2 April Ray Child April 2, 2012 Our Five Teaching Principles Hot Yoga consistent, engaged, kind and grateful, observant, teaching principles, yoga values 2 Comments At Sunstone Yoga, our vision is to become one of the world’s most influential fitness associations who transforms the very idea of fitness from isolated physical activity into an integrated body, mind and life practice. In order to work towards this we need Students. :) A solid team of teachers who believe in our vision and embody our values. We want our students to know how committed we as instructors are to their experience, to creating change, to helping them cultivate their very best self. This is our mantra. This is what sets us apart. Be Consistent - Our first principle is consistency. Fostering this within ourselves and demonstrating it during class helps our students avoid self-doubt as they develop their own consistent yoga practice. Consistency is also part of the respect and encouragement we extend to each other as a team. Be Observant - Without sacrificing consistency, we must respond to what we observe. Being a good teacher is not about saying more but about seeing more –this helps us refine the subtleties of our teaching skills. Careful observation enables us to consistently deliver dynamic instruction to our students. Be Kind and Grateful - Our first acts of kindness are to be consistent and observant. Our students have busy lives, and they make a special effort to prioritize attending our classes. They have earned our kindness during our time with them, and we are grateful for their loyalty. Be Engaged - To be mindfully engaged with our students is the culmination of all of our principles, and the key to endless possibility. A teacher without students is not a teacher. When we realize this, there is no room for conflict–it is replaced with a shared energy and passion. Engagement ultimately empowers us to lead classes that are the highlights of our students’ lives during our shared quest for excellence. Related Articles Discover Sunstone… Orientation is where it’s at! Have you ever thought about why beginning something new, or even picking back up something you have done before, is often a source of anxiety? Maybe it is because there is little frame for expectations of this fresh experience, because looking like the new kid can be embarrassing, or maybe it is just because a new path can often feel lonely. Fundamental Movements Are Fundamental movements are… wait for it… FUNDAMENTAL. That is they form a necessary base or core; of central importance. Every class or program you take that utilizes movement relies on your ability to do fundamental movements. Spotlight: Lisa Owens, Yoga Teacher - Dallas TX Lisa Owens has been with SunstoneFIT for 13 years. In this time, she has dedicated her teaching to empowering and inspiring our students from all walks of life. From newbies to life-long yogis, Lisa offers something for everyone in each of her classes. When asked about what Lisa brings to Sunstone, Jodie Hudson (SunstoneFIT SR Director) says, “Lisa has been with Sunstone a very long time. She is committed, dedicated, and her students always leave her class feeling great!” Born to Move Since the recent NYT article “How yoga Can Wreck Your Body.” I have seen a number of comments on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and via email. On the one hand I was sad that yoga (in general) was getting bad press as I personally know of the positive effects it brings to many people’s lives. On the other hand I felt a sense of vindication for 10 years of standing strong on: Designated Manager Recognition Have you ever thought about what or who really makes Sunstone’s studios run? Managers, an integral part of the studio life force, a center point that gives energy while keeping things on track. We couldn't do it without them! How to Be a Good Student Dear Student, It is an honor and privilege to guide you through your practice each day you’re in my class. Teachers do not exist without students. It is through you that I am able to refine my craft. My hope is that every time you leave the studio you feel fulfilled, in a different mindset than you entered and empowered with more knowledge about yourself and your practice. Comments are closed.