Shit we Say and Hear in a Yoga Class

This episode was inspired by the language of Yoga in the West. Words matter! We hoped it would bring up the humor we share on the mat. Since spontaneity is the cornerstone of casual conversations, we often find ourselves traveling in unexpected directions.

FYI: We will be hosting a FREE 90-minute DYE - Discover Your Excellence on the Art of Slowing Down on Saturday, 6/17/23 from 11am - 12:30pm via Zoom. We would love to see you there! Check out the link and sign up!

Below, find the timestamped summary of this episode for reference.

00:00:00 - Introduction

Sherry and Theresa introduce the podcast and the topic for today's episode which is about the phrases and cues commonly heard in yoga classes.

00:02:21 - Namaste

The hosts discuss the significance of the phrase Namaste and its deeper meaning beyond just a greeting, which is to honor and greet the light and love in others.

00:04:33 - Sh*t You Hear in a Yoga Class

The hosts share some common phrases and cues heard in yoga classes, such as "make your gluteus maximus your gluteus minimus" and discuss their effectiveness and potential issues.

00:08:27 - Tucking the Tailbone

The hosts discuss the cue of tucking the tailbone and its potential issues, such as clenching the glutes and reversing the natural curve of the low back. They suggest alternative cues, such as engaging the lower core and lifting the pelvic floor.

00:12:10 - Core and Balance

The hosts emphasize the importance of balance in the body, including six-pack abs and six-pack back, and discuss the challenge of getting in touch with inner muscles, such as the pelvic floor and core.

00:14:49 - Engaging the Core and Finding Your Voice

Sherry and Theresa discuss the importance of engaging the core and the different ways to cue it effectively. They also touch upon the significance of finding one's authentic voice as a teacher, which involves knowing one's strengths and limitations.

00:18:37 - Embodiment and Communication

The hosts talk about the importance of embodiment and how it relates to effective communication in yoga. They share their experiences with different teacher training methods and emphasize the need for teachers to understand their own bodies and limitations.

00:23:22 - Understanding Student Needs

Sherry and Theresa discuss the challenges of teaching beginners and the importance of understanding student needs. They stress the need for teachers to be honest about their own limitations and to continuously learn and grow as practitioners.

00:26:02 - Managing Classes and Overcoming Ego

The hosts discuss the challenges of managing classes and avoiding egotistical tendencies as a teacher. They share personal experiences of getting caught up in student-led discussions and the importance of staying true to the curriculum and maintaining integrity as a teacher.

00:30:08 - Queuing in Yoga

Sherry and Theresa discuss queuing in yoga and the importance of being mindful of how cues are interpreted by students. They emphasize the need for discernment and the importance of not vilifying props and blocks. Communication and listening to students are also highlighted as key aspects of effective queuing.

00:31:34 - Breathing in Yoga

The hosts discuss the importance of breath in yoga and the use of poetic language in queuing. They share humorous anecdotes of students interpreting cues literally and emphasize the power of...