Introduction

Introduction

My intention is to give people the best class they can have regardless of their advancement in the practice. I am not concerned with whether or not people can do every pose perfectly; what I seek instead, is for people to move from within. In a given class, I pay particular attention to those who are new to the practice to encourage them not to put too much effort and will in their movements and to enjoy the practice at whatever level they find it. In fact, I often structure my classes around the needs of the beginning practitioners. If I can get them to have a positive class, then the advanced practitioners can too because they can experience the practice at different realms and layers; they can observe themselves in their practice from a beginner’s point of view rather than from the ego. The challenge for those who can physically do the postures of ashtanga, after all, is how to go deeper and further into the practice without making it a kind of show of the self, the impermanent self.

To help practitioners stay connected to the Self that is beyond ego, I isolate and emphasize different aspects of the practice. Some days I put extra emphasis on the their bandha connections, other days I focus on their drishti. Sometimes, I challenge their sense of stamina by speeding the routines while at other times, I guide them in slower movements. I find the change in approach and rhythms keeps practitioners alert and open to new experiences in their yoga. It encourages them to see each asana in its own right. Every class is different and our bodies are in different states every day of our lives. Some days our bodies are stronger, more flexible and more potent than others and one of the greatest benefits of ashtanga is that it allows us to know the difference.

People come to allow for this understanding when they can practice in a relaxed and fun environment. In my classes, I do not stress rules. People can move at their own pace, take breaks when they want and do postures they feel like doing. I do not try to control the room. If someone feels the need to do a handstand out of the blue, so be it. For all I know, their bodies really need it. Sometimes people need the encouragement to do as they please and in my classes, they can. Instead of trying to control the room, I lead people in riding the ebb and flow of their bodies and beings. I encourage them to experience their bodies deeply and to take in the vitality of their breaths. Throughout class, I remind them to keep their sense of humor as they move, sometimes gracefully, sometimes not. At the end of class, people come to sitting position to witness themselves in a quiet and serene way; the ride comes to a smooth finish and I, as a teacher, can witness the effects of my guidance.

There is nothing more satisfying to me as a teacher than to watch the glow with which people arise from savasana. Often people walk into It’s Yoga with worry, stress and tiredness written all over their faces but when they leave, they show the effects of ashtanga yoga: they feel better and look better, lighter, freer, more relaxed and energized. This is why to me, teaching ashtanga yoga is a kind of self-realization; every time I lead class I, as a teacher, grow and express the insights of my own yoga. I see people take in the practice from various different angles and develop, change and transcend their limitations, realize their possibilities. Through my guidance, I express my understanding of myself in the practice and, as I witness the effects that ashtanga yoga has on others, I understand more and more its power and potential in my life and in that of people as a whole.

It may take you some time to develop a sense of yourself as a teacher. At the beginning, teachers tend to guide in a safe way, sticking to the rules and set patterns of teaching; this is just fine. Over time, you will gain the confidence and understanding of the practice necessary to make it a vehicle of your own self-expression. As with your own practice, allow yourself to unfold and flourish as a teacher. Remember, you have a lifetime to explore your teaching potential. In the years to come, I expect to teach over 15,000 classes and I want each and everyone of these classes, to bring me and those who practice with me, further and deeper into Self-realization.

Namaste

Larry Schultz