In the ever-evolving landscape of yoga, the journey of a teacher is as rich and layered as the practice itself. As a yoga instructor, you carry not only the responsibility of guiding students through asanas but also the opportunity to create a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their bodies and minds. To uplevel your teaching, you will propel your skills forward when you learn the art of assisting.
A 200 hour simply cannot cover this aspect of teaching adequately and you need to have time to practice on other colleagues, not your students. I shudder at my first year of assists, the trainer did not instruct the anatomical intention of poses and trauma-informed was in its early developmental stage. It’s essential to deepen your understanding of two critical aspects: trauma-informed adjustments and the anatomical intention behind the poses.
Understanding Trauma-Informed Assisting
Trauma-informed yoga recognizes that many students might come to the mat carrying emotional or physical traumas. As teachers, it’s crucial to approach assisting with sensitivity and awareness. Here are several principles to guide you:
Create a Safe Space: Before any adjustments, establish a safe environment. This includes ensuring that students feel comfortable with hands-on assistance and establishing clear communication. Encourage students to express their preferences regarding touch and help them feel empowered in their practice. Use consent tokens and verbally check for consent again before you touch anyone.
Use Language Mindfully: Your words hold immense power. Use affirming, inclusive language to invite students into poses or offer verbal adjustments. Phrases like “If it feels good for you” or “You can explore this option” can foster a sense of autonomy. Also cues can allow students to make their own self-adjustments. Let students know up front that you do not do strong assists - only light or gentle touch.
Observe Body Language: Pay attention to your students’ non-verbal cues. If someone appears tense or resistant, it’s essential to back off and respect their space. Teach your students to be in tune with their bodies and encourage them to listen to their intuition about assistance.
Empower Through Education: Help students understand how poses work and the benefits they offer. When students feel educated about the poses and adjustments, they may be more receptive to guidance and less likely to feel vulnerable.
Practice Consent: Always ask for permission before providing hands-on assistance. A simple, “May I assist you?” can go a long way in making students feel secure and respected. Or “May I touch your mid-back?”
Use a block instead of your hands to assist someone, especially if there are gender or trauma concerns.
The Importance of Anatomical Intention
Understanding the anatomical intention behind each pose will enhance your effectiveness as a teacher and your students' experience. Here’s how to integrate anatomical knowledge into your practice:
Study Anatomy: Invest time in learning about the body’s structure, common alignment issues, and how various poses impact different muscle groups. Resources like anatomy books and workshops can be invaluable in expanding your understanding.
Connect Anatomy to Assists: When you assist, have a clear intention from an anatomical perspective. For example, if you’re assisting in a downward dog, we are lengthening the back body - the spine and legs. Whereas, the shoulders are building in strength in this pose. Your assistance should reflect not only the intention of the pose in the sequence but also, what is happening in the muscles - short versus long muscle strengthening. We want to help students find anatomical alignment without forcing their bodies.
Offer Modifications: Not everybody fits into a textbook interpretation of a pose. Knowing the anatomical intentions allows you to offer modifications that respect each individual’s body. Tailoring adjustments ensures that all students can experience the benefits of yoga, regardless of their unique physical challenges.
Incorporate Functional Movements: Encourage students to explore how their bodies move within the poses. Teach them how to engage muscles purposefully and use anatomical principles to support their alignment.
Foster an Anatomy-Centric Mindset: Engage your students in discussions about anatomy within their practice. Encourage them to ask questions about how their bodies move and what they feel in different poses. This exploration fosters a deeper connection to their practice and enhances their understanding.
Conclusion
By integrating trauma-informed practices with a robust understanding of anatomy, you can profoundly impact your students' yoga journeys. This dual approach allows you to assist with integrity, raising the level of safety and connection in your classes. As you continue to grow in your teaching, remember that the goal is to not only guide your students through asanas but also to empower them in their bodies and minds.
Embrace this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills, and watch as your teaching transforms, allowing your students to experience the fullness of yoga in a more profound and supportive environment. Happy teaching!
This is just a taste of the depth that we cover in our Art of Assisting program, you can take our next training or learn more here.
Question for Trainers:
How do you currently integrate trauma-informed techniques and anatomical understanding into your teaching, and what challenges have you faced in creating a supportive environment for your students? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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