Yoga Anatomy Fundamentals
I’ve been teaching for many years in one way or another. More years than I wish to quantify . But more appropriate than the label ‘teacher’, I would say that I am a ‘life long learner’. I have a love of learning. At the moment, I am currently studying the Yoga Anatomy Fundamentals course, developed and delivered by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews. Leslie Kaminoff’s Yoga Anatomy training was recommended by respected UK based yoga teacher Chris Taylor. I am so very grateful to Chris for sharing his yoga teaching with me when I was last in the UK. Now also for pointing me in the direction of Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthew’s work.
Feeling Inspired
The course isn’t complete yet, so I’m thinking I should write something again when I can give a full summary. But part way through, I’m feeling inspired enough to write about my experience so far. I have found the course; relatable, engaging and some concepts quite frankly exciting. Leslie’s and Amy’s work aligns so well with my own yoga thoughts, teaching and practise. Together, they beautifully bring together both Eastern and Western yoga principles. Their explanations of yoga related anatomy completely make sense and resonate with me.
In particular, Unit 3 of the Yoga Anatomy course; ‘Strength, Flexibility and Movement’ really backs up other learning and professional conversations I have had recently with New Zealand Based Movement coach Teresa Dixon. Teresa’s philosophy for movement is very similar to Leslie’s. Teresa asks how do you need to keep the body moving well to do all the things you want to do in your life, things that are important to you. For me, this means being able to walk in the bush, to swim, to ride my bicycle, to do my beekeeping activities, to demonstrate yoga shapes.
In Leslie’s words
Leslie poses the question; ‘Do you live to do yoga or do you do yoga to live?’. He reinforces the importance of using yoga as a means to doing all the things you want to do in life. To be able to move freely enough in order to live a life that is meaningful to you. I couldn’t agree more.
The message
The main message is to do yoga to live well. Or more generally, to move well for better quality of life. This message is one I certainly wish to pass on in my teaching.
Images used with permission by YogaAnatomy.net