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Hello! I’m doing a teacher training program at my local Bikram studio, just wondering if anyone else out there can share some teaching experiences/advice. Bikram has changed my life, with a laundry list of ailments treated, and my mind transformed, I am an improved person from bones to skin, crown to toes. I’ve only been attending classes for 3 months, and I feel like the dialogue is second nature, however, when practicing the dialogue with friends, I seem to choke up and forget things. Any tips for memorization under pressure? I feel that I can flow with the poses and remember their sequence, but separately I feel like I lose focus. I have to STICK IT in my mind that I know the poses, maybe just repetition will help.
Hi Jeanna
Thanks for your question. You are obviously excited to start to teach.
My answer may be different to what you expect, so please read with an open mind!
My approach to yoga and teaching and doing yoga is not to follow a formal script at all. In fact I run an entire teacher training program based on a thorough understanding of the poses, their action and how the body responds with correct instruction (and what happens to the body when students respond to incorrect instruction and yes, alas the script!).
In this way the teacher can recognise and therefore teach to the correct form, understanding the physiology of the body, how the poses work with the body.
Your frustrations are most likely related to the inherent difficulties of scripted dialog. While this appears to be the way most studios like to teach yoga, this is the reason that this site exists and why I wrote my book and why I am so busy! hehehe
For memorisation tips, may I please ask that you approach your studio and other dialog instructors for assistance?
I warmly invite you to ask questions about the poses, the way they work, and please feel free to find answers around here at the forum.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Thanks so much for writing back! Today I had a practice class with my family and it was wonderful! They also regularly attend Bikram classes and are very familiar with the series. It seemed like a breeze (despite a few screw ups, and left and right problems) I’m glad to see my progression (I also read your site for hours this morning and practiced out loud alone) As for memorizing the script, I will make sure I keep the important directions, but in my practice class today, I added more intuitive instruction, like what I’ve read and personal experiences. After class some thanked me for adding a bit more flare, because they get worn from the repetition. Others also told me that they prefer the repetition to help them flow.. to each their own and within that I will find a balance. With such a small group (5) I was able to continue instruction while walking around and giving individual instruction, telling them why they should modify their pose, and how. One asked me if I was going to be allowed to walk around in the real class and help people out personally because she never had a teacher come up to help anyone.. while others that took my class said that they have had Bikram teachers individually instruct others. Your site is wonderful, and I’m looking forward to checking out your online posture clinics!
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