The Yoga Teacher's Textbook.
The classic text is now in its 2nd edition (2024)
Teaching Yoga is the definitive and most comprehensive text on how to teach yoga, going far beyond the poses.
It provides a broad overview of yoga histories and philosophies, subtle energy, and fundamental of yoga anatomy of teachers before going into depth on the practical methods and techniques for teaching highly effective classes to a diverse array of students. Special focus is given to the art of yoga sequencing, language, setting, vibe, pace, observation, and the needs of unique students, within and far beyond the poses.
This readily accessible book is written to serve a diverse range of yoga teachers – not just those teaching within one style, brand or lineage. Its eclectic perspective encourages teachers to be their creative best while clear in understanding the foundational of the art and science of teaching yoga.
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PRAISE FOR TEACHING YOGA
Joel Kramer
Yoga teacher, 1966-2022, author of The Passionate Mind
"Comprehensive, deeply insightful, and chock-full of tips and techniques for teaching and doing yoga...required reading for yoga. teachers, teacher trainers, and serious students alike."
Seane Corn
Yoga teacher, co-founder, Off the Mat, Into the World
"Mark Stephens gives teachers a rich array of practical tools for planning and sequencing classes, working with diverse students, and teaching with integrity and authenticity."
Ganga White
Yoga teacher, 1964-present, co-founder, White Lotus Foundation, author of Yoga Beyond Belief
"Prolific author Mark Stephens offers a comprehensive primer on Yoga Therapy and his synthesis of theories, practices, and remedies for a host of ailments."
Erich Schiffmann
Yoga teacher, 1982-present, author, Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness
"Teaching Yoga is friendly, well-thought-out, helpful, clear, and tremendously thorough...exactly what is needed to help a growing teacher teach at his or her best."
James Wvinner
Yoga teacher, film and video producer/director, YTC Films
"This book is a treasure trove of wisdom and insight drawn from years of teaching and training teachers for success in diverse settings as well as more traditional yoga spaces. Teaching Yoga is a classic that every teacher and student will consult for years to come."
Mary Lynn Fitton
Yoga teacher, founder and director of The Art of Yoga Project
"Mark Stephens gives teachers a rich array of practical tools for planning and sequencing classes, working with diverse students, and teaching with integrity and authenticity."
Table of Contents
Foreword by Mariel Hemingway
Introduction
Chapter 1: From Ancient Roots of Modern Yoga
- The Time of the Vedas
- The Upanishads
- The Bhagavad Gita
- The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali
- Tantra
- Hatha Yoga
- Toward Modern Hatha Yoga
- Yoga's Journey to the West
- A Teacher's Palette of Styles
Chapter 2: Subtle Energy and Traditional Yoga Anatomy
- Nadis
- Prana and Pranaya-Vayus
- Chakras
- Mudras and Bandhas
- The Map of the Five Sheaths
- Gunas and Desire
- Highlighting Subtle Energy in Classes
Chapter 3: Body Structure and Movement
- The Feet and Ankles
- The Knees
- The Pelvis and Hips
- The Trunk and Spine
- The Shoulders, Arms, and Hands
- Anatomy in Teaching
Chapter 4: Creating Space for Self-Transformation
- The Physical Setting
- Classroom Setup and Orientation
- Class Levels and Prerequisites
- Class Etiquette
- Waking up the Spiritual Environment
- Archetypes and Mythology
- Creating a Happy Space
- A Space for Healing and Awakening
- Holding Integrated Space
- Teaching Who Is in Front of You
- Learning Styles
- Voice and Language
Chapter 5: Techniques and Tools in Teaching Yoga
- Basic Elements of Asana Practice
- Instructing Asanas
- General Principles in Giving Physical Cues and Adjustments
- Modifications, Variations, and the Use of Props
- Bringing It All Together
Chapter 6: Teaching Asanas
- Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations)
- Standing Asanas
- Open Hip Standing Asanas
- Closed Hip Standing Asanas
- Standing Balancer Asanas
- Core Refinement
- Arm Balances
- Backbends
- Seated and Supine Twists
- Forward Bends and Hip Openers
- Inversions
- Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Chapter 7: Teaching Pranayama
- The Discovery and Development of Pranayama
- The Modern Science of Respiration
- Teaching Basic Breath Awareness
- Refining the Flow of Breath
- Ujjayi Pranayama: Basic Yogic Breathing
- Deepening the Pranayama Practice
- Consciously Cultivating Energy
Chapter 8: Teaching Meditation
- Patanjali’s Path of Meditation
- Taking One Seat
- Six Guided Meditation Techniques
- When to Meditate
- Meditating Amid the Flow of Bodymind and Breath
Chapter 9: Specialized Teaching
- New to Yoga
- Working with Injuries
- Working with Depression
- Working with Pregnant Students
- Teaching in Alternative Settings
- Reflections on Specialized Teaching
Chapter 10: Sequencing and Planning Classes
- Principles of Sequencing
- The Basic Arc Structure of Classes
- Sequencing Within and Across Asana Families
- Planning Specific Classes
Chapter 11: The Yoga Profession
- Yoga Teacher Training
- Apprenticing
- Teaching Opportunities and Remuneration
- Cultivating Abundance
- Preserving Abundance
- The Path of the Teacher
Appendixes
- Appendix A: Yoga Teaching Resources
- Appendix B: Glossary
- Appendix C: List of Asanas
- Appendix D: Asana Elements
Notes
References
Index
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