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By Gopi Rao Sometimes mixing yoga and money can feel about as unlikely as mixing oil and water. Many begin their practice from a personal and spiritual level, which evolves into the desire to pursue yoga as a career. Making the transition from an inward pursuit to a moneymaking opportunity is tricky.

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 Teaching Yoga is an evolving process, regardless of how long we have been teaching. One of the ways that Yoga teachers grow, and learn, in their profession is by finding a mentor. A mentor teacher is usually someone with a few more years of experience; someone who excels at what they do; and someone wishing to enrich the teaching skills of a younger Yoga instructor.

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 What you are about to read applies to teaching, in general. In fact, we are all teachers, to some degree. You teach your friends, coworkers, strangers and family members on a daily basis. The example you set teaches someone in some way. Whether you are a positive role model or not, people, and the world, react to you. Sorry to say, you have more responsibility than you thought possible.

By Kimaya Singh When I was attending Yoga teacher training, one student wanted to understand where toxins come from. In the physical sense, we are surrounded by toxins. If you go for a healthy walk, you are sure to inhale a variety of toxins from the exhaust fumes of cars that drive by. You can grow the best organic food, but the rain that fed the plants may have toxins that should be filtered before you consume it. Additionally, it has been stated that rain water is less polluted than well water.

Teaching Yoga to children is one of the most delightful experiences. Children are naturally spontaneous, open, and full of imagination...

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed If you are teaching Yoga to students who are struggling with a chronic illness, recovering from surgery or healing from an injury, you may feel intimidated as you try to figure out how to safely include and challenge these students. The very first step to teaching students who need special consideration is to make sure you are generally familiar with each student's current level of health.

By Eleanor Bartel Yoga is a beneficial practice that can be enjoyed by anyone, from children to seniors. Older adults in particular can physically and mentally benefit by keeping their muscles from deteriorating, improving their cognitive awareness, increasing their balance, and improving overall flexibility. However, when considering a yoga class for seniors, it is important to take into account any physical limitations that you may encounter while teaching. Older students may come into class with existing issues, such as previous injuries, medical conditions like arthritis, or limited mobility or flexibility. Being prepared for encountering these issues in a yoga class for seniors will ensure all your students can practice yoga safely and effectively.

By Faye Martins Many women strive for that beautiful, slim waist seen on models, television actresses, and even important historical figures and actresses. The desire to have or maintain a narrow waist has been a part of lives for many years. Women will go to great lengths to get it, like sit-ups, weightlifting, jogging, aerobics and more. You might not automatically think of yoga when you think of a slim waistline, but many of the poses tighten the core while slimming the waistline, too. Even some men can benefit from a slimmer waistline. Try a few yoga poses to stretch, strengthen and lengthen the muscles around the waistline.

By Faye Martins Do you get any requests for asanas or Yogic techniques to heal the feet? Most of our students ask us about techniques for reducing stress, back pain, and body weight. As essential as our feet are to Yoga, we give them little thought. Maybe we would treat them differently if we realized how great an impact they have on the rest of our body and the clues they hold to its general condition.

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed There is great power in becoming aware of the truth and speaking the truth, when appropriate. This can be especially true during a Yoga class. A balanced and comprehensive practice of Yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditative techniques can quickly clarify any areas of physical weakness or imbalance. A balanced Yoga practice can also uncover painful and confusing life experiences, which may be lingering just under conscious awareness. These experiences may not have been completely understood or resolved by a student.