Anusara yoga is a relatively young form of yoga, developed in 1997 by John Friend. Due to its relative newness, many yogis have not tried this genre of yoga meant to open the heart and build on the Indian philosophy of tantra. There are a variety of benefits in teaching this form of yoga designed to celebrate all people of all skill levels.
Anusara Yoga
The school of anusara is new and constantly evolving. Because Friend is still teaching and practicing, as of 2011, he is open to a changing and growing philosophy and teaching style. This is beneficial to anusara teachers since most study regularly with Friend. They have an opportunity to offer input, suggestions and feedback from their own students in an open flow of ideas.
Intense Training
Anusara instructors are well-trained. Anusara requires that anyone who wishes to teach the system must first take regular classes as well as a 100-hour anusara immersion program before registering for teacher training. The anusara immersion course is a class that breaks down all the asanas from the first and second level as well as yogic philosophy and certain aspects of human biology. The teacher training is 200 hours of course study that covers aspects of body alignment, lesson planning and modification for those with injuries or diseases, according to Yoga Kula.
From the Heart
One of the main tenets of Anusara yoga is speaking and acting from the heart. The form of yoga aims to find the joy and ecstasy in all the moments of life, not just on the yoga mat. This philosophy tends to benefit practitioners long after they have left the yoga studio. Anusara students aim to form a kula, or community, that is supportive and inclusive, that celebrates individuals, their strengths, paths and self-expression, according to The Willows Yoga.
Completion
Upon completion of the 200-hour course, new teachers will be listed as "anusara-inspired" yoga instructors for at least one year before attempting to take the final test. This final includes a written project as well as approval of a video of your class from Friend. If you have learned and taught to his liking, the founder will call you himself to award you final status as an anusara teacher.
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