Week 3
(Anatomy: Space)
**1. What is the difference between pramana, viparyaya and vikalpa?**
Pramana is a valid perception (direct, inference or authority), viparyaya is error, and vikalpa is imagination (knowledge coming from abstract concepts that don’t necessarily occupy physical space).
Yoga is defined as choosing to take responsibility for sorting out these mental activities (Y.S.1.2) so they/we are not afflicted (bothered by negative thoughts like misunderstanding, egotism, craving, aversion, and clinging).
One important point of discernment is between the space of concrete experiences through the senses (height, width, depth, time, etc.) and the space of abstract ideas (math, ideals, information, imagination, etc.). They are both real, but not the same in a way. Physical or concrete space is bound by time and causation. Abstract space is not bound in every way, especially in ways that matter to the scientific method (I.e., math, the ideal of seeking truth, etc.)
Though one may try to conflate these two at some point (concrete and abstract), doing so will certainly result in error. It’s also important to recognize that when we are experiencing an error, we usually believe we are right (having a valid perception). It isn’t until we have recognized it and started to correct an error that we can discern error from valid perception.
All of us make mistakes, correcting a mistake = intelligence. The inability to correct a mistake or recognize it as such could be the result of trauma (aka asmita) where we are clinging to identifying with an event, experience or a mental activity that prevents intelligence (learning from our mistakes well enough not to repeat them).
It is worth noting that imagination is a necessary component for choice, choosing to approximate an ideal, trying something other than what we have done before (tapas). Imagination also depends on abstract space. Without it, we would be incapable of learning, growing or making decisions.
**2. List as many of the planes and movements as you can.**
·The Sagital Plane divides the body in half into a left and right.
·The Transverse (Horizontal) Plane divides the body in half into top and bottom.
·The Coronal Plane divides the body in half into front and back.
·Flexion is movement forward along the Sagital Plane.
·Extension is movement backward along the Sagital Plane.
·Abduction is movement away from the center along the Coronal Plane.
·Adduction is movement toward the center along the Coronal Plane.
·Lateral Flexion is Abduction of the spine along the Coronal Plane.
·Lateral Extension is Adduction of the spine along the Coronal Plane.
·Lateral Rotation is away from the center.
·Medial Rotation is toward the center.
·Circumduction is rotation of the arm along the Coronal Plane.
·Elevation is moving the shoulders upward along the Sagital Plane.
·Depression is moving the shoulders down along the Sagital Plane.
·Inversion is elevating the medial side of the foot.
·Eversion is elevating the lateral (distal) side of the foot.
·Dorsiflection is elevating the toe side of the foot.
·Dorsal extension is depressing the toe side of the foot.
**3. What are the 5 Universal Principles of Alignment, 7 Loops and 3 Bandhas?**
The 5 Universal Principles of Alignment are:
1. Open to Grace
2. Muscular Contraction
3. Inner Spiral
4. Outer Spiral
5. Organic Expansion
The 7 Loops are:
1. The Ankle Loop
2. The Shin Loop
3. The Thigh Loop
4. The Pelvic Loop
5. The Kidney Loop
6. The Shoulder Loop
7. The Skull Loop
The 3 Bandhas are:
1. Mula bandha (pelvis, legs and feet)
2. Uddhiyana bandha (spine, arms and hands)
3. Jalandhara bandha (head, breath and gaze)
(Storybrand)
**1. What is the primary purpose of the Storybrand framework, and how can it help you as a yoga teacher?**
The primary purpose of the Storybrand framework is to clarify your message so that it effectively communicates with your target audience. As a yoga teacher, it helps you articulate what you offer, who you serve, and how your teaching can transform the lives of your students, making your marketing more effective and aligned with your values.
**2. In the Storybrand framework, what role do you play as a yoga teacher, and why is this important?**
In the Storybrand framework, you play the role of the guide. This is important because it positions you as a trusted advisor who helps your students overcome their challenges, rather than focusing on yourself as the hero. This approach builds trust and connection with your students.
**3. Identify one external, one internal, and one philosophical problem that your potential yoga students might face. How can you address these in your brand story?**
Answers may vary. Here is an example:
·External Problem: Difficulty finding time for self-care (e.g., yoga practice).
·Internal Problem: Feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
·Philosophical Problem: Believing that life should be more balanced and fulfilling.
·How to Address: In your brand story, you can address these by offering convenient class times (external), promoting yoga as a way to reduce stress (internal), and highlighting the philosophical value of living a balanced, fulfilling life through regular practice.
(Sequencing)
**1. What is sequencing? What is correct sequencing?**
Sequencing can be defined as any series of poses. Correct sequencing is a series of poses designed to create a beneficial effect in the practitioner.
**2. List four different types of sequences.**
Create a comprehensive flow. Build to a peak pose. Base it on a theme. Sequence for special populations.
**3. Write out a 30-minute sequence using one of the types of sequencing techniques (comprehensive flow, based on a peak pose, etc.)**
Answers will vary. For example, a comprehensive flow might look like this:
·Intro talk
·Sun salutation A (3x)
·Sun salutation B (2x)
·Standing forward fold
·Triangle Pose
·Extended Triangle Pose
·Wide leg forward fold
·Warrior I
·Warrior 2
·Staff Pose
·Seated forward fold
·Seated twist
·Bridge Pose
·Shoulder stand
·Head stand
·Corpse pose
(The Yoga of Sales)
**1. What does it mean to be a guide in the sales process, and how does this perspective change the way you approach a sale?**
Being a guide in the sales process means focusing on the customer's needs and helping them navigate their options, rather than pushing your own agenda. This perspective shifts the approach from trying to "close a deal" to genuinely serving the customer, which builds trust and leads to more meaningful and successful sales interactions.
**2. How can ethical principles become a superpower in sales? Provide an example.**
Ethical principles become a superpower in sales by building trust and loyalty with customers. For example, by being transparent and honest about a product’s limitations, a salesperson can earn the customer’s respect, which may lead to repeat business and referrals, rather than just focusing on making a quick sale.
**3. Why is it important to embrace the word "No" in the sales process? What can you learn from a customer saying "No"?**
Embracing the word "No" is important because it provides valuable information about the customer's boundaries and needs. A "No" can help you understand what the customer is truly looking for and allows you to adjust your approach to better serve them. It also helps create a more comfortable and respectful sales environment, where the customer feels empowered rather than pressured.
(Themes, Pace, Environment)
**1. What is a theme? What is the goal of a theme?**
The theme is the topic that your students contemplate while practicing poses. The goal is for students to plant good seeds, use inner and outer methods, leave class feeling more optimistic, empowered, and with a bit more faith in their capacity to accomplish their goals in life.
**2. What are some ways you can weave in your theme throughout your class?**
Use poses that will help highlight the theme; incorporate the theme into your verbal cueing; tie in the theme at the end of class while the students are in shavasana.
**3. How can the environment you create in class help support the theme?**
Answers will vary. If the theme for the class is relaxation the teacher may want to dim the lights, have nice candles or incense, and music that reflects the mood. The teacher could also have students set up in a circle as opposed to rows, increase the temperature in the room, or have many props available for students.
**4. Write out a theme that you can give at the beginning of a class. The theme should be no longer than five minutes long. Bullet points are ok.**
Answers will vary.