Ep 187 David Garrigues - Finding Joy in Practice and Teaching

www.davidgarrigues.com | @davidgarriguesyoga

In this conversation, David Garrigues discusses his journey as a yoga teacher and the challenges he has faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of being authentic and real as a teacher, even if it means admitting to struggles and imperfections. David also talks about the need for structure and specificity in teaching, while also recognizing the importance of individual interpretation and exploration. He shares his love for Ashtanga Yoga and the joy it brings him, and how he has evolved his teaching style over the years.

 

Key Points

·      Being authentic and real as a yoga teacher is important, even if it means admitting to struggles and imperfections.

·      There is a need for structure and specificity in teaching, while also allowing for individual interpretation and exploration.

·      Finding joy in your practice and teaching is essential for staying motivated and connected to the practice.

·      Ashtanga Yoga can be a powerful modality for teaching and practicing yoga, but it is important to adapt it to the individual needs and abilities of students. Structure and repetition can be beneficial in a yoga practice, providing comfort and allowing for deeper exploration.

·      The existing sequences in Ashtanga yoga offer a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be thoroughly explored.

·      Anatomy and physicality are important aspects of the practice, as they provide a foundation for bandhas and breath control.

·      Engaging with the ritual of yoga can lead to self-discovery and a deeper understanding of oneself.

·      The interplay between movement and stillness, becoming and being, is a fundamental aspect of yoga.

·      Teaching yoga requires balancing the sharing of knowledge with empowering the student and avoiding the misuse of power.

·      The practice of yoga can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring rest and recovery.

·      Students and their dedication to the practice can be a great source of inspiration for teachers.

·      Generosity and the joy of giving are important qualities to cultivate in the practice and teaching of yoga.