A private yoga lesson provides the perfect opportunity for me to meet my student exactly where they are.
While group yoga classes can be energising and fun, creating a strong community and allowing for affordable yoga, I believe there is a good reason why, for thousands of years, the yoga practice was passed on from teacher to student in a much more direct way. Although quite rare these days, one-to-one sessions have the benefit of taking the individual student's anatomy, physiology and level of practice into account, making it an efficient and constructive way to elevate, or go deeper into, a personal practice.
In my teaching I am careful to take into account the fact that traditional yoga was primarily designed for and by traditional bodies - that is, bodies who were not stuck in chairs most of the day and largely deprived of natural movement, as most of us are in the modern world. Our current lifestyle also affects our attitude, often encouraging impatience, disatisfcation and competitiveness. These factors all too frequently lead to practitioners striving for advanced asana without the structure or mobility to support it. This, unfortunately, may produce less than optimal results, or worse, injury.
With a background in engineering and business, I am naturally analytical and science-focused; so I like to explore modern scientific advances in the understanding of how the human body works and incorporate mobility training systems from other movement arts into the yoga practice. By doing this I feel I can help individual students experience sustainable shifts in their asana practice, and assist with their intentions and aspirations.
A private yoga lesson provides the perfect opportunity for me to meet my student exactly where they are. I can adapt and adjust postures, ensuring the safety and longevity of their joints, and we can work together to to create a therapeutic practice that improves overall health and well-being, perhaps even reversing some of the adverse effects that the modern lifestyle has imposed on our bodies and minds.
My belief is that yoga can be fun, challenging and safe if done smartly. I strive to use the knowledge and expertise I have collected over my years of study and practice to deliver this kind of experience to my students, and provide them with tools they can use to keep their own home or class practices sensible, balanced and enjoyable.
