In this episode, host Becca Schmidt shares ideas on how using the scientific method can help your students understand Svadhyaya — the practice of self-study. Just like the scientific method, Svadhyaya emphasizes observation, questioning what appears to be true, creating some educated guesses, experimentation through trial and error, and oftentimes a paradigm shift.

Yoga teachers typically cue our students to make an intention at the beginning of class. In this episode, Becca suggests we cue our students not to to start their yoga practice with intention (knowing the outcome) but rather, with inquiry (not knowing the outcome). Throughout the practice, encourage your students to question “why” and “what if”, prompting them to create a series of hypotheses, exploring the effects of subtle adjustments in breath control, energy management, alignment, drishti and transitions between poses.

By experimenting with incremental shifts, students will better understand the importance of deep self-study and change, as it pertains not only to the yoga pratice, but in life as well.

Becca Schmidt has been teaching yoga since 2004 and strives to help students understand yoga philosophy as it pertains to Twenty First Century Living. Reach out to Becca with your ideas for future podcasts at becca@bluemoon.yoga