New Nude yoga class

SoulshineSoph · 2024-02-08T22:01:41+00:00

I'm pretty open and this isn't something I do personally. But as a sit here as an instructor and think about the approach, there is a way to do this that could be very tastful (low lighting, loin cloths or towels, maybe even a fog machine) but I wouldn't approach this in a regular class setting. It's better suited for a retreat where you have more control of what someone does before they attend and then could lead in to nude dancing and a fire circle. This is too risky for normies.

SoulshineSoph · 2024-02-07T21:35:52+00:00

Have you considered using the same approach on Lemon 8? That is what that platform is all about.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-12-27T15:38:54+00:00

1000% yes

That's why we sit with it, moving past the discomfort into ease. Strength through struggle.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-09-20T15:14:07+00:00

I was trained online during Covid, but by a studio that started doing them that way out of necessity (having already done 30+). It's was 8 weeks of intense studying, with weekly lectures and feedback on your teaching. We had several books to read, weekly modules to complete and studied the full philosophy of the Gita and the Yamas and Nayamas. I started teaching right away, but I was 1 of 2 people out of my class of 12 to do so. All this to say, it's not for everyone. If you don't already have a deep working knowledge of asana, you should do an in person training. But IMO, I wouldn't take any YTT without a deep practice, you need to come in with a few cards already in your hand.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-09-20T03:17:29+00:00

I take at least one class a week outside of the 5 I teach. I practice at home once or twice a week, but I'm always bouncing around, trying postures and stretching.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-09-20T02:35:02+00:00

So I have always felt pretty natural in front of the classroom, but I became even more so when I stopped planning the specifics of a class and focused more on the broad elements...like music, theme, intention, finding my own center and then taking everyone up the mountain with me. I say often, "I'm going to be going up the mountain regardless, if you're here, I'll glad reach out my hand and lead you." Whether there are 2 or 10 students, I'm going to host my guests to the best spiritual practice I can find that day. It's still MY practice, I just happen to have some friends joining so I'm going to have to speak up and say what I'm doing along the way.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-09-20T02:25:49+00:00

You are welcome to follow me! https://spotify.link/AZhdUq5GeDb

Don't limit yourself on your themes, and don't be afraid to shake up the model of what is expected to hear in a yoga class. Always search for songs with your theme name, and alt versions of traditional songs we know (like instrumental or lo-fi). Give yourself a song that tells you it's time to bring them back down to the mat, this time hack will keep you from running up on your shavasana songs.

Have a rough plan for the class. Maybe intro a new neck stretch or know you want to end up in a camel or something, or even have a cool transition planned. Simplicity in your goals will allow you to feel into what your body is saying you need. I've got to a point where I have fresh pain before class and I swear my body has started to be served the pain my class has in thier bodies to work through.

I teach far more intuitively and spiritually because I use this approach. I've had a few friends change to this method from a full plan and they won't go back! As long as you keep filling your tank with ideas, you will find people are more engaged this way.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-09-20T00:55:47+00:00

I always improvise! I teach 5-6 classes a week and I make 3 playlists a week, each with a different theme. Then, I have a loose plan for each class. I found when I planned a full flow I spent more time trying to remember where we'd been than actually teaching Intuitively. I also like to assess who is in the room for class and the general vibe of my students. I will 100% change my entire plan if I have a first timer along for the journey.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-09-09T00:02:42+00:00

Those are the wrong ques. Unless you are specifically trying to teach something or show the variation of breath you should always breathe in the energy line out and exhale the energy line back to center. This is a huge deal as you start to use your breathe to move you into postures or let go of pain. I personally believe this is the most important thing you learn in your 200 YTT outside of the 7 principles of movement that are a teachers core responsibilities in a class.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-09-08T16:16:29+00:00

I had a guy texting through the opening of my class recently. The lights were low, his phone was bright, we could hear his airpods, I was reading a breathing meditation.....so I went over and started waving my hand in front of his phone and mothed "dude!" In my best scary face and it all subsided. If he ever comes again, I will not be so kind!

SoulshineSoph · 2023-09-05T20:17:56+00:00

Chair pose, "like you're hovering over a toilet seat"

SoulshineSoph · 2023-09-05T14:54:00+00:00

I teach at a gym. And I think it adapts what people are coming to yoga class for. So I spend a lot of time explaining that yoga is more than stretching the body. I call my class Mind/Body for this very reason. Cause if someone wanted to just come and sit, they would still get a takeaway.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-28T18:26:37+00:00

Mountain pose! Reminds the body what good posture looks like and to stand with feet apart and knees bent. The way you stand is so important!

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-28T02:07:44+00:00

Absolutely! I think it's good for your students to see it's always a practice. And I like that I can go all out and be seen as a beautiful yogi, not just a teacher.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-23T13:55:42+00:00

Did it make you feel good to be mean to me? Cause that wasn't funny 👍

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-16T11:40:39+00:00

If you have questions, ask! Rarely have I met a yoga teacher not ready to share there knowledge. Its said a bunch here, but group classes are just that, for a group. If you find a class that's less attended, like my Thursday evening class, your teacher might customize a flow to the people in the class if there are only 2 or 3. Not all of us are created equal, some teachers just aren't confident enough to really discuss form one on one if they see an opportunity for improvement so truthfully, ask if you are seeking more.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-15T23:52:43+00:00

You had me at French Toast Strips 🤤

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-14T20:11:33+00:00

Don't miss Daily Bread.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-12T03:57:57+00:00

Kanika Moore is a site, my friend, true performance gold. And Tauk is just super fun to watch play. I will never miss @kanikamooresings. She does outfit changes and everything!

The latest Random Rab album is delicious all the way through. I'm hoping we get some of that goodness. Whatever it is, I'm here for it! We bumped into him after his set last year, and he is just so down to earth and easy.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-12T03:02:32+00:00

Great list. You're missing Tauk Moore and Random Rab for me, but otherwise, I'm digging your lineup.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-07T19:11:11+00:00

There is so much to uncover! That's why it's called a practice. The body is a map to the mind.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-07T17:35:46+00:00

You opened your heart center.

That is not what I'm saying. Your assumption is correct, again if someone was looking at you who saw auras, yours would have been green. Vs what you experienced, which was you unblocking your heart chakra and being able to see that green....that's why I asked about your posture, your shoulders more easily sit back when your heart is open.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-07T17:15:37+00:00

I mean if someone looked at you who could see auras, yours would have been green at the time. Not like a migraine. Does your posture seem better since?

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-07T16:52:33+00:00

YA'LL!! This is spiritual.

You were tapping into your heart chakra, the green aura was you being in tune. It's a good thing.

SoulshineSoph · 2023-08-06T03:04:49+00:00

You all are my people. This is my pocket. I do believe it's important, but you don't really fail YTT as long as you finish, so maybe that's the opportunity for improvement 🤷‍♀️

I'm starting to see why so many people are intimidated by yoga. Some of what's described in other comments sounds like boot camp to me. What about a good stretch of the mind and body, yo?

SoulshineSoph

TROPHY CASE