Namaskar July 2010

Teacher’s Voice
George Dovas
break down the deeper
philosophical concepts into
something we can relate to, our
students will find greater meaning
STEP 4: SEQUENCE
When we are bringing philosophy into our yoga classes, we should
have sequences that can be connected to the philosophy we are
trying to present. If our theme is the celebration of our innate
freedom, and the joy of embodiment, it may be a good idea to do
something dynamic. Strong vinyasa, backbends, arm balances all
may have deeply celebratory themes. In the same way if we are
moving into forward bends, we can talk about the benefits of
becoming quiet, or perhaps we could talk about the quality of tapas,
and how it takes real strength to hold poses with integrity for a
long time.
STEP 5: INTERWEAVE
In my Anusara training, we often talk about the spiritual sandwich.
As you may imagine the spiritual sandwich is full of yoga poses in
the middle, with a little spiritual filling in the beginning and at the
end. While this is a great way to begin bringing a deeper meaning
into our yoga practice, it can often leave the students feeling a
separation between the work in our bodies, and the philosophy the
teacher is trying to present. It may take a long time to get really
good at this, but there are a lot of ways that it can be practiced, like
looking at the clock and every 20-30 minutes bring up the theme
again. Another way may be to take specific poses that embody the
theme, and remind the students when it is time to teach those
poses.
STEP 6: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
When we as yoga teachers are trying to bring more depth into our
teachings, we must try all sorts of different ways. As yoga teachers
we are here to inspire, to create and to embody a deeper sense of
freedom and joy. John Friend explains the three most important
qualities of being a teacher as: soft heart, sharp mind, and vibrant
body. When we are trying to deepen our philosophical
foundations as teachers, we use these three qualities to be the best
teachers we can be. Teaching with sensitivity, compassion,
intelligence, strength, and coordination, infused with philosophy
to present some amazing yoga classes to all those
who are fortunate enough to cross our paths.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING ASANA AND WHY?
All asanas are challenging in one way or another.
Along the path of practice, various asanas have challenged me -
physically and mentally. As my practice has developed, my “most
challenging” asana has changed. As my body has changed, the
“most challenging” asana has changed. As circumstances in my life
have changed, my “most challenging” asana has changed.
One of my current “most challenging” asanas is Kurmasana. My
body does not want to hold that pose - my mind wavers and it’s
challenging to find stillness in the pose.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THIS ASANA?
This was a pose that I once used to do with relative ease. This has
taught me that the body is always undergoing physical changes and
what once appeared “easy”, may appear “challenging” tomorrow. It
has taught me not to think of poses too much in the context of
“easy/challenging” and instead to learn the lesson that is for me
from each of the asanas.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR PRACTICE?
To still the fluctuations of the consciousness - some days they are
like a raging river!
Born in Sydney, George Dovas is an Iyengar yoga teacher who has
been living in Hong Kong for 10 years. He recently become the
owner and Director of the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong. He
teaches asana classes and conducts discussions about yoga
philosophy in the Yoga Sutras. george@iyengaryogahongkong.com
22
Benjamin is 34 years old, and for more than
three years has being teaching Anusara yoga at
The Orange Room and Yoga Space in Shanghai,
China. His inspiration comes from amazing
students, the sun that always shines, and his
teacher John Friend.
benjaminfinnerty@gmail.com