Shit we Say and Hear in a Yoga Class

Anecdotal Anatomy

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 imagination in the practice of yoga.

00:34:57 - Literal vs Poetic Queuing

The hosts discuss the dance between literal and poetic queuing in yoga. They explain how some cues are more literal and require clear interpretation, while others are more poetic and open to individual imagination. They highlight the importance of offering options to students to better embody the practice.

00:37:25 - Osteoporosis in Yoga

Sherry and Theresa discuss the importance of being mindful of osteoporosis and osteopenia in yoga practice. They encourage students to consult their doctor and offer modifications to avoid undue pressure on the vertebrae. The hosts also share how their queuing has changed after completing anatomy and therapeutics modules in their training.

00:42:23 - Listening to Your Body

The hosts discuss the importance of listening to one's body in yoga practice and the need for a deeper understanding of the language used in queuing. They emphasize the need

00:45:20 - Importance of Awareness and Queuing Techniques

The hosts discuss the importance of awareness and queuing techniques for yoga teachers. They highlight the need for teachers to have an understanding and embodiment of the practices they teach so that they can convey it to their students effectively. They also talk about the challenge of bouncing energies in a collective class, and how simple language can convey complicated meanings.

00:47:37 - Queuing Techniques and Sanskrit Language

In this segment, the hosts delve into the use of Sanskrit language and queuing techniques in yoga. They note that some of the terminology in Sanskrit needs explanation, and as such, there's a teaching that needs to happen within those communications. The hosts also stress the need for teachers to know just how much voice they want in a class and how much silence they want to leave.

00:53:10 - Finding the Right Balance in Teaching

The hosts discuss the challenge of finding the right balance in teaching yoga. They note that while some students might need more queuing, others might prefer a quieter teacher. They also highlight the importance of getting comfortable with one's voice and knowing when to be quiet so that students can be embodied and experience their poses without distraction.

00:54:53 - Personal Practice and Experience

The hosts discuss the importance of personal practice and experience in teaching yoga. They note that personal practice allows for queuing from one's own thoughts and desires, and that in such situations, the difference between thoughts, emotions, experience, and body becomes blurred. They also highlight

01:00:23 - The Importance of Pushing Through Discomfort

Sherry and Theresa discuss the importance of pushing through discomfort in order to grow and experience the capacity of the body to get through uncomfortable situations. They mention how challenges can help us to know what we're capable of and find balance between effort and ease.

01:02:14 - Knowing Your Why

The hosts emphasize the importance of knowing your why in yoga practice. They discuss how our why can shape the message we want to send to ourselves and how finding balance between effort and ease can determine the level of challenge we need.

01:03:01 - The Satisfaction of Accomplishment

Sherry talks about her natural tendency to let things be easy and how challenging herself in physical situations has helped her to know what she's capable of. The hosts discuss how challenges can provide a sense of satisfaction and allow for growth.

01:04:29 - The Challenge of Staying Still

The hosts explore the challenge of staying still in the context of yin yoga. They mention how staying still can bring up discomfort in the body and mind, but also provide an opportunity to sit with emotions and thoughts that arise.

01:06:22 - Dyslexic Cow Joke and Promotions

The hosts end with a dyslexic cow joke and promote upcoming events, including a virtual experience and a retreat. They thank their listeners and encourage them to send in their stories, questions, and comments.

Our Amazing Team:

Judith George - Editor (video & audio)

Keith Kenny - Music

Cindy Fatsis - Photography