| Anyone could practice unconscious shallow breathing, | | | | within a larger jewelry box. |
| without any effort, but shallow breath is poor | | | | Within the Japanese language, there is a word for |
| Pranayama, in its purest form. Smooth, structured, and | | | | teacher. We call him, or her, "sensei." This literally |
| coordinated breath, with a purpose, is not easy for | | | | means, "One who has been there before" or "One |
| most of us to master. Very few people breathe | | | | who knows the way." |
| completely, and as naturally as a baby, without formal | | | | The teacher is in a position of respect, because he or |
| Pranayama training or specialized athletic coaching. | | | | she knows the way. So, be careful not to abuse your |
| Please bear in mind that proper breathing is important | | | | Yoga students, as this will cause disrespect on both |
| in every physical sport. The players of any sport or | | | | sides; however, do not allow yourself to be abused |
| game, which requires physical endurance, will easily | | | | because you are kind. |
| benefit from Pranayama practice. Therefore, | | | | As many people acquire Yoga certification diplomas to |
| Pranayama should be of extreme value to all athletes | | | | become teachers, leadership skills are put to the test. If |
| and anyone who wants to be in peak physical | | | | you know the way, your judgment should not be in |
| condition. | | | | question, and you deserve respect for the title of |
| Yoga teachers should explain the many values | | | | "Yoga teacher." |
| Pranayama and of Hatha Yoga's other aspects. Yoga | | | | How to mix Pranayama into a Yoga class |
| teachers should not surrender the control of the class | | | | Instead of teaching Pranayama to Yoga students as a |
| structure to students, who need direction. | | | | separate entity, it might be interesting to combine |
| Your value, as a Yoga teacher, is that you know the | | | | Pranayama, with mudras, for healing. Another option |
| proper direction the class is going in, and why your | | | | would be to change the pace of your Yoga class by |
| Yoga class is going in a particular direction. You, and | | | | focusing on one Pranayama technique for a few |
| your Yoga students, should not lose sight of this fact. | | | | minutes, between Vinyasa sequences, or while holding |
| This would be similar to the pilot of a jetliner turning | | | | asanas. |
| control over to the passengers because of a change | | | | Lastly, do not forget that the Yoga student / Yoga |
| in altitude. | | | | teacher relationship should be friendly, and mutually |
| Although Yoga and martial arts differ, I will draw you a | | | | respectful, but do not allow your kindness to be |
| parallel, philosophical, and mental picture. Japanese is a | | | | perceived as weakness. Unfortunately, some people |
| very deep language, much like Sanskrit. Sometimes | | | | do take advantage of kindness. Therefore, measure |
| these two languages make me think of jewelry boxes | | | | and dispense loving kindness carefully. |