The practice of yoga is a living and breathing tradition. As our knowledge of anatomy and movement evolve, the way that we teach our students through verbal cuing and physical touch needs to rise to meet the evolution. In this immersion, we will delve into the many dimensions of how we as educators can use all of the tools at our disposal, including physical adjustments, to clearly and safely convey our messages. We can use our voices, our energy, our sequencing, our philosophical rhetoric and also when appropriate, our hands. Throughout the weekend, my intention for students is to leave with these four qualities when it comes to assisting:
KNOWLEDGE: To acquire the skills necessary to administer a variety of solid, useful and safe adjustments. Also, that you are able to give prescriptive and individualised assists instead of mechanical rote adjustments.
CONFIDENCE: Our energy as a teacher is easily read by our students through our assists. If there is uncertainty and nervousness behind the adjustment, the student will immediately receive that energy. It is imperative that when we touch our students we bring with that touch a clear sense of confidence and clarity to build a relationship of trust.
CLARITY: This is in all things assisting. We discuss when to assist, when not to assist How deep. How Firm. How Long. Why? Giselle Mari, a Jivamukti teacher, told me once that an assist should never be distracting, confusing, annoying or susceptible to misinterpretation. A high standard to hold ourselves to, for sure, but our students deserve that clarity.
COMPASSION: In our discussion of the alignment and anatomy of each posture, we will discuss in depth that when we assist, we are assisting our students into the fullest expression of their version of the pose. We bring deep compassion into our assisting, understanding that every body will express a different variation of the asana, and our job is to keep them safe while we guide them deeper into their practice, not always deeper into their posture.
**Current YTT’s will receive Continuing Education hours through the Yoga Alliance.
About Adam Whiting
One of the first things that people recognize of Adam Whiting (eRYT-500, YACEP, 1 Giant Mind Certified Meditation Teacher) is his laugh. Students say that they can hear it rolling down the street as they approach the studio to practice one of his classes. His smile is generous and immediate and his passion for yoga is contagious. Adam leads classes, workshops and trainings that are full of anatomical precision, intelligent sequencing, and potent philosophy. He has practiced and trained in various styles of yoga, including Tantra, Ashtanga, Anusara and Vinyasa. His musical training is integrated throughout his teachings in spirited kirtans and soft serenades in savasana.
In 2014, Adam moved to Sydney, Australia to become a Lead Facilitator for Power Living Australia Yoga. In the three years he was in Australia, Adam headlined Wanderlust yoga festivals, celebrated World Yoga Day by practicing asana on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, sang Kirtan at the Sydney Opera House, taught workshops all over Australia and New Zealand, and guided hundreds of students through 200 and 500 Hour teacher training programs.
In January of 2018, Adam returned to the United States to continue to travel and teach while leading Teacher Trainings and various events around the world.