Often, students coming to your yoga classes are in a state of sensory overload. The constant stream of information we’re exposed to through radio, television and internet, and the challenges of our jobs and relationships can leave people exhausted and immune to hearing. Your job is to figure out how to cut through the chatter in their heads to seal the connection between what they hear and what you want them to do. So, for instance, when you say, “Bring your feet together,” you want to see them step the inner edges of their feet together. Try it in class this week; make that request and then look at your students. Notice the variation among students. Some of it might be due to anatomy; for some people standing with the feet completely together is uncomfortable. But for some, it’s because they aren’t listening. They may be looking around. They might be concerned about what’s going to come next. They’re self-conscious. They’re worried they won’t be able to keep up. They’re thinking they have to push themselves to get the most benefit out of the class. The other factor that directly speaks to the idea of sensory overload is the need to speak clearly and succinctly. You can say, “Bring the inner edges of your feet together, feel the edges pressing and make sure they’re completely together,” or you can stay, “Bring your feet together.” As teachers, we often make a request and then repeat it in a variety of ways, either because we feel the need to keep speaking or we hope that in one version or another, it’ll hit the students correctly. But this conversational style can mimic what students are already getting in the rest of their life; that constant stream of information where nothing really sticks and its just background noise. Instead, try saying it once and look at your class. If the majority hasn’t taken the desired action, say it again. After that, move on. For instance: Words/Phrases to create Action Karen teaches in studios, schools, training centers and businesses in Boston. She teaches anatomy for yoga teachers in a variety of teacher training programs. She also has a teacher mentorship program and writes for a variety of yoga related websites. She self-published her first book, “Stretched: Build Your Yoga Business, Grow Your Teaching Techniques,” in July, 2014. Her book, DVD and schedule are all available on www.amazon.com.
