January 27, 2025 • 26 mins
Is it winter where you live right now? While the cycle of the seasons is more apparent in certain parts of the world, winter brings its own unique challenges: shorter days, colder temperatures, and a natural tendency for your body & mind to slow down.
In Ayurveda, winter is a season dominated by Vata (cold, dry, and light) and Kapha (heavy, slow, and damp). As yoga teachers, now is the time for you to create classes that honor this seasonal energy while addressing common winter imbalances.
In Ayurveda, the doshas are three biological energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern all physical, mental, and emotional processes in the body and mind. Winter is a season dominated by Vata (cold, dry, and light) and Kapha (heavy, slow, and damp) so we’ll focus on those 2 in this episode.
Oh, and you may want to get your journal for this one because I’ve got lots of ideas for you!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Monica (00:00):
Is it winter where you live right now?
While the cycle of the seasonsis more apparent in certain
parts of the world and less inother parts.
Winter brings its own uniquechallenges, shorter days.
Colder temperatures and anatural tendency for your body
(00:20):
and mind to slow down.
In our Vedic terms, winter is aseason dominated by Vata.
Cold dry and light and Kafaheavy, slow and damp.
Depending on where you live.
As yoga teachers now is the timethat you can create classes that
(00:41):
honor this seasonal energy.
While addressing common winterimbalances.
And are you Veda?
The doses are three biologicalenergies, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
that govern all physical,mental, and emotional processes
in the body and mine.
(01:02):
Like I mentioned before, winteris a season dominated by Vata
cold, dry and light, and Kafaheavy, slow and damp.
So we'll focus on those two inthis episode.
Oh, and you may want to get yourjournal for this one because
I've got lots of ideas for you.
(01:22):
Welcome to the EssentialConversations for Yoga Teachers
podcast with me.
I'm Monica Bright, and I've beenteaching yoga and running my
yoga business for over a decade.
This is the podcast for you ifyou're a yoga teacher, you're
looking for support, you love tobe in conversation, and you're a
(01:44):
lifelong student.
In this podcast, I'll share withyou My life as a yoga teacher,
the lessons I've learned, myprocess for building my
business, and helpful ideas,tools, strategies, and systems I
use and you can use so that yourbusiness thrives.
(02:04):
We'll cover a diverse range oftopics that will help you
whether you're just starting outor you've got years under your
belt and you want to dive deepand set yourself up for success.
I'm so glad you're here.
Listen, I don't take myself tooseriously, so expect to hear
some laughs along the way.
(02:25):
Now, let's do this together.
Welcome back to the podcast.
I live in Chicago and it'sdefinitely winter here, which
inspired me to create thisepisode for you.
Where we dive into creating yogaclasses and experiences.
(02:47):
Maybe you want to facilitate aworkshop or a class series.
But my goal is to help youcreate classes tailored to the
winter season.
Designed to help your studentsfeel balanced, warm, and
grounded during the coldermonths.
Typically winter brings shorterdays, colder temperatures and is
(03:11):
a natural time of the year foryour body and your mind to slow
down.
In our Vedic terms, winter is aseason dominated by Bata cold,
dry, and light, and Kafa heavy,slow and damp, of course,
depending on where you live andas yoga teachers, you can take
(03:32):
advantage of this time of theyear and create classes that
honor the seasonal energy whileaddressing some common winter
imbalances.
Let's do a bit of a shallow diveinto aryuveda.
Are you Veda is a holistichealing system from India over
(03:53):
5,000 years old that focuses oncreating balance in the body,
mind and spirit.
The word are you?
Veda means science of life.
Are you.
Equals life and Veda equalsknowledge.
and it emphasizes living inharmony with nature and
(04:14):
understanding your unique bodytype.
Or dosha.
I'll explain those shortly.
In order to achieve health andwellness.
Are you Veda is often referredto as the sister science of
yoga, because both systemsoriginated in ancient India and
share the common goal ofpromoting holistic health.
(04:37):
And spiritual growth together,yoga.
And are you Veda provide acomprehensive framework for
living a balanced and fulfillinglife.
The key principles of aryuvedaare, and you might want to grab
your journal if you haven'talready.
But the first is the five.
(04:59):
Elements.
Those are space or the ether.
Which is defined as expansive,empty and light.
The next is air.
Movement and change.
Then there's fire.
Heat.
Energy and transformation.
(05:20):
Water which equals fluidity,cooling and cohesion.
And earth.
Which is defined by stability,heaviness.
And grounding.
The idea that everything in theuniverse, including our bodies
is made up of these fiveelements.
(05:42):
The next principle is the doshais the five elements that I just
mentioned combine to form thethree doses, Vata, Pitta, and
Kapha.
Which are energies that governhow our bodies and minds
function.
So the Vata dosha is combined ofspace and air.
(06:04):
And is expressed throughcreativity, energy, and
movement, the Pitta dosha.
Is a combination of fire andwater Which equals ambition,
metabolism and transformation.
And then finally the Kaphadosha.
As a combination of earth andwater.
(06:27):
Which shows stability, calmnessand endurance.
Another principle is thatbalance is key.
So optimal health is achievedwhen your dosha shows.
Those are imbalanced.
imbalances can lead todiscomfort, illness or mental
stress.
(06:48):
So, how does are you Veda work?
Are you Veda recognizes thateveryone is unique?
What works for one person?
I may not work for another, butby understanding your dominant
dosha, You can tailor your diet,your lifestyle and your habits
to support balance.
(07:09):
Are you Veda is morepreventative as it focuses on
preventing illness through dailyroutines, proper diet.
And self care rather than onlytreating symptoms.
And are you Veda addresses theroot causes of imbalances rather
than just the symptoms?
(07:29):
It looks at physical, mental,and emotional wellbeing as
interconnected.
So if we imagine it's winter andyou're feeling anxious, Restless
and cold.
Utilizing the practices ofaryuveda might lead you to eat
(07:50):
warm, cooked foods like soupsand stews.
Drink ginger tea to warm yourbody.
And practice slow grounding,yoga poses, like child's pose to
help calm your mind.
Remember our you Veda is foryou.
If you want to improve yourhealth naturally by
(08:12):
understanding your body better.
It's a practical guide to livingin tune with yourself and the
world around you.
So are you Vedas for everyone?
Here's how you can identify yourdosha or how to start an aria
Vedic lifestyle.
The doses are three biologicalenergies that are a combination
(08:32):
of the five elements.
And if you'll remember, Vata isspace and air.
Pitta is a combination of fireand water.
And Kafa is a combination ofearth and water.
Every person has a uniquecombination of these doses.
It's your constitution, whichinfluences your physical traits,
(08:58):
personality, and yourtendencies.
Here are some characteristics ofeach dosha.
And as I list them, I wonder ifyou can kind of just pick out
which one that you resonate withthe most for yourself.
the Vata dosha is a combinationof space and air.
(09:18):
The qualities are dry.
Light.
Cold.
Irregular mobile and rough.
Your physical traits would be aslender build.
Dry skin.
Prone to cold hands and feet.
And your mental traits wouldlook like you're creative,
(09:41):
energetic, quick thinking, butprone to anxiety or overwhelm
when you're out of balance.
And some imbalances are anxiety,constipation, insomnia, dry
skin, or feeling scattered.
Next is the Pitta dosha, whichis a combination of fire and
(10:02):
water.
The qualities.
Of the Pitta dosha are hot,sharp.
Oily intense and also light.
Your physical traits would be amedium build warm body
temperature.
You're prone to oily skin andinflammation.
Your mental traits look likeyou're ambitious.
(10:26):
Focused determined, but you canbecome irritable or critical
when you're out of balance.
And some imbalances areheartburn.
Skin rashes, irritability andoverheating.
And the third is a Kapha dosha,which is a combination of earth
(10:46):
and water.
The qualities here are heavy,slow, steady.
Cool and smooth your physicaltraits.
I would be a sturdy build.
Smooth and moist skin.
you're often calm and grounded.
Your mental traits look likeyour loving, nurturing.
(11:09):
Patient.
But you can become lethargic orresistant to change when
imbalanced.
And some imbalances are weightgain, congestion, sluggishness,
or depression.
You can find out your dominantdosha through self reflection or
online quizzes or aconsultation.
(11:31):
With an R U Vedic practitioner.
A quick way to assess is too.
Observe your natural state.
Ask yourself.
What is your typical body type?
Energy level and mental statewhen you're healthy.
For example.
If you're a naturally slim,energetic and prone to anxiety,
(11:53):
you likely have a strong Vataconstitution.
And you can notice imbalances,so get clear and understand what
issues arise when you'restressed out.
Or you're feeling unwell.
For instance.
If you feel overheated.
Irritated.
Or experience inflammation.
(12:14):
You may have a Pitta imbalance.
Okay, now that we've covered abasic understanding of Ayurvedic
principles.
How can you teach or apply themin your classes?
Here are a few ways.
The first way is you can startwith winter themed intentions.
You can begin your classes witha theme that resonates with the
(12:37):
season ideas like grounding,helping students feel stable and
secure amidst the erratic energyof winter.
Themes around inner warmth,cultivate a sense of warmth
through movement, breath, andmindfulness.
And finally focus onnourishment, Including self care
(13:00):
and rejuvenation use thistheming time to encourage
students to reflect on theirinternal rhythm and align it
with winter's slower pace.
Incorporate imagery andmetaphors to connect with the
season.
Hibernation and rest userestorative sequences to help
(13:22):
students embrace rest.
And stillness build innerwarmth.
This is one of my favorites.
Encourage visualizationtechniques.
Where you guide students toimagine a warm, glowing light
inside.
And you can mention seasonalcues like snow bare trees or
(13:43):
cozy fires to create a groundingexperience and connect your
themes to nature.
Oftentimes winter can feelisolating.
Personally.
I say goodbye to my neighborsand fall, because I know I won't
see much of them during thewinter months because we're all
scurrying inside to our cars andhomes in the summertime.
(14:07):
We're all on our back decks.
And we see and talk to eachother at length.
Every day.
You can try to foster a sense ofcommunity in your yoga class.
Or in your yoga community byencouraging partner or group
poses.
Listen.
Feel this one out.
Honestly.
I don't want to touch anotherstudent in class, but if it's
(14:30):
promoted as a partner or grouppose class, Then at least I have
a heads up on what I'm signingup for.
Host a post class tea circlewith warming herbal tea is that
might feel really nice andcomforting for your students.
Or you could offer small tokensof warmth, like hand warmers or
(14:53):
cozy socks during Shavasana.
That sounds warm and cozy.
Just thinking about it.
So let your imagination flow.
You could.
Do just about anything.
your imagination is yourlimitation.
That's what I have to say aboutthat.
Here are some additional, areyou Vedic practices that you can
(15:15):
include in your winter classes?
So you can use pranayama forwarming and balancing.
Pranayama.
Which is breath work isessential in combating the cold
and sluggishness of winter.
You could include kapala Batibreath, that's skull shining
breath.
(15:36):
This is a dynamic heating breathto energize and balance Kafa and
help clear mental fog.
instructor students, to sitcomfortably and take forceful
rhythmic.
Exhalations through the nose,letting the inhalation happen
passively.
(15:56):
Sometimes you need a visualdemonstration in order to
understand it.
I'll create a video on myYouTube channel and I'll link it
in the show notes below.
So you can find it easily andsubscribe to it.
I would love to have you overthere.
I've been revamping it recently,and I kind of really enjoy it,
especially for these kinds ofinstructional videos.
(16:19):
The benefits of kapala Bati.
Deep breath are that it helpsyou to clear your sinuses.
It can boost your metabolism andit can also generate warmth in
your body.
I know you've heard of Uber.
E breath the victorious breath.
It's a calming warming breath assues, Vata, and helps maintain
(16:41):
focus.
Have your students inhale andexhale through the nose with a
slight constriction at the backof the throat.
Creating a soft oceanic sound.
Again, I'll make a YouTube videofor this as well.
The benefits of Breath are thatit enhances circulation and
(17:01):
creates internal warmth.
One of the biggest myths ofbreadth is that it's loud.
And in fact it really is not.
And finally naughty showed a NA.
Alternate nostril breathing.
It balances the doses and helpsto create inner harmony.
(17:23):
Guide your students to close theright nostril and inhale through
the left, then switch nostrilsfor the exhale.
And repeat.
You want a video for this breathtechnique?
Don't fret.
I got you.
Nati showed a not grounds Vadaand calms the nervous system.
You can teach diet and lifestyletips in class as well.
(17:47):
Or maybe you create a workshopwhere students can ask you
questions.
You'll want to encouragestudents to incorporate warming,
nourishing foods and routinesinto their daily lives.
Foods like warm cooked meals,like soups, stews, and porridge
warming spices, like ginger.
(18:08):
Tumeric cinnamon.
Cumin and black pepper.
And add healthy fats like QI orcoconut oil for hydration and
nourishment.
For hydration during these darkdry months, advise students to
sip on warm water or herbal teasthroughout the day.
(18:29):
Specific teas with Tulsi.
Ginger or licorice root aregreat for digestion and
immunity.
You can also teach studentsabout morning rituals.
Recommend self massage with warmSesame oil to combat dryness and
promote circulation.
(18:50):
And suggest that they wake upearly before coffee time 6:00 AM
to help avoid sluggishness.
Now, how can you teach Asana tohelp balance Vata and Kapha?
Incorporate grounding poses forVada.
Make the focus of your class onstability, stillness, and
(19:11):
connection to the earth.
Poses like standing forward foldAsana.
Seated forward, fold puss.
Shimo.
or a wide legged forward foldpresser, Rita Potter, tenacity.
No.
We'll help with grounding,introspection and a feeling of
(19:32):
rootedness.
Balanced those grounding poseswith invigorating poses for Kafa
use these poses to stimulateenergy boost, circulation and
combat lethargic, Sunsalutations, Assyria, Nama, sky
energizes, and builds heat.
(19:53):
Through the transitions flow andconnection of the pose and the
breadth that we often teach in.
Vinyasa And Asha.
Ashtanga style yoga classes.
Backbends like Cobrabhujangasana or upward dog.
open the chest and heart center.
(20:14):
you can even include twists,like revolved chair.
Okay.
I saved this one for last,because I know some of you may
be sensitive to this.
I am.
It's a Roma therapy.
But also the ambience.
incorporate a sensory element toyour winter classes by using
(20:37):
essential oils like gingerclove.
Or orange, create a warming anduplifting environment.
Ask first.
I cannot stress this enough.
Ask your students, if it's okay.
Be mindful of adjusting thelighting to soft and golden
(20:57):
tones to mimic sunlight, whichwill help students feel cozy and
comforted.
And play calming.
Warm tone music or use sounds ofcrackling fire or nature to
evoke a feeling of sanctuary.
I remember my first experienceswith yoga were in a college
(21:18):
gymnasium.
There was no soft lighting, noprops, no flowy curtains or
essential oils, just plain oldAsana and meditation.
I'm not complaining at all.
Honestly, it was.
Still just a beautifulexperience of connecting with
myself.
(21:39):
But times have changed.
There weren't any yoga studiosback then.
So I was either practicing thereor at churches.
can you imagine that yoga in thechurch?
nowadays, you have theopportunity to create a space
that is all yours.
One of my best ways to explainthis is to think of.
(22:00):
Two teachers who teach the exactsame set sequence.
And think about how differentthose classes can be.
It's not the sequence.
It's the teacher's energy andthe tone they set for the class.
So think about the tone you canset in your class and realize
(22:22):
that you bring a lot of energy.
To your space.
I hope that this episode getsyour imagination going.
When you think about creatingclasses specifically around the
winter season.
And utilize our Vedic practicesto help teach its principles.
Are you Aveda is often referredto as the sister science of
(22:44):
yoga, because both systemsoriginated in ancient India and
share a common goal of promotingholistic health and spiritual
growth.
Together yoga and aryuvedaprovide a comprehensive
framework for living a balancedand fulfilling life.
Well, our Aveda focuses onmaintaining physical and mental
(23:06):
health through diet, lifestyle,and natural remedies.
Yoga offers a spiritual path toself-realization and inner peace
through movement, breath, andmeditation.
When combined are you Veda andyoga offer a complete system for
living a harmonious life.
(23:27):
Are you Veda provides the toolsto maintain health and balance
while yoga offers the spiritualpractices.
To cultivate.
Inner peace and purposetogether.
They guide us toward a lifestyleof alignment self-awareness and
vitality.
I love helping you plan classesand helping you get your
(23:49):
imagination going.
I hope that this episode sparkssome deeper thought around ways
to make your winter themedclasses special while you
incorporate a few, are you Vedicprinciples?
Adding layers to your classeswill help you stand out in the
crowd of yoga teachers and makestudents want more of you.
(24:09):
I've added a link in the shownotes for you to send me a quick
text message about your thoughtson this episode.
Or any other, I won't know yourphone number.
It's a neat addition to theplatform I use that allows for
this new and super easy way foryou to communicate with me.
Once you click on it, it willtake you to your messages, but
(24:30):
don't delete the code.
That's how your message will getto me.
And I would love to know yourthoughts on this topic.
If you can tell already, I lovediving into these conversations
because there are so manyimportant discussions to be had
in the teaching world.
You know that my goal is for youto love the yoga teaching life
(24:53):
and allow it to be fulfillingand rewarding.
If you love this episode, let meknow.
I subscribe to the podcast.
So you're always in the knowwhen a new episode drops and
Sherif with another yoga teacherwho you think would love to be
in on these conversations.
Thank you for helping to spreadthe word about this podcast.
(25:14):
And if you've been taking notesin your journal, as you listen
to these episodes, I'm so gladyou are.
And I would love to hear aboutit.
Don't forget to download theebook.
Sequencing for differentinjuries.
The link is in the show notesbelow, and I promise you, it
will help form a foundation forteaching students with injuries.
(25:36):
And it'll be a great resourcefor you to return to again and
again.
When you download the ebook,you'll be joining my newsletter.
That's just for yoga teachers.
I've got more exciting teachingscoming soon.
So I'll want to tell you allabout them.
The link is in the show notesbelow, and I would love for you
to join us so we can alwaysstay.
(25:57):
Connected.
All right, that's it for now?
Bye.
Mhm.
Is it winter where you live right now?
While the cycle of the seasonsis more apparent in certain
parts of the world and less inother parts.
Winter brings its own uniquechallenges, shorter days.
Colder temperatures and anatural tendency for your body
(00:20):
and mind to slow down.
In our Vedic terms, winter is aseason dominated by Vata.
Cold dry and light and Kafaheavy, slow and damp.
Depending on where you live.
As yoga teachers now is the timethat you can create classes that
(00:41):
honor this seasonal energy.
While addressing common winterimbalances.
And are you Veda?
The doses are three biologicalenergies, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
that govern all physical,mental, and emotional processes
in the body and mine.
(01:02):
Like I mentioned before, winteris a season dominated by Vata
cold, dry and light, and Kafaheavy, slow and damp.
So we'll focus on those two inthis episode.
Oh, and you may want to get yourjournal for this one because
I've got lots of ideas for you.
(01:22):
Welcome to the EssentialConversations for Yoga Teachers
podcast with me.
I'm Monica Bright, and I've beenteaching yoga and running my
yoga business for over a decade.
This is the podcast for you ifyou're a yoga teacher, you're
looking for support, you love tobe in conversation, and you're a
(01:44):
lifelong student.
In this podcast, I'll share withyou My life as a yoga teacher,
the lessons I've learned, myprocess for building my
business, and helpful ideas,tools, strategies, and systems I
use and you can use so that yourbusiness thrives.
(02:04):
We'll cover a diverse range oftopics that will help you
whether you're just starting outor you've got years under your
belt and you want to dive deepand set yourself up for success.
I'm so glad you're here.
Listen, I don't take myself tooseriously, so expect to hear
some laughs along the way.
(02:25):
Now, let's do this together.
Welcome back to the podcast.
I live in Chicago and it'sdefinitely winter here, which
inspired me to create thisepisode for you.
Where we dive into creating yogaclasses and experiences.
(02:47):
Maybe you want to facilitate aworkshop or a class series.
But my goal is to help youcreate classes tailored to the
winter season.
Designed to help your studentsfeel balanced, warm, and
grounded during the coldermonths.
Typically winter brings shorterdays, colder temperatures and is
(03:11):
a natural time of the year foryour body and your mind to slow
down.
In our Vedic terms, winter is aseason dominated by Bata cold,
dry, and light, and Kafa heavy,slow and damp, of course,
depending on where you live andas yoga teachers, you can take
(03:32):
advantage of this time of theyear and create classes that
honor the seasonal energy whileaddressing some common winter
imbalances.
Let's do a bit of a shallow diveinto aryuveda.
Are you Veda is a holistichealing system from India over
(03:53):
5,000 years old that focuses oncreating balance in the body,
mind and spirit.
The word are you?
Veda means science of life.
Are you.
Equals life and Veda equalsknowledge.
and it emphasizes living inharmony with nature and
(04:14):
understanding your unique bodytype.
Or dosha.
I'll explain those shortly.
In order to achieve health andwellness.
Are you Veda is often referredto as the sister science of
yoga, because both systemsoriginated in ancient India and
share the common goal ofpromoting holistic health.
(04:37):
And spiritual growth together,yoga.
And are you Veda provide acomprehensive framework for
living a balanced and fulfillinglife.
The key principles of aryuvedaare, and you might want to grab
your journal if you haven'talready.
But the first is the five.
(04:59):
Elements.
Those are space or the ether.
Which is defined as expansive,empty and light.
The next is air.
Movement and change.
Then there's fire.
Heat.
Energy and transformation.
(05:20):
Water which equals fluidity,cooling and cohesion.
And earth.
Which is defined by stability,heaviness.
And grounding.
The idea that everything in theuniverse, including our bodies
is made up of these fiveelements.
(05:42):
The next principle is the doshais the five elements that I just
mentioned combine to form thethree doses, Vata, Pitta, and
Kapha.
Which are energies that governhow our bodies and minds
function.
So the Vata dosha is combined ofspace and air.
(06:04):
And is expressed throughcreativity, energy, and
movement, the Pitta dosha.
Is a combination of fire andwater Which equals ambition,
metabolism and transformation.
And then finally the Kaphadosha.
As a combination of earth andwater.
(06:27):
Which shows stability, calmnessand endurance.
Another principle is thatbalance is key.
So optimal health is achievedwhen your dosha shows.
Those are imbalanced.
imbalances can lead todiscomfort, illness or mental
stress.
(06:48):
So, how does are you Veda work?
Are you Veda recognizes thateveryone is unique?
What works for one person?
I may not work for another, butby understanding your dominant
dosha, You can tailor your diet,your lifestyle and your habits
to support balance.
(07:09):
Are you Veda is morepreventative as it focuses on
preventing illness through dailyroutines, proper diet.
And self care rather than onlytreating symptoms.
And are you Veda addresses theroot causes of imbalances rather
than just the symptoms?
(07:29):
It looks at physical, mental,and emotional wellbeing as
interconnected.
So if we imagine it's winter andyou're feeling anxious, Restless
and cold.
Utilizing the practices ofaryuveda might lead you to eat
(07:50):
warm, cooked foods like soupsand stews.
Drink ginger tea to warm yourbody.
And practice slow grounding,yoga poses, like child's pose to
help calm your mind.
Remember our you Veda is foryou.
If you want to improve yourhealth naturally by
(08:12):
understanding your body better.
It's a practical guide to livingin tune with yourself and the
world around you.
So are you Vedas for everyone?
Here's how you can identify yourdosha or how to start an aria
Vedic lifestyle.
The doses are three biologicalenergies that are a combination
(08:32):
of the five elements.
And if you'll remember, Vata isspace and air.
Pitta is a combination of fireand water.
And Kafa is a combination ofearth and water.
Every person has a uniquecombination of these doses.
It's your constitution, whichinfluences your physical traits,
(08:58):
personality, and yourtendencies.
Here are some characteristics ofeach dosha.
And as I list them, I wonder ifyou can kind of just pick out
which one that you resonate withthe most for yourself.
the Vata dosha is a combinationof space and air.
(09:18):
The qualities are dry.
Light.
Cold.
Irregular mobile and rough.
Your physical traits would be aslender build.
Dry skin.
Prone to cold hands and feet.
And your mental traits wouldlook like you're creative,
(09:41):
energetic, quick thinking, butprone to anxiety or overwhelm
when you're out of balance.
And some imbalances are anxiety,constipation, insomnia, dry
skin, or feeling scattered.
Next is the Pitta dosha, whichis a combination of fire and
(10:02):
water.
The qualities.
Of the Pitta dosha are hot,sharp.
Oily intense and also light.
Your physical traits would be amedium build warm body
temperature.
You're prone to oily skin andinflammation.
Your mental traits look likeyou're ambitious.
(10:26):
Focused determined, but you canbecome irritable or critical
when you're out of balance.
And some imbalances areheartburn.
Skin rashes, irritability andoverheating.
And the third is a Kapha dosha,which is a combination of earth
(10:46):
and water.
The qualities here are heavy,slow, steady.
Cool and smooth your physicaltraits.
I would be a sturdy build.
Smooth and moist skin.
you're often calm and grounded.
Your mental traits look likeyour loving, nurturing.
(11:09):
Patient.
But you can become lethargic orresistant to change when
imbalanced.
And some imbalances are weightgain, congestion, sluggishness,
or depression.
You can find out your dominantdosha through self reflection or
online quizzes or aconsultation.
(11:31):
With an R U Vedic practitioner.
A quick way to assess is too.
Observe your natural state.
Ask yourself.
What is your typical body type?
Energy level and mental statewhen you're healthy.
For example.
If you're a naturally slim,energetic and prone to anxiety,
(11:53):
you likely have a strong Vataconstitution.
And you can notice imbalances,so get clear and understand what
issues arise when you'restressed out.
Or you're feeling unwell.
For instance.
If you feel overheated.
Irritated.
Or experience inflammation.
(12:14):
You may have a Pitta imbalance.
Okay, now that we've covered abasic understanding of Ayurvedic
principles.
How can you teach or apply themin your classes?
Here are a few ways.
The first way is you can startwith winter themed intentions.
You can begin your classes witha theme that resonates with the
(12:37):
season ideas like grounding,helping students feel stable and
secure amidst the erratic energyof winter.
Themes around inner warmth,cultivate a sense of warmth
through movement, breath, andmindfulness.
And finally focus onnourishment, Including self care
(13:00):
and rejuvenation use thistheming time to encourage
students to reflect on theirinternal rhythm and align it
with winter's slower pace.
Incorporate imagery andmetaphors to connect with the
season.
Hibernation and rest userestorative sequences to help
(13:22):
students embrace rest.
And stillness build innerwarmth.
This is one of my favorites.
Encourage visualizationtechniques.
Where you guide students toimagine a warm, glowing light
inside.
And you can mention seasonalcues like snow bare trees or
(13:43):
cozy fires to create a groundingexperience and connect your
themes to nature.
Oftentimes winter can feelisolating.
Personally.
I say goodbye to my neighborsand fall, because I know I won't
see much of them during thewinter months because we're all
scurrying inside to our cars andhomes in the summertime.
(14:07):
We're all on our back decks.
And we see and talk to eachother at length.
Every day.
You can try to foster a sense ofcommunity in your yoga class.
Or in your yoga community byencouraging partner or group
poses.
Listen.
Feel this one out.
Honestly.
I don't want to touch anotherstudent in class, but if it's
(14:30):
promoted as a partner or grouppose class, Then at least I have
a heads up on what I'm signingup for.
Host a post class tea circlewith warming herbal tea is that
might feel really nice andcomforting for your students.
Or you could offer small tokensof warmth, like hand warmers or
(14:53):
cozy socks during Shavasana.
That sounds warm and cozy.
Just thinking about it.
So let your imagination flow.
You could.
Do just about anything.
your imagination is yourlimitation.
That's what I have to say aboutthat.
Here are some additional, areyou Vedic practices that you can
(15:15):
include in your winter classes?
So you can use pranayama forwarming and balancing.
Pranayama.
Which is breath work isessential in combating the cold
and sluggishness of winter.
You could include kapala Batibreath, that's skull shining
breath.
(15:36):
This is a dynamic heating breathto energize and balance Kafa and
help clear mental fog.
instructor students, to sitcomfortably and take forceful
rhythmic.
Exhalations through the nose,letting the inhalation happen
passively.
(15:56):
Sometimes you need a visualdemonstration in order to
understand it.
I'll create a video on myYouTube channel and I'll link it
in the show notes below.
So you can find it easily andsubscribe to it.
I would love to have you overthere.
I've been revamping it recently,and I kind of really enjoy it,
especially for these kinds ofinstructional videos.
(16:19):
The benefits of kapala Bati.
Deep breath are that it helpsyou to clear your sinuses.
It can boost your metabolism andit can also generate warmth in
your body.
I know you've heard of Uber.
E breath the victorious breath.
It's a calming warming breath assues, Vata, and helps maintain
(16:41):
focus.
Have your students inhale andexhale through the nose with a
slight constriction at the backof the throat.
Creating a soft oceanic sound.
Again, I'll make a YouTube videofor this as well.
The benefits of Breath are thatit enhances circulation and
(17:01):
creates internal warmth.
One of the biggest myths ofbreadth is that it's loud.
And in fact it really is not.
And finally naughty showed a NA.
Alternate nostril breathing.
It balances the doses and helpsto create inner harmony.
(17:23):
Guide your students to close theright nostril and inhale through
the left, then switch nostrilsfor the exhale.
And repeat.
You want a video for this breathtechnique?
Don't fret.
I got you.
Nati showed a not grounds Vadaand calms the nervous system.
You can teach diet and lifestyletips in class as well.
(17:47):
Or maybe you create a workshopwhere students can ask you
questions.
You'll want to encouragestudents to incorporate warming,
nourishing foods and routinesinto their daily lives.
Foods like warm cooked meals,like soups, stews, and porridge
warming spices, like ginger.
(18:08):
Tumeric cinnamon.
Cumin and black pepper.
And add healthy fats like QI orcoconut oil for hydration and
nourishment.
For hydration during these darkdry months, advise students to
sip on warm water or herbal teasthroughout the day.
(18:29):
Specific teas with Tulsi.
Ginger or licorice root aregreat for digestion and
immunity.
You can also teach studentsabout morning rituals.
Recommend self massage with warmSesame oil to combat dryness and
promote circulation.
(18:50):
And suggest that they wake upearly before coffee time 6:00 AM
to help avoid sluggishness.
Now, how can you teach Asana tohelp balance Vata and Kapha?
Incorporate grounding poses forVada.
Make the focus of your class onstability, stillness, and
(19:11):
connection to the earth.
Poses like standing forward foldAsana.
Seated forward, fold puss.
Shimo.
or a wide legged forward foldpresser, Rita Potter, tenacity.
No.
We'll help with grounding,introspection and a feeling of
(19:32):
rootedness.
Balanced those grounding poseswith invigorating poses for Kafa
use these poses to stimulateenergy boost, circulation and
combat lethargic, Sunsalutations, Assyria, Nama, sky
energizes, and builds heat.
(19:53):
Through the transitions flow andconnection of the pose and the
breadth that we often teach in.
Vinyasa And Asha.
Ashtanga style yoga classes.
Backbends like Cobrabhujangasana or upward dog.
open the chest and heart center.
(20:14):
you can even include twists,like revolved chair.
Okay.
I saved this one for last,because I know some of you may
be sensitive to this.
I am.
It's a Roma therapy.
But also the ambience.
incorporate a sensory element toyour winter classes by using
(20:37):
essential oils like gingerclove.
Or orange, create a warming anduplifting environment.
Ask first.
I cannot stress this enough.
Ask your students, if it's okay.
Be mindful of adjusting thelighting to soft and golden
(20:57):
tones to mimic sunlight, whichwill help students feel cozy and
comforted.
And play calming.
Warm tone music or use sounds ofcrackling fire or nature to
evoke a feeling of sanctuary.
I remember my first experienceswith yoga were in a college
(21:18):
gymnasium.
There was no soft lighting, noprops, no flowy curtains or
essential oils, just plain oldAsana and meditation.
I'm not complaining at all.
Honestly, it was.
Still just a beautifulexperience of connecting with
myself.
(21:39):
But times have changed.
There weren't any yoga studiosback then.
So I was either practicing thereor at churches.
can you imagine that yoga in thechurch?
nowadays, you have theopportunity to create a space
that is all yours.
One of my best ways to explainthis is to think of.
(22:00):
Two teachers who teach the exactsame set sequence.
And think about how differentthose classes can be.
It's not the sequence.
It's the teacher's energy andthe tone they set for the class.
So think about the tone you canset in your class and realize
(22:22):
that you bring a lot of energy.
To your space.
I hope that this episode getsyour imagination going.
When you think about creatingclasses specifically around the
winter season.
And utilize our Vedic practicesto help teach its principles.
Are you Aveda is often referredto as the sister science of
(22:44):
yoga, because both systemsoriginated in ancient India and
share a common goal of promotingholistic health and spiritual
growth.
Together yoga and aryuvedaprovide a comprehensive
framework for living a balancedand fulfilling life.
Well, our Aveda focuses onmaintaining physical and mental
(23:06):
health through diet, lifestyle,and natural remedies.
Yoga offers a spiritual path toself-realization and inner peace
through movement, breath, andmeditation.
When combined are you Veda andyoga offer a complete system for
living a harmonious life.
(23:27):
Are you Veda provides the toolsto maintain health and balance
while yoga offers the spiritualpractices.
To cultivate.
Inner peace and purposetogether.
They guide us toward a lifestyleof alignment self-awareness and
vitality.
I love helping you plan classesand helping you get your
(23:49):
imagination going.
I hope that this episode sparkssome deeper thought around ways
to make your winter themedclasses special while you
incorporate a few, are you Vedicprinciples?
Adding layers to your classeswill help you stand out in the
crowd of yoga teachers and makestudents want more of you.
(24:09):
I've added a link in the shownotes for you to send me a quick
text message about your thoughtson this episode.
Or any other, I won't know yourphone number.
It's a neat addition to theplatform I use that allows for
this new and super easy way foryou to communicate with me.
Once you click on it, it willtake you to your messages, but
(24:30):
don't delete the code.
That's how your message will getto me.
And I would love to know yourthoughts on this topic.
If you can tell already, I lovediving into these conversations
because there are so manyimportant discussions to be had
in the teaching world.
You know that my goal is for youto love the yoga teaching life
(24:53):
and allow it to be fulfillingand rewarding.
If you love this episode, let meknow.
I subscribe to the podcast.
So you're always in the knowwhen a new episode drops and
Sherif with another yoga teacherwho you think would love to be
in on these conversations.
Thank you for helping to spreadthe word about this podcast.
(25:14):
And if you've been taking notesin your journal, as you listen
to these episodes, I'm so gladyou are.
And I would love to hear aboutit.
Don't forget to download theebook.
Sequencing for differentinjuries.
The link is in the show notesbelow, and I promise you, it
will help form a foundation forteaching students with injuries.
(25:36):
And it'll be a great resourcefor you to return to again and
again.
When you download the ebook,you'll be joining my newsletter.
That's just for yoga teachers.
I've got more exciting teachingscoming soon.
So I'll want to tell you allabout them.
The link is in the show notesbelow, and I would love for you
to join us so we can alwaysstay.
(25:57):
Connected.
All right, that's it for now?
Bye.
Mhm.
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