Many have a preconceived notion that all yoga is created equal. We come to a yoga class and expect to leave there feeling wonderful, grounded and strong. We expect that the teacher instructing the class is properly trained, a spiritual guru that will lead us to health and well-being. The magazines, the media, the advertising leaves us with many mental impressions of the perfect yogi. If practiced, you too can look like those seemingly perfect images in those magazines.
Often, what we don’t realize is that yoga can be harmful to one’s health. Yes, it is true, if not done properly, yoga can harm. And a large percentage of us won’t look like those images on the magazines; just like those wearing designer clothes won’t look like the models that strut on the catwalk. Now, the thought of harm in a yoga class goes against everything we believe to be true about yoga.
If we take the ancient texts and apply the techniques without a full awareness of the full spectrum of yoga, we are in a sense ignorant! As teachers, we are responsible for our students while in our care, and we must do our best to ensure that we give them as many cautions as possible for them to make informed decisions on their mats. The students trust us and expect that we will not put them in harm’s way.
I have taught thousands of classes over the past 6 years and what I have noticed is that students will do exactly as you suggest. That scares me as a teacher and keeps me on my toes. Before I begin a class, I assess the level of ability in the class and go from there. For me, their breathing is what I focus on. If I hear their breathing out of sink or strained, I know they are using unnecessary energy. I reinforce that we are all different and not one of us will hold a posture in the same way — what feels good for me may not feel good for them. While there are texts that give very specific instructions for alignment, not everyone can execute these instructions. There should never be a feeling, in any student, that he or she is pushing past his or her comfort level. And, that includes on a psychological or emotional level. A student may have perfect alignment, but feel very vulnerable on an emotional level while resting in Shavasana.
Some breathing practices can agitate the nervous system. Again, if the teacher is not experienced in the practice of pranayama, the students can be put at risk. In one of the first yoga classes I attended, we practiced what I later learned was an advanced pranayama. I did as the teacher instructed but felt very light headed and agitated.
I always go back to the first limb of yoga, ahimsa, or non-harm. As teachers, we must do our best to ensure the safety of our students to the best of our abilities. Of course, we cannot foresee all situations, but we can give cautions and modifications for most conditions such as high blood pressure, arthritis, knee issues, lower back issues etc. It is important to keep learning, keep upgrading so that we, as teachers, are well informed.
The bottom line is yoga can enhance our life. It can bring about well-being, but it must be practiced with patience and an awareness that each of us, while having similar characteristics, is an individual with unique needs.
Safety is an ongoing process while teaching but, with observation and an understanding of your students and their abilities, I feel you can keep the practice safe and beneficial.
Audrey O'Marra