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

Why does flowing yoga feel so good?

Because flow is the natural order of the universe. When we move like water, or air, or fire, we are experiencing an extraordinary connection with life all around us. This experience is known as life force, or prana or chi.

Becca shares stories from the book “The Well-Lived Life” by Dr. Gladys McGarey, who believes that movement is a human’s most natural state, and stagnation is detrimental to a person’s health. This episode demonstrates how yoga teachers can help their students recognize where mental and physical energy is blocked, and, with a flowing yoga practice, learn to release stagnation and connect to the natural rhythms of the Earth.

Bask in the vibrant colors of New Delhi. Walk in the footsteps of the Beatles at the Maharishi Mahesh ashram and visit the sacred Kunjapari Temple in Rishikesh. Experience Ayurvedic foods and treatments from master instructors. Dance to sacred music, and even get a gorgeous henna tatoo! In this episode, Krystal Gignac, yoga instructor and founder of Adventure India, takes Becca on a virtual tour of Northern India, and shares her tips on the best ways to plan a life changing trip to the land of aromatic spices.

Contact Krystal / Adventure India / Grounded University at

Krystal.grounded@gmail.com

FB/Insta Krystal Gignac

FB/Insta: Grounded University

Website: www.grounded.university

Background music via https://www.FesliyanStudios.com