By Katie D’Onofrio
When it comes to yoga class themes, the possibilities are endless. A theme is an effective way to keep students focused on the present moment and what’s happening on their mat because it gives them something to return to throughout their practice.
Here are three unique themes to use in your next class, plus asanas and a few words of wisdom to share with your students to keep their minds on their mats.
Grounding
Key words to include: support, foundation, trust, growth, roots
We ground down to build strength and create a sense of trust in ourselves and what supports us. When we’ve established a strong grounding and support, we can prepare to soar. Without taking the time to foster a well-constructed foundation, our efforts to rise above will be in vain. Trust the process, trust your path, and trust yourself.
“Grounding” is typically associated with support that comes from the feet - in this practice, show your students how to cultivate a strong foundation in all of their poses by bringing awareness to different areas of the body as support. For instance, in Table, the foundation comes from the palms, knees, and tops of the feet.
Practice trust and support by having your yogis step off of their mats for one or two poses - allowing them to discover the foundation and strength living within themselves.
Use Eagle as your peak pose to demonstrate how building a strong foundation allows us to take flight and soar.
Poses:
Table
Tree
Lotus
Eagle
Self-love: Let the Light In
Key words to include: love, lightness, open, smile
How would you describe your best friend? A lot of positive, endearing qualities probably come to mind. Now, how would they describe you? Are you able to see yourself in the same light in which you see others? A beautiful, positive, radiant light? Think of those closest to you. If asked this same question, they’d have a plethora of wonderful things to share about you. Self-love is not shallow, selfish, or boastful. It is a beautiful practice to show appreciation for yourself and accept the same love you give to others. Those closest to you have already figured out what makes your light shine bright. Take a moment to listen to what your own inner voice has to say.
Energetically and physically, emphasize awareness in the heart chakra through poses that open the chest. When warming up in seated postures, guide students’ shoulder blades down the back and together to find a lift in the chest.
Use your words to encourage students to smile and find a lightness in their practice. Remind them that they deserve to show themselves the same love and affection they carry for their best friend.
Poses:
Warrior I
Reverse Table
Camel
Triangle
Surrender
Key words: acceptance, peace, presence, allow
To surrender does not signify weakness. Rather, it embodies strength. To be able to surrender to that which we can do nothing to control; to find acceptance and peace in all that surrounds us; to find curiosity in the face of the unknown; to find within our highest selves an absence of fear, a willingness to adapt, and a perseverance in the midst of adversity.
“Surrender” is often associated with “giving up” or “giving in” - change the narrative in this practice. Explain to your students why surrender means giving up the need to control every situation - living in the present moment, without fear of the future or regret of the past. The physical act of folding over and bowing in some of these poses symbolizes surrendering to and honoring the very moment your students are currently in.
Hold poses for a little longer than usual - encourage your students to surrender to their breath and their physical bodies.
Poses:
Child’s Pose with Prayer Hands Behind Neck
Humble Warrior
Standing Wide-legged Forward Bend
Pyramid
Katie is a Jersey-based yoga instructor and writer. She believes that yoga is for everybody and every body and loves to bring a sense of lightness, play, and self-discovery to her classes. When she’s not on the mat, she probably has her nose in a book. Follow her on Instagram at @KatieDonof