Satisfaction = Gratitude

What I share with my students in teacher training about being satisfied and therefor being successful:

1. You are there to be a teacher, this is not your practice.
2. Be the best you can be, have your own practice.
3. Be authentically you, don't try to be like other teachers. Teach from your heart.
4. Teach what you know.
5. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
6. Thank your students, without them you wouldn't be a teacher.
7. Mind your own back yard. In the South any good mama will say to you "Don't be a busy body". Concentrate on what you are doing, working on, etc...don't worry about what others are doing, and don't worry about perceived competition. This will distract you from doing honest work.
8. Celebrate your strengths.
9.  If there is an area you feel challenged in ask for help or hire someone with those strengths. Good business people hire or work with  a variety of strong people.
10. Be kind in all you do.

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LIVE BY WHAT YOU HOLD DEAR

 Came across this in my inbox this a.m. and found it very useful. I love this blog.
 

When you are faced with a situation where you and your spouse aren’t on the same page, live according to your own integrity and values.
If you want to simplify and your spouse doesn’t, simplify your life.
You want to eat healthy and your spouse only wants fast food? Eat healthy.
I’ll leave you with this: At the end of the day, all you’re responsible for is you.
~ Becoming Minimalist Blog
To see the entire post click here http://www.becomingminimalist.com/2011/07/11/communicating-with-your-partner/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+becomingminimalistcom+%28becomingminimalist.com%29


 
I love Elaine St. James books, they are simple and to the point. Often I pick her books up and read them over an over again.  You can pick one page and glean something useful.
Simple, useful, perfect.

Courtney 

Motivation

"If all it took where know how we would all be rich and beautiful."

This is a quote I heard on a recent coaching podcast and for the most part it's true, yes there are factors in our lives that prohibit us from success. Sometimes the playing field is not always even. However, often we are our own worst enemies when it comes to achieving our goals and dreams.

Are you having trouble realizing your dreams? 

In the practice of "yoga nidra" (yoga sleep) there is a portion called "conflict resolution", you visualize your challenge and come up with a solution, no matter how crazy. You will see it through the steps and then visualize a "positive outcome", make sure you see all the steps and then meditate on the result. 

Then "surrender" to the vision.

Your goals should be led by your heart and desire, not for others or at the expense of others, but for your happiness and well-being.

Recently in a meeting a young lady said to me "I really wanted to do_________ , but..." 

I ask you what comes after your excuses? Can you take five minutes or an hour today to make one step to your dream? Can you make a phone call, research a subject, send an email ? What can you do to move yourself in the right direction? Or are you going to let your fears determine the outcome of your life ? Only you can decide. 

After all "If you can't see it in your mind how do you expect to achieve it?" 

"Take risk, make mistakes, get dirty!" ~ Ms. Frizzle, The Magic School Bus

Book note: I love this book. I was a little apprehensive because of the cover because I am so visual, my thoughts were "I am not a diva!" however, this is a great book for coaching women to find the work they love.

Upcoming Events and Trainings

Upcoming Events: REGISTRATION OPEN

• Children's Teacher Training for current R.Y.T.'s, July 2011 to March 2012
• 200 Hr R.Y.T. Certification Starts Sept. 10th 2011 in NLR at Blue Yoga NYLA
• Introduction to Hatha Yoga Workshop Sunday July 17th at BYNYLA 
• Seva Yoga Retreat Oct. 29/30th at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center.

For detailed info on any of these visit CourtneyButlerYoga.com

Setting a Yoga Friendly Environment

Often it is the simple things we overlook or take for granted when we are setting up our environments to teach a yoga class or to practice at home.

As yoga teachers we often do not have the luxury of being in a beautiful yoga studio. It is great if you are so fortunate but many teachers are in shared rooms, classrooms, basements, gymnasiums, and anywhere there is a large amount of space to spread out and put a bunch of mats on the floor.Often you will not have control over some of these issues however when you do it may well add joy to your teaching and enjoyment for your students.

Here are some basic guidelines for a great yoga environment:

1. Look at the lightening. Can you soften it and still be seen well? Consider a lamp or twinkle lights. Be careful with candles.
2. Ventilation, can you get some air flowing or open a window. This is great if the weather is nice and the birds are singing.
3. The temperature, 70* to 76* is ideal for yoga.
 4. Music or no music, it is personal preference, however after teaching over 4000 hours of yoga I find the prefrence of most students is low instrumental music or soft chanting music like Deva Premal.

5. Incense: To burn or not to burn. Most people love the smell, just not in their face. If you can burn them before or after class. If you feel they need to be burned during class move them where they are not wafting through the room. Many folks find it hard to do pranayama with a big gulp of smoke.
Nag Champa are my favorite and I burn them regularly in my home space.

Check your fire codes at work and make sure it is acceptable. The college where I worked for 10 yrs had  a no incense or candle policy.

6. Props, if you can not provide clean props its probably better not to use them. Otherwise keep them washed regularly, this includes public mats, use an environmentally friendly spray with a cloth.

7. Be authentic. When you teach your voice and your touch are as important as the air and the lights. You need to be your authentic self, if you are not a sing song person refrain from using that voice. Speak in your normal voice, adding compassion to your tone, make sure you can be heard without yelling. 

* So turn the air to the right temp, turn on some soft music, dim the lights, have some nice smells going on that are not overpowering and speak in an authentic yet soothing voice and you will surely have a wonderful class.


Sincerely,
Courtney

Books and Products for Teacher Training

These books are mandatory for teacher training. I have also listed some of the products that are required, if you have your own blocks, mat and strap that is fine. It is ideal to have a 10ft strap, but a six or eight will work for most postures.
Included here are some of the favorite music and analgesic creams and gels we use also.

How to Hire a Yoga Teacher

So now you own a studio, coordinate yoga or fitness programs, or have the need to hire a sub or teacher to assist you. There is more to hiring a yoga teacher than just hiring someone who is strong in asana practice.

Here are five tips to assist you.
1. Take a class with the teacher to see if you all jive. Even if you don't do yoga (lets say you are a fitness coordinator), if you enjoy the class, chances are others will too.
2. Check references for dependability.  Want to kill a yoga program? Have teachers who don't show up or are using subs more than 20% of the time.
3. Hire Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teachers. They should have a current card with the letters RYT or ERYT 200 or 500.
4. Check for compassion and integrity. Ask around, soon you will know.
5.  Take nothing for granted. Looks don't guarantee a good yoga teacher, certifications don't guarantee a good teacher. Check the teacher out and take a class or have someone you trust take a class. There are plenty of teachers out there who are certified but are in yoga for the wrong reasons. Check, it's the only way to be sure.
Instructing Hatha Yoga

CourtneyButlerYoga.com