| At the beginning of each class, Yoga teachers often | | | | intention and purpose. |
| prompt students to set an intention for their practice. | | | | The concept that one sequence is the cure all for |
| This is usually part of the opening, or greeting, at the | | | | everything that ails humanity is interesting, but not |
| beginning of a Yoga session. Bringing a student's | | | | practical. When we design a sequence, for teaching |
| mental focus into the present moment can be | | | | Hatha Yoga sessions, the age and health of our |
| accomplished in many ways. | | | | students are factors to be considered. Some people |
| Centering, meditation, rooting, pranayama, and | | | | may say, "Age does not matter." That statement is |
| warm-ups are some of the various methods for | | | | difficult to make, when the average student in a chair |
| establishing presence in the moment; but setting an | | | | Yoga class is over 70 years of age. |
| intention allows a student to choose an objective. This | | | | At the same time, health is not just a physical matter. |
| same principle holds true when we design a lesson | | | | The condition of the mind, and one's emotional state, |
| plan. What is the objective? It depends on the general | | | | are among the many factors involved when accessing |
| health condition and needs of the group. | | | | a health condition. If a student is dealing with grief, loss, |
| If three out of fifteen students have scoliosis, we | | | | or going through a divorce, these factors affect |
| should take spinal health into consideration, when | | | | general health. We may, or may not, spot them on the |
| designing a sequence of Yoga techniques. Some of | | | | surface of physical health, yet they are apparent to |
| the most common ailments can often be traced back | | | | the particular student. |
| to chronic stress. Knowing this, stress reduction must | | | | Where do we start, when considering how our lesson |
| be addressed for every age group, including children. | | | | plans should be created and the evolution of a |
| If we are planning a private lesson, the sequence we | | | | student's practice? If we have a Guru, we may spend |
| design is based upon the specific needs of an individual | | | | time with him or her. We may also consider an online |
| student. Creating, and following our Yoga class lesson | | | | Yoga teacher training course or an onsite intensive. |
| plans, are not a matter of guidance through the | | | | The well of Yogic knowledge is deep, and we can |
| unknown. Each and every session is created with | | | | easily share from it. |