Lifetime of Practice:   Our understanding and application of ethics changes over time. Deepening our understand of ethics can guide us through uncertain times. The practice of welcoming states of confusion as opportunities can be very helpful in moving through them. “Grow through what we go through.” A clear understanding of ethics is the key to opening the door to greater happiness through clear comprehension.   Compassion is Key:   Compassion practice is Ahimsa, or non-violence. As we grow, we can suffer from harsh self-criticism and criticism from and for others. Self Compassion and Compassion towards others are equally as important as you begin the practice of yoga. As we begin to practice, we integrate all the parts of ourselves, and a strong guiding framework is key to lead us through the times we lose our way.   Personal Reflection Questions:   How do I practice ethical standards in my life? How has ethics played a role in my teaching so far? Do I consciously practice compassion in my life?   Links and Resources Refresher overview of the yamas and niyamas Download for the extended version of Anna’s compassion meditation. Tara Brach David Foster Wallace 'This is Water'

Keeping Your Classes Fresh

Strategies to stay fresh and inspired - and what to do if they don’t work. Highlights A mindset shift to help you think about this topic in a new way and hopefully ease any anxiety you might have around it. The two key techniques for keeping your teaching fresh and inspired. What to do if these techniques stop working. Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource private facebook group.     Self-inquiry/gut check questions to ask yourself: How many days per week are you getting on your mat? How many days would you ideally like to be practicing? On a scale of one to 10 on average how inspired do you feel during your personal practice? Which of the ideas to revitalize your practice sound fun or interesting to you? Write down at least ONE idea that sounds fun or inspiring to you. As an option post your practice plan for the week on the private facebook group for this podcast. If you haven’t joined yet, go to teachingyoga.net and click the join our community tab.

Inspiration and Intention

Mado is interviewed by life coach Michelle Ashley as she shares her inspiration and intention for this podcast. Highlights How Mado first started practicing yoga and her surprising first yoga teacher How Mado almost got derailed from becoming a yoga teacher The project that inspired Mado to start this podcast Mado’s advice for new yoga teachers Plans for future episodes Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource private facebook group.   Michelle’s website

Introduction to the Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

A quick introduction to the concept of the Yoga Teacher Resource podcast. Highlights The Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast was created to help yoga teachers Build their knowledge Connect to other teachers Hear new perspectives Stay inspired to practice and to teach Links and Resources Yoga Teacher Resource private facebook group.