In this week’s episode, Michael and Paul sit down to discuss two very well known opposites: yin and yang. Not only do they move through qualities and elements that represent yin and yang, but more specifically they dive into yin and yang as it applies to teaching yoga and how you approach your classes.
They discuss the Yang as structure, the left brain, the logic or anatomy, controlling the room, respect, among much more. Paul shares examples of requiring students to turn their phones off at the start of class or reprimanding someone who isn’t creating a safe environment for them and their neighbors as ways to hold the space with yang energy. Whether or not it is a yang style practice (power, vinyasa, rocket, etc) there is an importance of using yang qualities to create a sense of respect and safety.
On the opposite side, they talk about Yin as holding space, creativity, vulnerability, and sharing authentically from the heart. People need to feel safe in a yin class in order to heal. People need to relax in order to feel vulnerable. Softening the body to allow emotions and feelings to come through. So the way we support students in doing this is by opening our own hearts and sharing from a place of softness and love. Paul shares an anecdote of a student on a recent meditation teacher training who really won over the hearts of her classmates by allowing the class to really see her while guiding.
Among many other topics, Michael and Paul also discuss finding advanced trainings that balance out what you need to nurture within you. If your trainings used to be very structured, find one that’s very flowy and soft. Study with different types of teachers. They dive into the art of receiving feedback, the importance of taking risks, and what balance really means.
- 00:00 Introduction
- 02:16 The Yang of Teaching
- 04:22 Masculine and Yang Styles
- 09:00 Structure and Discipline in Class
- 14:00 The Yin of Teaching
- 18:35 Your Personal Touch/Uniqueness
- 20:33 Receiving Feedback
- 25:00 Being Relaxed and Being Seen
- 28:00 Taking Risks
- 29:55 Continued Learning to Nurture New Sides of You
- 33:20 Balancing Yin and Yang
- 36:40 Doing Your Own Work
