As Iyengar teachers, we are trained to observe and correct our students when necessary. 

This is of course more challenging when we have classes virtually, especially when the class is large.

Here are a few things I do to make sure that I am still able to give the feedback and correction they need. 

1. Demonstrate the pose correctly first,  and make sure your students are watching before they start the pose.
2. Go through the pose together
3. Have students do the pose while observing and providing corrections
4. Occasionally spotlight a student to highlight the pose while providing feedback and correction.

4 Tips for Teaching Live Yoga Classes
asamitam

3 things I learned as an expat teacher 

I have had the great opportunity to travel the world and live for extended periods of time out of my birth country. I have experienced and learned different cultural traits and mindsets.
Here are some of the important things I learned over the years.

🧡  It’s important to observe different body types and challenges. This will help you to be a better teacher. Get to know your students, their weaknesses and strengths, and how you can guide them.

🧡  It is important to be aware and respectful of everyone’s culture. For instance, certain cultural norms may have different ways of communicating between the teacher and students. You might find some students more reluctant to ask questions. In a situation like this, you can provide alternative, and more private ways of communications, such as emails or after-class private chats.

🧡  Work with local teachers and integrate with the community, share ideas, learn from their experience and rituals. You will find a richness within each culture that will help inform your teaching.

3 Tips for teaching yoga in a different culture
asamitam

How to prepare to teach a class so that you bring good energy to your students?

Whether you are teaching a workshop in person or hosting a live class, these are some best practices to feel more prepared

🔹  Give yourself time to practice properly before the class.
🔹  Fuel your brain with nutritious food, last meal 2 hours before you start.
🔹  Have the right mindset, we are all learning, even as a teacher. Be prepared for what you will focus on and ready to change the plan depending on how the students show up.

how to bring good energy to your yoga class
asamitam

How to avoid overwhelm and grow as a yoga teacher?

As yoga teachers, we feel overwhelmed sometimes, especially when we are preparing to teach a workshop, or have a full schedule. Here are few tips to avoid it, and continue to advance your yoga practice.
🔷  Maintain your own personal practice. Often time, teachers don’t do their own personal practice but rely on their teaching as their practice
🔷  Get to sleep early, turn off all devices. Good night sleep is vital to cleansing the mind
🔷   Eat healthily and light the previous night if you have a long day of teaching ahead”

How to avoid overwhelm as a yoga teacher
asamitam

“You are a yoga teacher, you must be calm all the time!”

Yoga teachers, do you hear this a lot? 👆

If you ask my family and close friends, they will tell you that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, just like everyone else, we are all human beings. We all have difficulties and challenges in our life. Since finding yoga 30 years ago, I’m able to become more centered and focused, be present in my body and observe my thoughts. So when things get chaotic or when I feel impatient, angry, anxious, by the time I finish my practice. I have a space to let go of negative emotions.
Does yoga help keep you calm and focused? 

Are yoga teachers naturally calm?
asamitam