How do you educate the westerners that Yoga is not only Asanas but just the one limb of Ashtanga Yoga?

Question

Because I have been teaching Yoga since 19 years & I have been giving the classes to some of the foreigners too.So when I try to explain them about them the meaning of ashtanga yoga very few of them do know about it.If you go by percentage it is very less that you will find someone who is really interested to learn it in depth.They like the adjustments rather than showing patience to listen to the teacher & learn to adjust themselves.They must know that yoga should be practiced without being disturbed by way of adjustments.They like only the typical asanas to be practiced rather than finding the real benefit by doing some lovely simple asanas which even have more effect on the body as well as mind.Very few of them like to learn Pranayama which is again the very best means of lengthening the capacity of ones Lungs & also take one person to be ready for the next stages to get into.Only by doing asana you are not at all gaining the maximum benefit hence is my question.Let me know the ans

Answer 1

Actually, you've just educated me by writing this. That's a start.

Good Luck. Peace.

Answer 2

Many Westerners taking yoga only do the asanas. You are right. Yoga is actually a whole lifestyle, isn't it?

Keeping on the subject of the simpler asanas, I have never met a person that liked doing the corpse pose, neither have I met too many that actually did the belly, ribs, chest breath.

Make sure that you make it critical in your classes that your pupils learn the breath first, then they begin the asanas.

Also include visualization in your courses. My teacher told us to think of ourselves as trees, sturdy yet swaying, while we were in Tree pose. She told us to think of our heart sinking into the floor and our torso being pulled up by a string while we were doing Cat. She would tell us that our feet are planted deep underground and that we towered high above the clouds while we were in Mountain.

A little visualization goes a long way.

Answer 3

Pranayam/pranayama are vital breathing exercises that are just as important, if not more, than the asanas/poses themselves. When to do them? Before, During and After! Pranayama does not stop with the beginning of asana or the completion. It should help you to focus as much as asana form. Done before - it gives you strength, focus and centers you to prepare your asana practice During - helps regulate the energy flow in the body, promotes focus and clarity, helps your stability After - Centers, calms and relaxes Obviously, all people are different and that's the same with teachers, even in the same branches of yoga practice. Sometimes to listen to the teacher, you cannot focus on the pranayama during their talk, so you may have to just do as they say during the session, but on your own, do what you feel is best for your training and wellbeing.

Answer 4

Because most people are just looking for a quick fix and not interested in anything deeper. I know your frustration. You just have to lower your expectations.

Answer 5

Most people are not as interested in yoga as you might think, so it will be impossible to educate them properly.

Answer 6

let them twist the legs around your head while you open your mouth and lick their belly.

Answer 7

chirp chirp chirp (the sound of crickets)