The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 090: Teaching Baby and Me Yoga with Shannon Crow   Description: How can a yoga niche help to grow a profitable and sustainable yoga business? In this episode, Shannon shares about a popular area of yoga - Baby and Me yoga, and how this can be a niche to build your yoga business.   Very often, postnatal parents are wanting to get back to yoga and bring baby along, but adult yoga classes aren’t the right place for them. Having crawling / crying / curious babies in the room, new parents adjusting to new routines, and parents developing that bond with their babies - these are all things that play into the flow and rhythm of a yoga class. Baby and Me yoga classes are designed to take all these and more into consideration.   Shannon shares how she structured her classes and the different elements she incorporates into her classes, keeping both baby and parent in mind. She also highlights other considerations when it comes to Baby and Me yoga, including timing of classes, the spaces in which you conduct these classes, and why she chose the name “Baby and Me yoga” instead of other variations out there.   This episode is perfect for anyone who teaches prenatal or postnatal students and for people who want to find their yoga niche.   Key Takeaways: [6:34] How did Shannon get into teaching Baby and Me yoga? [8:37] Why does Shannon call her class "Baby and Me" yoga? Shannon shares some insight into her personal journey as a new mom. [12:12] What might you see in a student that is coming to a yoga class postnatally? [16:20] Shannon shares a little about maternity leave, and why supporting new parents is so important. [20:11] Timing is also important when it comes to Baby and Me yoga. When can new parents start coming to Baby and Me yoga? [22:04] Where will you be teaching Baby and Me yoga? [23:32] Baby and Me yoga is very different from traditional yoga classes with adults. Shannon has some tips and tricks for you. [28:32] If you'd like to learn more about the elements Shannon includes in her Baby and Me yoga class, you can attend the MamaNuture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training or check out the Online Course that goes into more detail about this. [29:20] What are the 8 elements that Shannon includes in Baby and Me yoga? [30:19] Shannon dives into the element of songs and sounds. [32:54] Shannon's second element is infant massage. How does that tie into Baby and Me yoga? [36:03] Element #3 is musical movement. Music is as important as movement in a child's development. [39:20] Shannon incorporates sign language in her Baby and Me yoga classes. She has some tips on how best to do it. [44:21] #5: Baby poses - the key to this is to really follow baby's lead. [47:55] Community time is another element of Shannon's Baby and Me yoga classes. She highlights why this is an important part of the class. [50:39] The next element is independent practice, and how that helps parents reconnect with themselves. [51:54] Baby and me breath is the final element. Shannon shares an example of a practice she uses. [55:00] Shannon ends with her final insights about yoga and how it can help parents and babies. [57:46] What is your one takeaway from this episode about teaching to postnatal parents? Share your thoughts! Links: Mama Nurture Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Online Course on Baby and Me Yoga The Genius of Natural Childhood, by Sally Goddard Blythe Itsy Bitsy Yoga, by Helen Garabedian Baby Om: Yoga for Mothers and Babies by Laura Staton and Sarah Perron   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity   Quotes from Shannon Crow:   "Your baby doesn't come with an owner's manual, and you have to figure out what that little human needs."   "Sometimes we're feeling shame or ashamed of what we need as parents when it comes to work."   "Be careful about judging, others for sure, but also yourself."   "Touch between parent and baby is another form of communication. It's a really clear and concrete way to express love."   "This Baby and Me yoga class is a really great place to practice and learn together."   "You're not only dealing with parents, you're also dealing with what baby needs."   "Baby and me yoga offers parents a gentle practice to reconnect with body and breath. In this time, they can bond with baby, and also connect to other parents.”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 089: Yoga for Stress Management with Courtney Butler-Robinson   Description: You can’t deny it - we live in a stressful world. Everyone knows yoga is useful when it comes to stress management, but Courtney Butler-Robinson has focused her practice exclusively around dealing with stress and more specifically, heart health.   Courtney has had a long and illustrious career in the field of yoga. She’s been practicing for nearly 40 years, training yoga teachers for 20, and a certified yoga therapist for over 10 years (including being one of the first yoga therapists to be recognized by the International Association of Yoga Therapists). She is the owner and director of Balance Yoga and Wellness, a registered yoga school, and works as a stress management specialist, particularly in relation to reversing heart disease.   Stress is something everyone deals with, but Courtney highlights its connection to heart disease, and how her part in Dr. Dean Ornish’s lifestyle medicine practice is helping to heal patients. She provides insight into how yoga can be a part of the medical world, and why love, support, gratitude, and joy are some of the key ingredients to a long and healthy life.   If you’ve always wondered how to reach the medical world through your yoga teaching, or how to incorporate stress management in your yoga training, this episode is definitely one you need hear.   Key Takeaways: [1:04] One lucky listener stands a chance to win a prize this week! [3:45] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Courtney Butler-Robinson. [6:15] How did Courtney's yoga journey start? When did she get into yoga, and what brought her to it? [7:39] What pushed Courtney to start working in yoga for stress management? [9:49] Courtney shares a little about the work that Dr. Dean Ornish does. [12:31] How is Courtney's class different from the average yoga class in its approach towards stress management? [16:03] Courtney describes a typical day in the life of one of her clients. [17:45] What are some of the most common issues people are dealing with when they come to see Courtney? [20:16] What does a "prescription" entail? Courtney outlines some of the differences between her current work and her work in private practice. [22:33] Courtney gives some recommendations when it comes to keeping your heart healthy. [25:25] Courtney highlights the importance of gratitude in heart health. [28:06] What has Courtney learned through her 10 years of training teachers? [31:19] How can yoga teachers move into the medical side of things? [33:49] Courtney has some advice for yoga teachers with students looking to improve their heart health or reduce stress in their lives. [35:58] Shannon and Courtney discuss whether overall stress and anxiety levels are going up in society. [41:16] Find out more about Courtney, the work she does and more through her website, and on social media. [42:12] Courtney's book, The Mud and the Lotus, is a guide and a workbook for yoga teachers. [48:58] Shannon shares how she connected with Courtney, and how you can use this method to connect with others. [53:10] What is your biggest takeaway from this episode? Shannon would love to hear from you! Links: The Mud and the Lotus, by Courtney Butler-Robinson Courtney Butler-Robinson on Facebook Courtney Butler-Robinson on Instagram Courtney Butler-Robinson on YouTube Balance Yoga and Wellness The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 088: Creating Professional Yoga Videos with Kira Sloane Dr. Baxter Bell Larry Payne Dr. Dean Ornish - Lifestyle Medicine   Learn more about Relaxation Response Learn more about Oxytocin and the Heart Learn more about the Elizabeth Blackburn Studies   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity   Quotes from Courtney Butler-Robinson:   "When I started teaching, it was because of illness."   "I work in the field of lifestyle medicine."   "We actually reverse disease without any kind of major medical intervention. It's diet, exercise, yoga, meditation and love and support."   "The point of stress management yoga is to keep the body in a relaxation response from beginning to end."   "Movement helps to increase artery flexibility. It helps reduce lymphatic congestion in your system. ... Keep moving!"   "What I've learned personally is... that my inner wisdom knows better than listening to everything."   "I care more about your heart for service than your headstand."   "I would just encourage people to find who you are as a yoga teacher, and to be that. And to have confidence in that, because there are the people out there that need what you have to offer."   "With the 9 weeks of the program, depression rates are down 60%."   "Taking care of yourself, and loving yourself and being kind to yourself, is more a matter of quality of life... than it is about whether you live or die.”

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast 088: Creating Professional Yoga Videos with Kira Sloane   Description: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could connect with your yoga students in the comfort of their own home? With Yoga Anytime, Kira Sloane not only teaches yoga online but also helps other yoga teachers share their yoga online.   Kira was drawn to teaching yoga from her very first savasana. After being diagnosed with endometriosis in 1995, she turned to yoga to find relief for her pain and immediately wanted to share the sense of well-being she experienced with others. Today, Kira works for yoga to spread the healing she has experienced in her own practice by making videos and offering online yoga courses.   Videos are a great tool for reaching a large audience, but all that can backfire if your videos are not professional and well done. Kira reveals what she has learned from creating over 2000 yoga videos - from what kind of clothing works for the camera, to how to focus on your viewer beyond the lens, and why doing yoga on videos is ultimately all about connection and relationships, both with your audience and yourself.   Whether you’re already a veteran at making yoga videos, or a newbie to the scene, you’re sure to get some great tips and insights about what it takes to make a truly great, professional yoga video.   To see all of the links and notes for this episode (including timestamps) - visit https://www.theconnectedyogateacher.com/88

The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Ep 087: Yoga for Fertility with Beth Heller   The journey of infertility is a difficult one. Beth Heller joins Shannon on this episode to share her own story and experiences with infertility, and how that led her to become the co-founder and co-director of Pulling Down the Moon.   Beth is a mother and a yoga teacher whose niche and passion is yoga for fertility. She has a degree in human nutrition and spent 4 years working as a nutrition researcher. She found her way to yoga while going through high stress, infertility, a miscarriage, and the stillbirth of her daughter at 38 weeks. In these experiences, she found the true value of yoga and wanted to share how yoga helped her regain her period and get pregnant, and how it held and supported her through loss.   In 2002, Beth founded Pulling Down the Moon with Tami Quinn, where she now teaches yoga in classes and one-on-one instruction, with a focus on yoga for fertility, prenatal yoga, and yoga to people at the age and stage of pregnancy. She is also a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.   Beth shares her insight about how yoga helps improve fertility, and how she has helped women through their fertility journey in her practice, particularly by creating a supportive space in her studio. Shannon and Beth also discuss the benefits of online classes in breaking down barriers for some people, and how yoga teachers can fully support women or couples going through loss, miscarriage or fertility difficulties.   An open, honest and heartfelt conversation, this episode great for any yoga teacher working with people dealing with fertility, and pregnancy, and interested in finding out more about discovering your niche in yoga.   To see all of the links and notes for this episode (including timestamps) - visit https://www.theconnectedyogateacher.com/87

  Live video is taking the online world by storm, and it’s not a trend is going away soon. How can yoga teachers get on board and harness the power of video? Ian Gray of Seriously Social has tips, strategies, and advice on how you can use live video as a yoga teacher to share video content.   Ian is a man of many talents. Not only is he an international speaker, trainer, teacher, web developer and consultant who specializes in live video, he is also a husband, father of two, professional singer and self-professed geek. Through his company Seriously Social, and his weekly Facebook Live video show, The Free Range Social Show, Ian helps business owners and entrepreneurs use live video to build and expand their businesses.   Doing a live video can seem incredibly scary, but feeling nervous is a very natural response. Ian shares some of his own personal experiences getting started with live video, and his strategies to get over your fear. He also reveals the three main barriers people have when it comes to doing live video, and how you can break through them. He explains why consistency and having a group to lean on for support can make all the difference in getting on board with live video. Ian also breaks down the different live video platforms, and how they can be used to reach your target audience.   If you’re interested in sharing video content but aren’t sure how to get started, this episode is just for you. To see all of the links and notes for this episode (including timestamps) - visit theconnectedyogateacher.com/86

085: A Discussion About Hands-On Assists with Amanda Kingsmith and Shannon Crow   Do you offer your students hands-on assists or adjustments or do you steer clear of touch in a yoga class?   Amanda Kingsmith invited Shannon back on the M.B.OM podcast to talk about hands-on assists (sometimes called adjustments).   Amanda is a yoga teacher with a business studies background. She works 1:1 with yoga teachers and hosts two podcasts - one about travel and the other for yoga teachers. She is an enthusiastic world traveler when she is not at home in Alberta, Canada.   Click here to see our full show notes page.

084: Yoga for Scoliosis with Christine Jaureguiberry   Christine Jaureguiberry has niched down over the years as a yoga teacher. She now works mostly with individuals who have scoliosis. This is fueled by her own love of yoga. At the age of five, Christine was diagnosed with structural scoliosis. Her parents first put her in ballet. As she grew, she stayed active, but in her teen years, her pain started to increase.   Christine spent a lot of time visiting physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors. She wanted them to “fix” her, but instead found that the effects from the treatments wouldn’t last long   After Christine’s first yoga class (a Sivananda class in 2004), she noticed that she felt much better. Yoga made Christine feel better and she finally felt like she was in control of her own well-being.   It was after becoming a mother of two that Christine decided the timing was right to take her yoga teacher training.   Now Christine works mainly with individuals who are experiencing back pain, scoliosis or other back-related conditions. She loves to empower people so they can live pain-free. She teaches alignment and posture, bearing in mind the unique bodies and shapes. Christine makes yoga accessible to everyone.   5:34 - Meet Christine Jaureguiberry, who was diagnosed with structural scoliosis at the age of five. Christine shares her journey to yoga and how that motivated her to become a yoga teacher.   11:03 - What might a yoga student with scoliosis look like in a yoga class? Adam’s Forward Bend: a technique to determine if someone has scoliosis   12:20 - Definition of scoliosis: Scoliosis is a lateral (side-to-side) curve in the spine, usually combined with a rotation of the vertebrae.   14:18 - Difference between structural scoliosis versus functional scoliosis   “80 - 90% of people have some sort of functional scoliosis” - Christine Jaureguiberry   16:08 - Christine shares how she is one of the 70% of individuals with an idiopathic cause (meaning the cause of her scoliosis is not known).   17:16 - Why it is important to diagnose scoliosis in children and teens. In most countries, it is rare to have scoliosis screening, but Christine was lucky to be living in Germany where screening was done.   18:48 - As yoga teachers, diagnosing scoliosis (or anything) is out of our scope of practice, but Christine shares how if we are teaching children’s yoga - we can tell parents if we notice something that could be checked by their healthcare provider   20:09 - How diagnosis before puberty can actually correct scoliosis   21:15 - Yoga poses, considerations, and cues that Christine offers to students who are dealing with scoliosis. She talks about how she gradually works with a framework that offers poses involve:   Releasing Lengthening Derotation Strengthening   24:30 - Study by Dr. Loren Fishman on side plank for scoliosis and how you may get students in your classes referring to this study   25:44 - Christine shares how she feels about adjustments (hands-on assists) when working with students with scoliosis and how she sustained an injury from one in her yoga teacher training.   32:38 - How a yoga teacher can guide students with scoliosis, who may not know what is “straight”, “centre” or “balanced” in their body   33:10 - Poses that Christine has removed to her own yoga practice (shoulder stand)   34:50 - Things to consider when someone has spinal fusion or Herrington rods (*Herrington rods are not done now, but students over 35 years old may have them)   36:36 - Why lying on the back may not be comfortable for those who have scoliosis and how to modify for comfort   “Go with the sensations that your student is feeling, rather than what you think looks straight or even.” - Christine Jaureguiberry   38:45 - How Christine feels about 1:1 versus group classes and how she prefers to work with individuals with scoliosis   40:03 - What Christine wishes all yoga teachers knew when working with yoga students who have scoliosis   “It’s not about the pose, it’s about how you practice the pose.” - Christine Jaureguiberry   41:55 - How to work 1:1 with Christine (yoga students and teachers)   Christine’s Facebook Group: Yoga for Scoliosis Community (for both students with scoliosis and yoga teachers working with students who have scoliosis)   Christine’s website - Work 1:1 with Christine - online or in-person (yoga or mentorship)   If you would like to offer a birthday gift to Shannon:   Share a favourite podcast episode Leave a review on iTunes Leave a review on The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook page   Christine’s online course for yoga teachers -- Introduction to Teaching Yoga for Scoliosis: How to teach yoga safely for students with scoliosis   10% discount code for Christine's course (for our podcast listeners)   Episode 29: Creating Your About Me Page with Trevor Parks [Consultation Call]   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Apply for the Online Group Program for Yoga Teachers   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

083: Instagram for Yoga Teachers with Daniel McIntire   As a yoga teacher have you thought about creating an Instagram account? Do you already have an Instagram presence and wonder if you’re on the right path? Have you thought about creating a separate account for your yoga business? Today’s guest, Daniel McIntire, the founder of Influncrrs helps to answer these and many more questions about Instagram.   Daniel McIntire knew yoga was right for him the first time he tried it. It took him over 3 years to consider teaching but when he did his 200 YTT it was another great fit. He began by teaching part-time and expanded into full-time teaching when he quit his corporate job in 2016. He taught several classes a week to sustain a living but found in time that he was getting burnt out.   Daniel has happily found a place for yoga in his life- as a hobby. He has found his current niche as the creator and owner of Influncrrs by following his passion for incorporating his yoga practice into his online presence. As he expanded his skills in this area, he was able to help others market events on Snapchat and Instagram. Daniel came to realize that he felt most passionate about and excelled in guiding clients through expanding their business through Instagram. When working with his clients focuses on a couple of key goals 1) to increase traffic to their Instagram account and 2) encourage public engagement and feedback.   Daniel shares many gems including the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to posting, the value of public engagement in the comments section, and his 3 key components to a good post.   7:05 Daniel’s yoga journey   12:00 How Daniel started sharing his yoga on Instagram and then turning that into a career   16:35 How often Daniel recommends posting- quality over quantity   19:55 How Daniel prepares his Instagram posts- gives himself 30 minutes in a quiet space and reflects on the subject of the post   21:45 Daniel on captions and the opportunity it affords to connect with your words, along with your photo   22:25 The Importance of interacting with your audience by replying to comments- Daniel checks in daily   23:20 Shannon asks Daniel whether she should have a personal account and a separate business account   27:35 Daniel on Instagram Stories and cautions putting out too many stories and how they can be beneficial for showing another side of yourself   30:55 Shannon asks for advice on engaging her followers with her podcast-related posts   34:00 Daniel’s helps his client to draw out what they have to offer and talks about the importance of clients creating their own content   34:55 On Daniel’s realization that engagement is more valuable than followers   35:25 How Daniel helps his clients 1) get traffic to their account 2) get more engagement with their content (such as a free e-book) which helps clients create a list of leads, discover their niche, and develop a long-term strategy   37:25 Daniel’s feeling that there is so much misinformation about social media engagement and that it is simpler than is perceived   39:35 The best way to connect with Daniel and request a free week of consultation   42:30 Linktree- allows you to share more than one link on Instagram   43:30 Shannon’s wrap-up and key takeaways Links   Daniel on Instagram @dmacyoga   Daniel's Business on Instagram @nfluncrrs   Daniel's partner Courtney on Instagram @courtrandyoga   Shannon's Instagram Account @shannon_crow_yoga   Influncrrs E-Guide: Win on Instagram   Fuel Yoga Workouts in Portland, OR   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on YouTube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   To Contact our virtual assistant Samantha Scott for website design help and more:   Tech Crazy Va: Website Design, System Efficiencies & Virtual Assistant Services 7-Steps to Link Schedulicity to your Instagram account   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

082: Yoga and Fibromyalgia with Pamela Crane   We are so grateful to welcome Pamela Crane, a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapist (IAYT) who is currently working towards her Masters in Yoga Therapy at Maryland University of Integrative Health.  She is a Yoga Alliance 200 RYT, a Reiki 1 and 2 practitioner, and a member of the National Dance Education Association (NDEO).   On today’s episode, Shannon asks Pamela to speak to her experience with Fibromyalgia- as a sufferer and as a yoga therapist. As a lifelong dancer, Pamela was devastated when the pain of Fibromyalgia changed her life. In addition to the condition, she dealt with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression for years and credits yoga as a major factor in her path toward healing.   Pamela wants to share the benefits of yoga with others and as a yoga therapist has worked with those suffering from Fibromyalgia, dancers, and most recently those who work in corporate environments by providing workshops on stress reduction.   Pamela and Shannon discuss Pamela’s personal experience with this condition, how to balance the yin and yang of physical activity, how yoga teachers can support their students with Fibromyalgia and much more. 6:50 Pamela’s first yoga class   9:10 Pamela describes how yoga “saved her life”   12:35 How Fibromyalgia wasn’t understood until the later 2000s and suffers previous to this time weren’t validated and made to feel it was psychological   13:05 Pamela’s definition of Fibromyalgia and her experience with the condition   17:10 How Pamela has been able to manage her pain   19:20 Pamela expands on how it feels to suffer from the condition and the sufferer's relationship to pain   20:40 How practicing gratitude and forgiveness has helped Pamela   22:00 Practicing mindfulness and meditation   22:55 How to support a new student who suffers from Fibromyalgia and the importance of keeping in mind that yoga teachers can’t diagnose or treat people, rather support the student to find their own healing   25:35 How meditation, restorative yoga, or yin vs. yang might not be the answer for every sufferer will work- listen to the individual   26:55 How aerobic activity can benefit those with Fibromyalgia, the importance of not pushing too hard and how yoga can facilitate those activities   29:10 Pamela’s personal experience with finding balance with physical activities   33:50 As a yoga teacher when planning classes “less is more” and checking in with students after class (even a day or two later)   35:45 What Pamela likes to include in her yoga classes: constructive rest, sitali and viloma breath, loving-kindness meditation   42:15 Pamela’s work as a yoga therapist for stress management workshops in corporate settings   43:55 On Pamela’s love of helping those who may not believe yoga is right for them and guiding them towards a style that may work   45:30 Pamela’s belief that stress, in her own case, was a major factor in developing Fibromyalgia   47:20 When Pamela will receive her Masters in Yoga Therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health and her advice on choosing a school if you aspire to become a yoga therapist   50:40 How to reach Pamela and her work with clients online and in-person   53:00 Shannon’s closing thoughts and key takeaways, including her own experience with “less is more” Links   Pamela’s Website: Crane Yoga Therapy   Jump-start your 2019: 6-Week Group Program for Yoga Entrepreneurs   Metta Meditation by Shannon Crow   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

081: Set-Up to Teach Private Yoga [Consultation Call] with Stephanie Brunson   Do you or have you considered teaching private yoga classes as a way to set up or grow a yoga business? If so, this episode is for you!   Shannon shares a consultation call with the kind permission of Stephanie Brunson. Stephanie has been teaching yoga for 10 years and has recently come to the realization that teaching students one-on-one is a viable option for her. She is excited at the prospect of changing focus but is asking where to start with her new endeavor.   Stephanie  turned to The Connect Yoga Teacher Facebook group and asked:   Can anyone help me with setting up in home yoga lessons? I have been teaching now for almost 10 years and have recently been asked to teach private sessions. I don’t even know where to begin. Liability, waivers, session goals sheets, session pricing? Packages or partner lessons? Any help or advice is appreciated.   With her experience as a consultant to yoga teachers and teaching private yoga classes Shannon guides Stephanie through some key considerations along with some of the benefits, she has found teaching one-on-one. Shannon also sends Stephanie off with some concrete steps as she moves toward her goals.   10:20 Stephanie’s question to The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group   11:10 Stephanie’s struggle to set her prices and to articulate what she is offering   11:50 The mindset around private yoga versus other one-on-one teaching situations (such as piano lessons) and the benefit of teaching private yoga classes   17:40 Your first session with your client- bring a liability and waiver form to help with intake and asking your client to do some movement for assessment (while avoiding diagnosing conditions)   21:40 Thinking about working with a client as part of their team (even if their team hasn’t been established yet) and on keeping clear boundaries with your scope of practice   26:20 Asking your client what their goals are and on meeting them where they are and keeping track of their progress   28:30 Designing package rates   30:35 Shannon walks Stephanie through what to consider when setting her rates   34:05 Considering safety and liability issues when going to your client’s home or holding the session in your home   35:55 Considering prices for a session with 2 or more people (semi-private)   37:00 Marketing and advertising and the benefit of word-of-mouth   39:50 Creating social media posts that address potential clients fears and special needs or perhaps offering specialized services (such as couples yoga or yoga for back pain)   44:15 Stephanie asks about online one-on-one sessions   46:30 Stephanie considers good places to advertise to target her audience   48:40 Scheduling your clients and organizing your schedule and thinking ahead to create seasonal specials   51:15 Stephanie’s realization that there is a market for private yoga   52:00 The joy Shannon has found working with clients one-on-one   52:55 Shannon sets up Stephanie’s first steps for advertising and guidance with growing her private yoga business   56:00 Shannon’s key takeaways:   Teaching one-one is easier than teaching to a group Feedback and modifications happen easily when teaching one-on-one Work one-on-one with a yoga mentor so that you have experience as the student Bring a waiver form Ask questions:   Do they have any conditions? How does it affect them (symptoms) Their stress levels- at work and at home Pain levels on a scale from 1-10 Ask clients to do some movements to assess   Make sure to have a notepad   Consider yourself part of a health-care team (work in your scope of practice) and create a list so you are able to refer your client to specialists Empower your client to create yoga goals Consider your prices and the possibility of offering packages Location- in your space or your client’s or somewhere else Marketing and advertising through social media, websites and more Create your private yoga schedule Consider niching down to provide specialized services   Pick one actionable item and share with Shannon. It can be something from the list or something else that works for you.   Links   Group Program for Yoga Teachers   Shannon on Instagram   The Connected Yoga Teacher Editable Student Waiver Form   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on YouTube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training September 22nd and 23rd, 2018   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

080: Yoga and Endometriosis [Part 2] with Dustienne Miller   In part 2 of our 2-part series on endometriosis, Shannon asked yoga teacher and physical therapist Dustienne Miller to share her knowledge and experience working with clients with this chronic illness.   Dustienne feels strongly endometriosis is underdiagnosed and that there is much more to be understood in this area of women’s health. It is now recognized that 1 in 10 women struggle with this chronic illness. Dustienne also wants all women to trust their intuition when determining the severity of their pain and to know that period pain should never be debilitating.   Dustienne began studying to become a physiotherapist in 1994 and began practicing yoga while doing musical theater in New York City as a way to warm up. She continued practicing yoga at home and decided to pursue yoga teacher training at Kripalu. Dustienne came to realize as a yoga teacher and a physiotherapist specializing in pelvic health, that these disciplines complemented each other beautifully. She began to integrate yoga into physical therapy home programs and saw the difference yoga made to her clients suffering from endometriosis.     Dustienne details for us how pranayama and asana can ease the symptoms of endometriosis. She describes the connection between pranayama and the pelvic floor and her way of leading clients through asana in a progressive fashion to minimize overextending themselves. 6:20 Dustienne’s yoga and physical therapy journey   8:50 Dustienne describes endometriosis   10:40 Symptoms of endometriosis   12:20 What Dustienne has heard from her clients suffering from endometriosis   13:20 Are the endo flare-ups in sync with the menstrual cycle? 15:40 Pain management- the importance of teaching strategies in order to allow sufferers to have ownership over managing the flares   How yoga can benefit those with endometriosis:   16:25 Pranayama- a daily practice can help with the prominence of the parasympathetic nervous system to be more dominant which can lessen the pain   17:30 Relationship between pranayama and the pelvic floor and the importance of lengthening the spine to optimize the pranayama-pelvic floor connection   20:55 Asana- a gentle yoga program can mobilize the tissues and the muscles that are attaching to both the pelvis and the thorax 22:15 Yoga poses to approach with caution extensions and cause rebound pain   24:40 Is there a pain level where one should avoid asana and Dustienne’s hope that students will feel that for themselves   27:40 The benefit of child’s pose, goddess pose, banana pose, standing half-moon, supine twist (to help with rotation through the spine) and their variations   32:55 Dustienne’s love for restorative yoga, that it is “real” yoga   33:55 Additional advice from Dustienne and on reconditioning the body to have a different response to pain to help lessen it (softening the belly, table pose letting belly hang)   36:05 Other treatments Dustienne recommends for endometriosis   38:20 How endometriosis can be diagnosed and how treatment options are evolving as research into this illness expands   40:25 Misconceptions around endometriosis, how raising awareness is helping e.g. through social media campaign #1in10   42:10 Importance of listening to intuition- don’t push yourself   42:55 Shannon’s closing thoughts and wrap-up and on “curating your team” Links   Dustienne’s summary page of resources   Dustienne’s website: Your Pace Yoga Related TCYT Episodes:   079: Yoga and Endometriosis [Part 1] with Kimberly Castello   007: Breath and Pelvic Health with Trista Zinn   008: Core Breath and Pelvic Health with Kim Vopni   009: Kegels, Mula Bandha, and Pelvic Health with Shelly Prosko   033: A New Perspective on Diastasis Recti with Sinead Dufour   073: The 8 Limbs of Yoga [Part 1] with Shannon Crow   074: The 8 Limbs of Yoga [Part 2] with Jennie Lee       Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training September 22nd and 23rd, 2018 Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

079: Yoga and Endometriosis with Kimberly Castello [Part 1]   In part 1 of a 2-part series on endometriosis, we welcome Kimberly Castello, a certified Yoga Therapist who completed her Clinical Internship with the Simms Mann Venice Family Clinic in Los Angeles, California. Kimberly specializes in developing chronic pain management programs for individuals, hospitals, and clinics.   Kimberly tried yoga when a friend recommended it to her, knowing that as a dancer she had a love for movement. She shares that she fell in love with yoga as soon as she hit the mat and soon after pursued yoga teacher training. Her curiosity and devotion to yoga have only grown stronger and her passion for teaching has been enhanced through her life experiences.   At the age of 27, Kimberly fell ill, finding herself plagued by fatigue. She also had bladder issues and persistent pelvic pain.  Kimberly describes how she and the many doctors she saw were stumped by her symptoms. Eventually, asking to be tested for mononucleosis (with the results coming back positive), she believed that to be the answer to her mysterious symptoms. Nonetheless, the severity of her symptoms continued and worsened.  Kimberly describes the grueling process that eventually led to being diagnosed with Endometriosis many years later.   Kimberly generously shares her experience in order to bring awareness and validate other women’s experience with this crippling disorder. Endometriosis has been long been overlooked and is far more common than was believed. There has been very little research done in this area of women’s health, with doctors writing the symptoms off as menstrual pain with the attitude of “suck it up”. Kimberly defines the condition, how it is a lifelong struggle and her approach to managing what she describes as an autoimmune disease. She also openly shares the grief, depression, and isolation she encountered while coping with the diagnosis that shifted the course of her life. 6:20 Shannon defines endometriosis   8:30 Kimberly’s yoga journey   10:00 Kimberley’s mysterious illness   16:50 Kimberley’s surgery for endometriosis and her decision to pass on medication that would have put her into early menopause   18:00 The connection between mononucleosis and endometriosis and how endometriosis is an autoimmune disease   19:10 How Kimberley defines endometriosis and the symptoms that accompany the condition   21:50 The lack of education around endometriosis and developments in this area   23:15 Kimberley’s long road to being diagnosed with endometriosis   25:10 How endometriosis feels   27:25 Kimberley describes some symptoms she experienced and how it can begin and progress differently in every woman   30:00 Kimberley’s experience with weight gain as a symptom of endometriosis and her struggle to accept this change in her body   31:25 Accepting that this systemic illness would affect her for the rest of her life and that she’d have to “work 10 times harder than the average person works to do the simplest things” and the struggle to process the grief   32:45 How Kimberley is coping with the illness now and what has she found helpful in managing the disorder e.g. diet, focusing on what she can do rather than what she can’t do, managing her expectations   37:35 The importance of practicing restorative yoga   38:50 Kimberly’s choice to share her story   40:20 Helping herself and others find acceptance that their life won’t look the way they imagined   41:55 Kimberly on finding acceptance, patience, and kindness for herself through yoga   43:55 Kimberly’s advice on coping for those who have been newly diagnosed   46:00 Suggested poses and breathing practices for symptom relief Legs on a chair (restorative pose) Therapeutic Pranayama (going with natural breath) Reclined Butterfly (restorative and supported)   49:10 “What can you do to give yourself what you need in the moment?” How this advice to her students has begun to spill over into Kimberly’s life and how it applies to those with endometriosis   52:20 Kimberly explains “endo belly”   54:40 Kimberly’s decision to wean herself off medications (under the guidance of a doctor) and eating, breath work and yoga for her body and the importance of taking time to rest when she’s tired   59:25 Can restorative yoga help to prevent inflammation when brought on by stress and the benefit of “self-talk”   1:02:50 Keeping things in balance- in life and in our yoga practice   1:04:00 What services Kimberly offers and her philosophy of “meeting people where they are”   1:06:00 Shannon’s wrap-up and key takeaways   Links   Kimberly’s Email: [email protected]   Kimberly’s Website: Kimberly Castello Yoga   Kimberly Castello Yoga on Facebook   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training September 22nd and 23rd, 2018   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

078: Creating an Online Studio with Brea Johnson   Brea Johnson has over 16 years of yoga teaching under her belt and has recently ventured into the world of online teaching. Finding herself tired of the class grind she refined what and how she teaches and in doing, so she was able to define her niche. In shifting her focus, she also found herself turning to a more sustainable approach to yoga by bringing in movement education and research to enhance her yoga teaching. This approach has attracted an international audience which inspired Brea to offer online classes and teacher trainings.   With an open and authentic spirit, Brea shares her experience with creating and offering online content. She shares how teaching in this format works for her lifestyle and how she loves being able to dive deeper into teaching and being able to cover more details through her online offerings that she isn’t able to cover in her weekly class.   There are, of course, many challenges. Shannon also shares her experience with her online offerings and dispels the myth that online teaching can provide a comfortable passive income when it is, in fact, an ongoing process.   Brea and Shannon also discuss online platforms to host your videos, equipment suggestions, and Brea’s method of offering online memberships. An episode filled with great advice, Brea sums it up best: “The first step is to be bold enough to put yourself out there.” 5:30 What moved Brea to teach online   7:20 What led Brea to define her niche and her “ yoga existential crisis”   11:20 What Brea found the most challenging aspect of offering online classes   12:40 How Brea’s online class membership works; library of classes, filters to help students find a class that works for them e.g. focused on a certain area of the body, energy level   15:50 On how she found the perfect time to shift her focus   17:00 How often Brea adds new classes to her online collection   19:15 The choice to hire professionals to film DIY and Brea’s experience filming the classes herself and equipment she uses   21:00 Brea’s suggestion on choosing a wireless mic   24:00 Other video making advice; the camera, lighting, shooting the video   30:10 Brea’s editing process and the editing program she uses   31:35 Brea’s approach to keeping in touch with her clients and offering classes and on her choice to teach without notes   32:55 Which platform Brea uses to host her classes online   35:35 Brea’s online YTT offering and the importance of teaching movement teacher trainings   42:35 On Brea’s rebellious nature   43:20 Shannon and Brea discuss the accessibility of online classes and trainings such as reaching an international audience, and focusing on “How can I provide online classes?” rather than simply “Can it be done?”   46:15 How to reach Brea and access her free content and how pleased she is when those access her free online content   48:30 The importance of seeing a diversity of ages in our yoga teachers in online content   53:05 Shannon’s final thoughts and her experience putting herself out there online, feeling vulnerable, and her advice to you if you’re thinking of offering online courses   Links    Email Brea: [email protected]   Brea’s Website: Heart and Bones Yoga   Hearts and Bones Yoga on Instagram   Hearts and Bones on Facebook   Shannon's Facebook Live Video   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on YouTube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training September 22nd and 23rd, 2018 Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

077: Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome) with Helena Spears   Shannon met Helena Spears through a discussion in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about interstitial cystitis.   Upon graduating from her 200-hour yoga teacher training, Helena turned her focus towards teaching chronic pain informed yoga as well as yoga for pelvic health. Shannon asked Helena on as a guest to share her first-hand experience with interstitial cystitis and persistent pain and the many benefits of practicing yoga in regard to pain management.   As a teen, Helena was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and in her 20s, through a cliff jumping incident, she developed chronic back pain. The back pain evolved into Fibromyalgia and Ankylosing Spondylitis (an inflammatory arthritis that attacks the spine).   Helena describes how she turned to yoga for chronic pain management but soon found the benefits were limited within the confines of a traditional yoga practice. She shares this experience and her perseverance in pursuing her own yoga path on her website:   “It was in my early 30s that I discovered how powerful yoga can be in managing pain; the emotional, spiritual and physical. I decided to pursue my yoga teacher training out of frustration and curiosity. I was frustrated that “regular” yoga practice seemed to flare my Fibromyalgia, yet I knew that yoga could be the key to helping heal my overactive nervous system and dialing down my pain. Since completing my yoga teacher training, my practice has deepened in a way I never thought possible. The emotional healing and guidance I have received from studying sutras and yogic philosophy inform my life and practice every day. Through meditation, I have learned to tap into the calm part of my soul, pranayama allows me to quickly tap into that inner calm”   Helena candidly shares her experience with Interstitial Cystitis, the anger she encountered while coping with her persistent pain, the importance she places on the mind/body connection, and the sutras that are guiding her along her journey. 7:30 Helena’s yoga journey   10:40 Helena describes her chronic pain   12:30 The definition of Interstitial Cystitis (from the IC Network website)   13:25 5 different types of IC (listed in The Connected Yoga Teacher Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome) PDF)   16:35 No one-size-fits-all treatment for IC   17:30 Helena’s take on the term “Painful Bladder Syndrome” as an alternative to Interstitial Cystitis   18:55 Helena’s IC symptoms   19:45 Helena’s experience with the mind/body connection in relation to persistent pain   21:35 The benefit of yoga in nurturing Helena’s mind/body relationship and the activities Helena has given up due to pain and stress   25:35 Helena’s yoga practice   27:05 The benefits Helena has found using Muse headbands   32:50 Helena’s interest in pursuing Yoga for Pelvic Health and taking Pain Care Yoga- Teacher Training and Learning with Tianne   34:40 How Helena wants to empower her yoga students and how she’s always learning as a teacher   36:30 How Helena feels the spiritual aspect of yoga, such as the Yoga Sutra has helped her cope with chronic pain- Ahimsa (compassion for self) and Aparigraha (non-attachment) and Brahmacharya (dedication to practice) are guiding principles in her life   39:55 Anger and chronic pain- how Helena identified and worked on her anger and the importance of acceptance   42:25 What Helena would say to someone suffering from persistent pain   45:30 Helena’s concern for men who feel like they can’t convey their pain which is toxic for pain management   46:00 The emotional component of persistent pain and the importance of treating the mind, body and soul   48:35 How best to reach Helena Links   To enter to win a Muse Headband leave a comment below these shownotes :)   Helena’s Website: Helena Spears Yoga   The Pelvic Health Podcast   PDF: Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)   Website: The IC Network   Definition of Interstitial Cystitis on The IC Network website:   “An unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than six weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.”   Shelly Prosko’s Website: Physio Yoga   Pain Care Yoga- Teacher Training and Learning with Tianne   The 10 Step Approach to Living with Pain Webinar (scroll down the page a bit to see video and links to handouts)   Book: When The Body Says No by Gabor Maté (chapter 1 available for no charge)   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

076: Designing A Yoga Teacher Training with Rachel Scott   Think back to your first 200-hour yoga teacher training. What was it like? Did it fit your learning style? What do you wish was included? If you’ve given these questions some thought perhaps designing and teaching yoga teacher training is a path for you.   Shannon came across Rachel Scott in a serendipitous-like fashion. Rachel had shared photos on the Pixabay (a free image-sharing site), and Shannon used one for her online 5-Day Content Creation Challenge. Noticing that Rachel was a yoga teacher, Shannon clicked on the link to Rachel’s site. Discovering that Rachel did consultation work with yoga teachers interested in designing their own YTT, (a topic Shannon wanted to cover on the show), Shannon took the opportunity to invite Rachel on the podcast as a guest.   Rachel is an educational designer and teacher whose mission is to support yoga teachers and studios to create their own excellently crafted and delivered teacher trainings. She has worked in education for nearly twenty years and led the Teachers College at one of Canada’s largest yoga studios for more than seven. The author of two yoga books, she hosts an award-winning blog and has contributed to several publications. Rachel has a BA from Columbia University, Masters of Science in Instructional Design and Learning Technology. She describes herself as “part nerd, part creative artist”, believing in elevating strengths, laughing out loud, and taking a few deep breaths.   With warmth and wisdom, Shannon and Rachel discuss the pros and cons of designing a yoga teacher course, how to determine if this path is right for you, teaching and planning strategies and much more.   As always, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. What would you like to see included in a yoga teacher training? Have you given thought to teaching one? 11:30 How Rachel become interested in helping yoga teachers create their own yoga YTT and her process of becoming a consultant   17:45 Rachel’s perspective on creating online yoga content with good intentions (versus income-focused)   19:05 Rachel’s approach to guiding teachers through designing a YTT   22:00 How do yoga teachers know if they’re ready to create a yoga teacher training, the qualities of a good teacher and defining where strengths and interest lies   26:00 How to test the waters to help you decide if you would like to teach a YTT and considering training for becoming a good teacher   28:05 “One of the reasons to teach is to learn” -don’t feel pressured to go into teaching “knowing all”   30:00 Helping students learn versus telling students what you know and Rachel’s first time leading a YTT and learning the significance of this “creating an environment where people can make mistakes” a practice and actively learning instead of students sitting and listening   33:10 Is there a downside of designing a YTT and pitfalls to avoid   36:35 Considerations to help you determine what to charge for your YTT   41:20 How much content can students manage to process in a day and strategies that can help   44:40 Rachel’s thoughts on improving YTTs she has attended- finding a way to give feedback to students, some form of accountability, clarity in what students will learn from a course   49:10 The services Rachel provides and how to work with her   53:15 Shannon’s wrap up and final thoughts on offering yoga teacher trainings Links   Contact Rachel for a free 15-minute consultation call:   Rachel’s email: [email protected]   Rachel’s Website: Rachel Yoga   Rachel on Facebook   Rachel on Instagram   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on YouTube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   The Connected Yoga Teacher 5-Day Content Creation Challenge   Relevant TCYT Episodes:   052: Create Your Online Course with Janelle Allen   061: Too Many Yoga Teachers with Kimma Stark Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

075: Yoga for Pelvic Girdle Pain with Dr. Sinead Dufour   Shannon is pleased to have Dr. Sinead Dufour as her first returning guest to discuss pelvic girdle pain. Sinead has been a practicing physiotherapist for about 15 years, with a PhD in Primary Health Care. Her extensive studies also include training in obstetrics and urogynecology. She is a professor in the Health and Science department at McMaster University and is the Director of Pelvic Health at The Womb.     Pelvic girdle pain develops in pregnancy or postnatally. It’s pain that develops below the rib line and travels below the gluteal fold. 75% of women have pelvic girdle pain in their second pregnancy and 20% have continuous pelvic girdle pain postnatal.   Shannon and Dr. Sinead Dufour discuss how our understanding of pelvic girdle pain has evolved, the misconceptions that make treating the pain difficult, and what yoga teachers can do to help their students experiencing pelvic pain. Dr. Sinead discusses how important it is for women to trust their pelvis by recognizing its strength and directing signals of safety, reassurance, and resilience to help prevent the pain and reduce fear of giving birth.   9:35 What is pelvic girdle pain?   14:45 What do we now know about the effect of pregnancy hormones in causing laxity of the pelvis and how that understanding has evolved; central mechanism versus mechanical factors   20:15 How we can talk to our yoga students about their pelvic girdle pain; pelvic sensitivity does not mean lack of strength of the pelvic region, the effect of asymmetrical movement, misconceptions and outdated information   22:25 The problem with misconceptions around pelvic health in pregnancy; creates increased fear around giving birth, can actually cause more pain if the woman feels compelled to clench her pelvis believing it to be weak   26:45 How new research has informed the way Dr. Sinead Dufour treats her patients with pelvic girdle pain and how it can inform the way yoga teachers can help students   29:40 Previous pregnancy as a risk factor but not a determining factor, higher risk if there’s been a trauma in the first pregnancy   32:05 Understanding that the mechanics isn’t the driver of the pain but it is relevant, and the mechanics is something they can have control over- don’t be afraid of movement, be mindful, some movement is good to avoid   33:15 Movements for those with pelvic girdle pain (and those to avoid)   38:10 Study of the effect of high cortisol and the importance of education around these findings and the application to yoga   40:00 Importance of language around pelvic girdle pain using “sensitive pelvis” instead of “falling apart” or “dysfunctional” and the misconception of engaging the pelvis to remedy the pain   42:50 Incidents of long-term pelvic girdle pain (20% of women) indicates the current approach needs to incorporate new research and deconstruct long-held beliefs   46:25 Hypertonic pelvis and taking care around doing exercises such as kegels   48:50 The importance of referring students to a pelvic floor physiotherapist- even before pregnancy to “reset” the pelvis, build trust in the body, empowerment in knowledge   53:40 Do men experience pelvic girdle pain?   56:15 The benefit of therapy in pregnancy and postnatally- is it appropriate to refer a student to a therapist?   58:40 Dr. Sinead’s preference for the term “motor control exercises” instead of “stability exercises”   1:02:44 How to reach Dr. Sinead Dufour   1:03:15 Shannon’s wrap-up and key takeaways   Links   Email Dr. Sinead Dufour: [email protected]   Website: The Womb   Find a Canadian Pelvic Health Specialist   PDF: Dr. Sinead Dufour's Postpartum Movement Tips   PDF: Dr. Sinead Dufour's Study: Association between lumbopelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction in women: A cross sectional study.     Pelvic Symmetry Sequence by Shannon Crow   Relevant TCYT Episodes:   007: Breath and Pelvic Health with Trisha Zinn 008: Core Breath and Pelvic Health with Kim Vopni 009: Kegals, Mula Banda and Pelvic Health with Shelly Prosko 033: A New Perspective on Diastasis Recti with Dr. Sinead Dufour   The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

074: The 8 Limbs [Part 2] with Jennie Lee   On last week’s episode Shannon gave us an overview of The 8 Limbs and on today’s episode, Shannon takes a deeper look with guest Jennie Lee author of True Yoga: Practicing with the Yoga Sutras for Happiness & Spiritual Fulfillment. Jennie Lee is a yoga therapist, teacher, speaker and writer who specializes in Classical Yoga, Meditation and Mindful Wellness.  Shannon met Jennie through a post on The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group. Group members highly recommended Jennie’s book as a fresh look at the 8 limbs and one they use to inform their teaching and personal practice.   It is Jennie’s belief that the 8-fold path is fundamental for yoga teachers to understand and wrote the book with the intention of building a bridge between the classical texts of yoga and what we’re seeing in the yoga practice today. She wanted to make the eight limbs accessible to yoga teachers and students using layman terms with practical applications to everyday life.     Jennie opens up about her life challenges and how The 8 Limbs have helped her navigate the hardest times, how she applies it to her work as a yoga therapist, and her new book Breathing Love: Meditation in Action.   7:35 Jennie Lee’s yoga journey   10:15 What is Spiritual Psychology?   11:40 Shannon asks Jennie what inspired her to write a book that explores the yoga sutras in depth   15:05 Jennie Lee takes a look at Saucha (found within the Niyamas) and how the principle can be applied to in our everyday lives   18:30 The last 4 sutras: Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi- their similarities and differences   20:55 Is it possible for humans to experience Samadhi and Jennie Lee’s caution around trying to reach this state   24:00 The emphasis put on Asana by 20th Century Western culture   26:10 How can a yoga teacher bring the 8 Limbs into their classes   28:35 The meaning Isvara pranidhana has brought to Jennie’s life, especially when going through difficult times and the benefit of surrendering to the power that is greater than you (for Jennie it is Love)   32:05 The challenge Jennie Lee has found in practising Pratyahara and how “unplugging” is key   34:40 Tapas- considering doing less instead of more   38:00 Dhyana (meditation) and how Jennie has made this an everyday practice and that “not enough time” isn’t a good excuse   42:10 How the 8 Limbs inform Jennie’s yoga therapy practice   43:45 How to connect with Jennie   44:30 Jennie’s new book: Breathing Love: Meditation in Action   46:45 Shannon’s final thoughts and invitation to join her for Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training September 22nd and 23rd, 2018 Links   Jennie's Website: Jennie Lee Yoga Therapy   Jennie Lee’s Books:   True Yoga: Practicing with the Yoga Sutras for Happiness & Spiritual Fulfillment (2016)   Breathing Love: Meditation in Action (2018)   There is one copy of each book available to win. To enter, click here and leave a comment at the bottom of the show notes about what The 8 Limbs mean to you.   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training September 22nd and 23rd, 2018   To Contact our virtual assistant Samantha Scott for website design help and more:   Tech Crazy Va: Website Design, System Efficiencies & Virtual Assistant Services   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

073: 8 Limbs of Yoga (Part 1) with Shannon Crow   Shannon is excited to share the meaning the 8 Limbs of Yoga has brought to her life. Derived from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, this eight-fold path provides guidelines for living a meaningful and purposeful life. The eight components focus on morals, ethics, and self-discipline.   Shannon was introduced to the 8 Limbs when she took a yoga teacher training. She began studying the guidelines in depth 5 or 6 years ago and continues her study to this day. Shannon felt pulled to apply these philosophical principles into her teaching and everyday life.   The importance of the eight-fold path felt especially grounding when Shannon began working with clients in a physiotherapy office. Her new focus caused Shannon to ask exactly what was her scope of practice. She wondered if she was leaning towards working as a physiotherapist. Shannon determined through inner work and self-study (Svadhyaya) that her scope of practice encompassed anything grounded in The Eight Limbs of Yoga, including helping her clients find movement so they can sit in meditation.   Shannon names and describes the 8 Limbs of Yoga and offers an outline for applying the principles to your teaching and personal life. A lot of the exercises include journaling work but it that isn’t your favourite medium feel free to think or meditate on the challenges and outcome of your experience. As always, Shannon doesn’t want you to feel overwhelmed by taking on all the challenges at once. Perhaps work on the one that calls to you in particular. Please share any insights gained through inquiry or your own take on the 8 Limbs of Yoga and what they have brought to your life.   8:48 Shannon’s overview of the 8 Limbs of Yoga   12:20 How Shannon has applied the Eight Limbs in her work as a yoga teacher and in determining her scope of practice   14:00 Using language keeping Ahimsa (nonviolence) in mind, for example, say “You have a knee that needs extra care and attention” instead of  “You have a bad knee”   15:05 Giving credit to teachers you have learned from is one form of putting Asteya (non-stealing) into practice   16:25 Asking your student how their movements feel, how their body feels differently from one day to the other, and one side to the other encourages inquiry and empowers your students to put Svadhyaya (the study of self) into practice   18:20 Reminder that Asanas are 1/16th of the 8 Limbs and the importance of this for Shannon’s student who was limited in movement after she broke her knee   19:35 Shannon’s “homework assignment” to help you incorporate the Eight Limbs into your own life:   21:05 1. Yama   Ahimsa Chose to do something to demonstrate self-love today and in your journal write your name, draw a picture and draw a heart around it   Satya Tell someone a positive truth about another person today and write about your experience with this   Asteya Find a quote that speaks to you today, write it down with the author's name and then research 3 things about them   Brahmacharya Set a boundary for the moderation of your energy in some way today. Write it as though it is already so. For example, “I am shutting off all screens by 8 pm to allow time to settle and encourage sleep.”   Aparigraha Notice if you are tempted to label something as “mine” and try to change the wording, e.g. instead of my yoga students or my children use their names   25:45 2. Niyama   Saucha Choose something to clean today and feel this is a sacred ritual instead of a job on the to-do list. Draw or take a picture of the before and after.   Santosa Write about a life experience that was challenging at the time that you are now content with and grateful for. How might you have acted differently if you knew what you know now?   Tapas Choose something that you’d like to do for the next 40 days and use your willpower to help achieve your goal. Write it down and tell a supportive friend about your goal.   Svadhyaya Look over past journal entries and reflect on it, add notes or add anything you’ve learned about yourself. If you don’t have a journal you can start one and look back after some time has passed.   Isvara pranidhana Write one of the following words in your journal and write or doodle around it: surrender, devotion, dedication or faith   31:15 3. Asana Create an asana or yoga pose that you have never seen or done, give it a name and draw it out   32:15 4. Pranayama Set a timer for three minutes and sit comfortably, choose a pranayama practice and write down how you feel afterwards   33:25 5. Pratyahara Write down 5 character traits you’d like to exhibit even in the chaotic and stress of everyday life. Sit in meditation for 5 minutes visualizing embodying these traits.   34:40 6. Dharana Light a candle and sit in meditation focusing on the light of the candle for 3-5 minutes. Notice as much detail as you can about the candle and draw a picture of the candle or jot down some words following the meditation.   35:15 7. Dhyana Set aside a few minutes to walk in nature, in silence. Notice all that is going on around you and notice if you feel a part of it or separate from (or maybe somewhere in between) the world around you. Write about how you can feel part of nature staying focused on your true qualities.   35:45 8. Samadhi Write about or meditate on an activity or experience when you felt a moment of bliss (even fleetingly) and connection to the divine (something bigger than you)   36:35 Shannon’s final thoughts on the 8 Limbs and the personalization of these guidelines for living a meaningful and purposeful life as well as a sneak preview of upcoming summer episodes   Links   8 Limbs Printable PDF   Applying the 8 Limbs “homework”   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on YouTube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training September 22nd and 23rd, 2018   To contact Samantha Scott, The Connected Yoga Teacher’s Virtual Assistant for help with your technical needs:   Tech Crazy VA: Website Design, System Efficiencies & Virtual Assistant Services   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

072: Email and Content Strategy (Consultation Call) with Kristen Boyle   On today’s episode, Shannon shares a consultation call with client Kristen Boyle, a yoga teacher from Denver, Colorado. This episode is ideal for any yoga teacher that has thought about growing their yoga business.   Kristen has been teaching alignment based yoga in a studio setting for over 10 years. She is a Thai Yoga Massage Therapist, a Yoga Therapist in training, and leads 200-hour yoga teacher trainings and 85-hour prenatal yoga teacher trainings. In addition to all that great work, Kristen has been moving away from studio teaching and focusing on her personal yoga business, including private yoga sessions, workshops (online and in person) with a particular focus on continuing education for yoga teachers.   Through this consultation call with Shannon, Kristen reveals that her top priority is to grow her yoga business by reaching out to a larger audience. Shannon poses many important questions to help narrow down the focus of Kristen’s offerings and together they brainstorm the best way to reach those who would benefit from her services.   Other topics covered in the call are: the best way to present content and advertise your services (including email campaigns), considerations if you’re thinking about creating a webinar and the importance of being consistent with the output of your content.   4:41 Kristen’s yoga journey and the evolution of her business   6:35 What Kristen considers to be her biggest business challenge and where she feels she should direct her focus to increase her revenue stream   9:55 What offering Kristen would like to focus on   11:55 Shannon discusses email service providers like MailChimp and the benefit of professional guidance   13:20 Focusing on content creation after determining your niche and your unique way of providing your services   17:20 Considerations when deciding whether or not to continue in-person teaching as your online content grows   18:20 Shannon suggests how to choose topics to focus on in your online offerings   19:50 Kristen’s decision to concentrate on calls versus webinars   20:45 Kristen’s Business of Yoga Facebook Group and the challenge of inspiring the group members to post   24:20 Shannon describes the importance of creating your “Lead Magnet” which speaks to the struggle your audience is facing   25:00 The value of creating your email flow before you have people opt-in- decide how often you want to send emails and have newsletters prepared ahead of time   26:10 Providing an option for a client to replay a video if they miss the session along with privacy and storage issues   29:10 Webinar considerations: the importance of being straightforward when offering a webinar, considering another term for webinar, and determining the number of emails you want to send out before and after the webinar   32:45 Creating content by determining where your comfort level lies e.g. through videos, pictures, text, etc.   34:00 If unsure where you shine make a commitment to use one content medium, such as video, for a certain period of time   35:35 Shannon and Kristen brainstorm content Kristen can offer through commonly asked questions from newly certified yoga teachers   38:30 Sharing information through emails- one tip at a time   40:15 Building up your website by adding content   41:20 Putting aside time for content creation and the importance of being consistent with your offerings e.g. once-a-month   46:05 Asking yourself how your offering will pay you and determining your rates   49:25 Making it as easy as possible for potential clients to work with you   51:45 Offering levels of content- free versus paying membership content   58:50 Shannon’s final thoughts and wrap-up Links   Kristen’s Email: [email protected]   Kristen's Indie Flow Yoga Website   Kristen’s FB Group: The Business of Yoga Facebook Group   Fizzle.Co- Training, Coaching, Support and Community   Relevant TCYT Episodes:   016: Five Pages to Include on Your Yoga Website with Shannon Crow   020: Six Online Tools for Your Yoga Business with Shannon Crow   045: Creating Content with Shannon Crow   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   5-Day Content Creation Challenge The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   To Contact Sam, The Connected Yoga Teacher’s Virtual Assistant for email set up help and all other tech-related services:   Tech Crazy Va: Website Design, System Efficiencies & Virtual Assistant Services   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity  

071: Using Research to Inform Your Yoga with Ariana Rabinovich Ariana Robinovich is a yoga teacher and Movement Specialist based in New York City. She is the founder of Yoga Research and Beyond which makes research accessible and helps teachers translate research into practice. Ariana also teaches students one-on-one and in group classes, offers Continuing Education courses for fitness professionals, hosts her podcasts and co-wrote a book series called Exposing Yoga Myths.   In this episode Shannon and Ariana discuss the value of research informed teaching. Ariana’s Yoga Research and Beyond membership site is a database of reviews about individual studies which are relevant to yoga teachers and Movement Educators. Ariana describes the reviews as Cliff Notes for the research study. The goal of the site is to take complex subjects and translate them into simple terms without the jargon, creating a bridge between science and application.   Ariana talks to Shannon about finding meaning in these research studies and using them as a tool to inspire you and inform your teaching. Ariana wants to be clear that these studies do not provide black-and-white answers and that they should not be taken in without asking questions.   Ariana goes on to describe the complicated nature of analyzing data. For example, if a study sees the overall improvement in the health of a research study group practicing yoga it may be difficult to ascertain the cause. As yoga is a practice that taps into the mind/body connection, the improvement may be due to factors such as breathing, meditation, the physicality or the particular style of yoga. Initial findings can spark future research studies.   Ariana is adamant that she doesn’t want to see yoga teachers becoming overwhelmed by the information. Yoga research is, as Ariana describes it: “an add-on and untapped resource.” The big goal of yoga research is to help yoga teachers get a clearer understanding of how yoga can help their clients and to determine how yoga can fit into alternative health care. 4:50 Ariana’s yoga journey   9:05 What led Ariana to create her podcast Yoga & Beyond: The Yoga and Movement Science Podcast and the restructuring of her podcast   15:10 Ariana’s Yoga Research and Beyond membership site is a database of reviews about individual studies which are relevant to yoga teachers and movement educators   20:05 The opportunity to dialogue with other members in the comment thread in individual articles of members-only Facebook group, sharing questions and intimidation around that- no question is a dumb question   22:45 The complex nature of analyzing research and applying results to the practice   29:20 Examples of yoga research studies and questions to ask yourself when reading the research   32:20 How research informed Ariana’s teaching head and shoulder stands in group classes   34:00 How research changed Ariana’s view on alignment and flexibility   39:00 How Ariana incorporates strengthening into her yoga classes   43:20 Ariana expands on alignment- when it is most important to be aware   46:00 When research conflicts with yoga teacher training   49:35 What Ariana wishes was included in YTT   53:30 The importance of collaborating with other health practitioners   54:25 Other research resources and advice on taking in new information   58:45 Identifying the bias in studies   1:01:20 Shannon’s final thoughts   Links   Ariana's Website   Ariana on Instagram   Yoga Research and Beyond Instagram   Yoga Research and Beyond Website   **Membership discount for Yoga Research and Beyond Website: One-year membership for $79 instead of the regular price of $99. Enter the code CONNECTED18 at checkout.   Yoga Research and Beyond on Facebook   Book: Exposing Yoga Myths by Ariana Rabinovich PubMed.Gov: US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health

070: Teaching Yoga for Seniors: Is Age Nothing but a Number? with Shannon Crow   On today’s solo episode Shannon shares her experience with posting a question on The Yoga and Movement Research Group on Facebook  where she asked: Who is teaching yoga for students who are 50+ and what are you calling it? A general All Levels or Gentle Yoga are not what we are looking for. Instead something new and fun. Also, to clarify -- I am looking for a name that isn't offensive (such as yoga for seniors would be).   Shannon was asking on behalf of a client who had been approached by a group of 50+ women requesting their own yoga class without mentioning the term “senior”. The question set off an intense debate resulting in over 500 responses in the thread. It was certainly a hot button issue with words like “ageist” and “offensive” being scattered throughout the responses. A very interesting conversation developed and many asked if a class geared towards seniors was even necessary. A significant number of responses were something like “just call it yoga.” Many important points were discussed, bringing in a wealth of insight. Through this thread we were able to compile a list of possible class names that were shared by respondents with great humour and wisdom. Other important considerations pulled from the thread included defining “senior”, the gift of teaching older adults, and marketing considerations. Shannon is grateful for the insight she gained from this passionate debate. Aging in the context of yoga is a topic that clearly needs to be explored. What is your opinion about yoga for seniors? Has this episode sparked any insights? Do you have any class names to add to the list? We would love to hear from you.   10:20 Shannon’s post that sparked the debate   15:10 Compiling and sharing the wealth of responses   17:30 How to we define senior?   18:25 Yoga teachers that are firmly against senior specific classes   21:25 Yogini Flame on ageism and her own view of aging   25:25 Yoga students that want to be grouped by age   28:00 The beauty of teaching older adults   29:45 Marketing considerations     31:35 List of class name suggestions   33:35 Shannon’s final thoughts and gratitude for the insightful conversation Links   Yoga for Seniors article (written by Laura Cameron)   Shannon's Seniors Yoga Question: Facebook Post and Thread   Austin Ince’s Website: Shanti Power Yoga   Flame’s Facebook Group: Yogis and Yoginis   Louise Bloom on Tumblr: Bloom Yoga Coaching   Autumn Anderson’s Facebook Page: Wellness for Busy Women   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training with Shannon   Yoga Anytime   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

069: Yoga with Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Dr. Sarah Duvall   After meeting physiotherapist Dr. Sarah Duvall through a webinar, Shannon knew that Sarah, through her expertise and passion for pelvic health, would make a great guest for an episode of The Connected Yoga Teacher, complimenting the series of episodes on pelvic health (links below).   In addition to her work as a physiotherapist who specializes in helping women recover from pelvic health issues, Sarah has experienced first-hand how emotionally and physically draining it can be to suffer from pelvic health issues when, following the birth of her child, she was diagnosed with Pelvic Organ Prolapse.   Sarah mainly works with women, specifically athletes and mothers, who need help with pelvic health issues including Diastasis and Pelvic Organ Prolapse. She was tired of seeing injuries that were entirely preventable; prolapse that worsens after birth, abdominal separation that just didn’t heal, and back pain from women lifting their infants.   Dr. Sarah Duvall’s goal is to help women exercise better. She sees many trying to back into shape after having a baby through jumps, crunches, sit ups, and other physically damaging workouts that impact both the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. Sarah wants to empower women to build strength without getting hurt. She runs online courses for moms who are recovering from pregnancy and childbirth as well as those tailored to professionals who are working with pre and postnatal students.   Sarah defines Pelvic Organ Prolapse, the importance of breath awareness in relation to pelvic health, prolapse prevention, and advice for yoga teachers on how to support and accommodate those with prolapse.   4:30 Sarah’s journey to becoming a Pelvic Health Specialist   5:40 Sarah defines Pelvic Organ Prolapse   8:20 Breath and pelvic health   14:00 Using your sitz bone to check-in with your breath and pelvic floor (a good exercise to teach your students)   18:10 Who is most susceptible to Pelvic Organ Prolapse   23:00 What it feels like to have Pelvic Organ Prolapse   25:40 Different types of prolapse   26:30 Other breath practices Sarah recommends for teaching yoga, including breathing through transitions   30:45 How yoga teachers can help students in class who’ve been diagnosed with prolapse   33:55 Is breath holding damaging to pelvic health and the importance of giving women hope they can resume their physical activities   37:00 Sarah’s personal experience with Pelvic Organ Prolapse; the challenge of healing, relapses, and the emotional impact the diagnosis and treatment   43:15 Other considerations when you have a student with prolapse   44:05 How to recognize if you’re straining or bearing down through kinesthetic awareness and the importance of checking in throughout the yoga class   47:15 What Sarah wants to tell yoga teachers and those teachers who are dealing with Pelvic Organ Prolapse themselves   48:15 How to get in touch with Sarah and her other offerings   49:20 Shannon’s key takeaways Links   Email: [email protected]   Sarah's Website: Core Exercise Solutions   Course for Healthcare Professionals   Courses for Moms: Pre and Post Natal Pelvic Health Care   Dr. Sarah Ellis Duvall on Facebook   Core Exercise Solutions Youtube Channel   Printable PDF about Pelvic Organ Prolapse   Relevant TCYT Episodes:   007: Breath and Pelvic Health with Trista Zinn   008: Core Breath and Pelvic Health with Kim Vopni   009: Kegels, Mula Bandha, and Pelvic Health with Shelly Prosko   033: A New Perspective on Diastasis Recti with Sinead Dufour   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training with Shannon Crow Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

068: Trauma-Sensitive Yoga with Amy Hoare   Today’s episode opens up a difficult but important issue in the yoga world; the abuse of power.  Shannon has invited Trauma Treatment Specialist Amy Hoare who has recently completed her 300-hour at the Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga program. Amy conducted a survey as part of her final project which focused on hands-on-assists, power dynamics, and abuse in yoga.   Amy began her yoga practice with the intention of working through trauma and decided to become a yoga teacher for her own healing. Amy took her YTT at Karma Teachers in Vancouver, BC, finding the program focused a lot on transformation and healing. Karma Teachers is a not-for-profit community-based program focused on working through trauma.   Amy compiled data for a survey she created about the abuse of power in yoga classes. There were 146 respondents (all of whom have participated in a yoga class), answering a series of questions that would help Amy unearth the overt and subtle abuses of power. Amy notes that there is an inherent power dynamic between the student and teacher- especially in guru settings. Amy shares that her intention was not to shame or cause division but rather to help her identify power imbalances so she could shed light on this for students and teachers.   Shannon and Amy discuss the oftentimes unsettling results. Amy also shares how her training and final project have influenced how she now teaches, defines terms such as complex trauma and trauma-sensitivity training, and gives tips on how you incorporate a trauma-informed perspective into your teaching. 5:45 Amy’s yoga journey   8:30 Amy’s understanding of trauma as she’s grown in experience and education   9:10 Complex Trauma-  a trauma that is repeated (a duration element to it)   Always relational- always happens in relationship and therefore trauma is healed in relationship   10:35 Background on the survey   13:55 Survey question: Have you been physically abused by your yoga teacher (11.6%)   16:15 Survey question: have you been verbally abused by a yoga teacher? (24%)   18:45 Survey question: Have you ever found your yoga teacher value your experience over yours? (68%)   20:10 How the study influenced Amy’s teaching   22:25 Amy’s choice to back away from public classes and her focus moving forward in the trauma-sensitive yoga field.     25:15 How Amy’s language has shifted in and out of yoga classes e.g. asking vs. telling   Question for yoga teachers: Is there a possibility to be more aware of subtleties like language, cueing, and offering hands-on-assists?   31:25 Working within the scope of your practice to help students and the benefit of therapy in conjunction with yoga classes   34:40 Authentic connection and its relation to attachment theory; facilitator is doing the movement with the student and how that can create an authentic connection with a healthy attachment   35:45 How Amy practices non-attachment in her teaching by not being attached to a rigid idea of the form- the point is a shared authentic experience, the practice of making choices and bringing in interoceptive awareness, all of which is based on trauma theory, attachment theory, and neuroscience   39:00 Interoception in trauma-sensitive and trauma-informed classes, normalizing “feeling nothing”, avoid telling students what they need to feel and what the pose should look like   41:40 Functional movement vs. precise poses   43:45 Answers to hands-on-assists questions influenced the biggest change in Amy’s teaching:   Have you received a physical assists or adjustments without being asked (65%)   Have you ever felt pressured to receive a yoga assist adjustment even when consent was given (37%)   46:20 Survey question: Have you noticed that certain advanced poses or forms are valued as more spiritual than other forms by your teachers through statements such as “go deeper”? (66%)   This response relates back to attachment to the form or that we need to take people somewhere in particular   47:30 What Amy wants to say to yoga teachers about the results of the survey and moving forward   52:40 Shannon’s closing thoughts and key takeaways   Terms   Interoception: Interoception is our ability to “internally-sense”; such as the feelings of hunger, feeling the need for a “bio-break”, feeling our heart racing, or feeling ourselves getting anxious. Interoception can be compromised by negative conditioning. This conditioning can come in the form of verbal cues “only babies cry” resulting in a shame in expressing deep pain with tears. Other verbal cues such as “you’re not sick, you’re just faking it” resulting in a conditioned distrust of our somatic symptoms. It can also be compromised due to trauma and toxic stress. The good news is through contemplative somatic and cognitive techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga (contemplative movement) we can improve our connection with what is going on inside ourselves!   From the article: Interoception: Our Felt Sense from Trauma Recover Yoga.Com   Complex Trauma: Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD; also known as complex trauma disorder) is a psychological disorder thought to occur as a result of repetitive, prolonged trauma involving sustained abuse or abandonment by a caregiver or other interpersonal relationships with an uneven power dynamic.   Excerpt from: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Wikipedia Article   Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: “Trauma-sensitive yoga goals are quite contained, evidence-based model for effective treatment for trauma survivors. “ -Amy Hoare   Trauma-sensitive yoga helps them learn to calm their minds and regulate their physical responses and, thus, their emotions. They're able to learn to recognize and tolerate physical sensations and thereby regain a feeling of safety inside their bodies.   From Trauma-Sensitive Yoga on socialworktoday.com   Trauma-Informed Care: Trauma Informed Care is an organizational structure and treatment framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma.   From the Trauma Informed Care Project.Org Links   Amy’s Email: [email protected]   Yoga Movement and Research Group on Facebook   Link to Amy's Survey: Power and Yoga   Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga program- great resources on the site   Karma Teachers in Vancouver   Related TCYT Episode:   003: Trauma Training for Every Yoga Teacher with Margaret Howard   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Define Your Yoga Niche Online Course   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

067: Yoga for Every Body with Amber Karnes   If you’ve ever wondered how to make your yoga classes more inclusive to those with larger bodies, our guest Amber Karnes, founder of Body Positive Yoga, has an abundance of insight. She’s a ruckus maker, yoga asana teacher (E-RYT 200), social justice advocate, and a lifelong student of her body. Her commitment to inclusive, adaptive yoga practice empowers thousands of diverse practitioners around the globe.   Amber was hooked after her first yoga class. She noticed that the negative self-talk that overwhelmed her at times subsided after her first yoga class. She became curious about this effect and went back to repeat the “experiment”. Amber noticed she felt grounded and calm in her body for the first time. The physical aspect mattered to Amber but the internal regulation and tools yoga provided were especially powerful. She found the practice to be immensely helpful in her struggle with depression and anxiety, finding a peace of mind that kept her coming back.   Amber decided to take a yoga teacher training 7 years into her own practice to deepen her personal practice and learn “the rest of yoga” outside just the poses. She had no plans to teach but after immersing herself into the program she saw the need to provide space for women who felt their bodies were all wrong for yoga. Amber has been now been teaching for over 15 years.   Amber feels that it is important to recognize that there are systems of oppression, such as the patriarchy and racism, that try to take away a woman’s power. The pressure women feel to conform their bodies to a narrow societal standard distracts women so “we can’t do amazing things like change the world and make art or help people that really need a voice, that we can stand up and use our voice to help support and uplift them.”   Amber wants to emphasize that women need to feel that it’s NEVER their body that’s the problem. If a student struggles with a pose their body is not to blame. There is incredible power in offering modifications and props and being aware of the languaging around cues. She also offers that teachers are  “there for our students and hold space for inquiry to allow the processing of emotion behind the desire to change the body.”   Amber offers workshops, retreats, courses (including Yoga for All Teacher Training with Dianne Bondy) through Body Positive Yoga. Amber is the creator of the Body Positive Clubhouse, an online community dedicated to building unshakable confidence and living out loud. 3:45 Amber’s first yoga class   8:15 How yoga teachers can be aware and respond if students express dissatisfaction with their body   Good Principles to Bring into the Classes:   9:55 1) The Body is Never the Problem- It’s the asana that’s the problem NOT the body, employ modifications or props   11:05 2) Languaging- Embodied or positive physical experience vs. striving and achieving, remove the hierarchy of language avoid saying “full expression of the pose”   12:10 Misconceptions around props: that they’re a crutch or cheat, that if you use them you’re not as good as the other students. Teachers have the opportunity to remove this stigma and help students see props as positive or neutral.   13:15 Progressive teaching- giving students the opportunity to stay in pose or progress, for example:   Start in Table Top Feet behind, rest toes behind mat Lift leg at hip Lift arm   Offer the student the opportunity to stay at that level or progress, depending on their level of comfort.   16:00 Shannon and her client’s experience with coming to the mat to check in. Amber calls it “neutral ground”, a place where she avoids body criticism or shaming with a focus on inquiry and emotional exploration.   17:20 Body neutrality- it’s okay to feel neutral about your body without the pressure to love your body and aligns with practicing non-attachment   20:25 Advice for teaching bigger bodies when you don’t live in a larger body and how specialized training is very helpful   26:05 Marketing for classes for larger bodies or all bodies   32:50 Yoga images in yoga marketing- including photos featuring a variety of bodies, ethnicities, abilities, etc. will attract a more diversity   35:25 Modifications, props, and cuing: it shouldn’t be assumed that any pose it basic for anyone. Questions to ask yourself: What is the point of the pose? How can you make poses more accessible to your students? Can we change the orientation of the pose or change the relationship to gravity? Sometimes it’s something as small as adding blocks under the hands, using the wall or chair, etc.   A lot of students don’t have body awareness coming into yoga- you can help them move into over time   41:20  Two steps to help students with larger bodies:   1) Widen- Feet two fists width or maybe wider (width of the mat) automatically puts students in a better position which helps them access their breath, avoid feeling compressed or pinched, bodies are more flexible than the body can often express   2) Move stuff out of the way- Take hands to low belly, fold forward and bend your knees, pull your hips back, tuck belly up and back- also great cue for someone that isn’t in a larger body (great cue for hinging hips)   43:55 How to assist a larger student without putting them on the spot: speak matter-of-factly and make cues relevant to the entire class: no one wants to be put on the spot whether they’re injured or in a larger body, etc.   Make it clear that no one has to be in perfect shape to practice yoga.   48:25 Tools for teachers to offer modifications:   Set everyone up with the same props Take time to talk about how the props can be used Offer alternative spots (chair, wall, etc.) and focuses (shape or balance of the pose)   Empower your students so they can trust their instincts, experiment until they find a position that feels good,  and ask your students how does their breath feels in this pose. Subtle things like language help your students feel good so they can access an embodied experience.   55:10 Issues around consent: do some self-study:  Why I am or am not offering assists or adjustments to my students? Is this necessary? Is it clarifying or nurturing? Cueing over adjusting. Help students make the adjustment for themselves and adjust your student only if they are in a position that may cause injury. If you do make sure to ask for consent and let them know what you are going to do.   1:06:35 How to reach Amber Karnes Links   Amber’s Email: [email protected]   Amber’s website: Body Positive Yoga Body Positive on Facebook   Body Positive on Instagram   Representation Matters: Inclusive and Diverse Stock Photos   Body Positive Yoga: Modifications   Amber’s article: Yoga Turned My Body into a Place I Could Call Home   Relevant TCYT podcast episodes:   003: Trauma Training for Every Yoga Teacher with Margaret Howard   015: Consent Cards and Hands-On Assists with Molly Kitchen   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity   Quotes “Offering modifications offers students agency over their own yoga practice and gives the locus of control back to the students. We want to guide our students into a place of inquiry where they can have an experience in their own body...both on the mat and into areas of their own lives.” ~ Amber Karnes

066: Online Scheduling Tool for Yoga Teachers with Jane Crites   When Shannon began The Connected Yoga Teacher podcast she had a vision to create a safe and supportive community for yoga teachers along with great content shared on a weekly basis. Shannon didn’t have immediate plans to find a sponsor but knew that the podcast’s sponsor would have to offer services that she herself used and about which she could speak passionately. Shannon also felt strongly that she wanted the service to be relevant to yoga teachers. Schedulicity, an online booking application and scheduling tool that Shannon has used since 2011, checked all the boxes.   Through a consultation call with her business coach Natalie Eckdahl of BizChix, she was encouraged to create a plan to monetize The Connected Yoga Teacher podcast. Shannon realized that she needed to focus on marketing and sponsorship as those elements would make the longevity of the podcast possible.   Today’s guest is Schedulicity’s Jane Crites, VP of Product. Jane began working for the company in 2007.  Shannon and Jane talk about Jane’s love of yoga, upcoming enhancements to their services, the power of scheduling and more.   Jane does the work that lights her up in a position that allows her to problem-solve with customers. Jane has been instrumental in putting energy towards marketing to yoga teachers and studios as well as focusing on how Schedulicity’s services can benefit yoga entrepreneurs.   Jane lives in Bozeman, Montana (also Schedulicity’s headquarters), and describes the winter landscape as a frozen tundra but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She has a variety of interests including yoga (sometimes hot yoga in the winter ☀), software development languages, has a whole foods plant-based culinary/nutrition certification and is excited to design and create a permaculture food forest in her front yard.   2:20 How Schedulicity became The Connected Yoga Teacher’s sponsor   5:00 Shannon’s journey to monetizing the podcast   7:15 About Jane Crites from Schedulicity   9:50 The origin of Schedulicity   10:10 Jane’s experience working with Schedulicity   12:25  How Schedulicity is able to offer services for free   15:00 Is Jane finding an increase of yoga teacher and studio users?   16:05 How Schedulicity can serve new yoga teachers   17:55 Upcoming plans for Schedulicity enhancements like “Fill My Class” and community-based cross-promotional opportunities   21:25 How Jane and the Schedulicity team implement customer suggestions- including Shannon’s :)   24:40 Creating your client database to help with marketing your classes   25:20 Jane’s yoga journey and interest in yoga teacher training   28:40 Other Schedulicity RockStars’ passion for yoga   29:55 Jane’s advice for those thinking of trying Schedulicity   32:15 Shannon’s key takeaways about the power of scheduling your one-on-ones and more   35:55 Exciting MamaNurture Teacher Training news!   Links   Jane’s email: [email protected]   Jane on LinkedIn   Schedulicity Website   Schedulicity on Facebook   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   MamaNurture Teacher Training   Relevant Podcast Episodes:   020: Six Online Tools for Your Yoga Business with Shannon Crow   054: Launching a Podcast and Facebook Group with Shannon Crow   BizChix Podcast: 235: How I Monetize My Podcast and Platform   BizChix Podcast: 306: 7 Ways to Monetize a Podcast   Live Podcast Interview Video with Jane Crites & Shannon   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

065: Create Your Ideal Schedule with Shannon Crow   Shannon was inspired to create an episode to answer a question she is frequently asked: How does she do it all?   Shannon is the first to say she has a packed schedule and that fitting everything in can certainly be a challenge. Over the years, working as an entrepreneur, Shannon has learned many tips and tricks and they’re always evolving to help her create and implement her ideal schedule.   There are many questions asked, tools you can use, and further reading and resources that are mentioned in today’s episode, but, don’t feel you have to take everything on.  As Shannon says, pick just one thing to start; maybe something that would make the biggest impact or would be the easiest to incorporate into your life and work on that. Integrate that one thing and if you have that down you can return to this episode for another tool or resource.   In our busy world scheduling to use your time in an optimal way is quite a challenge. Remember not to be too hard on yourself- no one has this down to a science but a few tweaks in your planning might make a world of difference. We’d love to hear if you’ve tried any of these techniques or if have any of your own suggestions. What do you find works for you? 6:05  When are you working and when do you have time off? What do you want to do with your time off?  What fills you up that is not work-related?   7:55 Look at that daily work schedule- when are you working, when are your breaks and when are you ending your day? Think about your ideal work week, month, and year. Where you are now vs. where are we headed.   10:10 Appointments with yourself are necessary to fuel you. When you’re scheduling time off do you stick to it? Distractions from family, other work, etc interfering? Move your appointment with yourself somewhere else on the calendar.   12:15 The best time of day for you to teach? Do you feel like you have to work when it is convenient for the studio or students? You might be surprised by the turn out when you choose your best time.   14:45 What is your ideal yoga class? 1:1 or group classes? How many classes per week? What would this look like if money wasn’t a factor?   16:10 Scheduling software- helps you clarify when you can book in classes or one-on-one appointments, your breaks, time between appointments so people can come and go without rushing   **Limited time vs. Lack of time: reframing language around your schedule so you aren’t perceiving that there is never enough time**   20:15 Money Mindset- how much do you need to teach to make ends meet? What is your hourly rate?   21:20 Time Blocking- daily, weekly, and monthly   Shannon’s Week:   MONDAY - Content Creation TUESDAY - Yoga WEDNESDAY - Podcast Day THURSDAY - Consultation Calls FRIDAY - Catch up day - podcast ready for Monday   26:00 Time blocking helps prevent Decision Fatigue   26:35 Ideally spend 15 minutes a day to wrap-up your day   Review your day - put the to-do items on your calendar that came up during the day   Mind Dump - if there is a tornado of thoughts and to-dos write them all down and see what needs to be added to your calendar   Prioritize and Plan for tomorrow - put the high priority tasks on your calendar for the next day and perhaps going further into your week or month   29:35 List things you are spending your time doing. What are the things you enjoy doing? What are the things you find yourself avoiding? It may reveal if you’re losing time doing activities that aren’t a priority.   30:40 Blocking out time for a specific task such as a workshop- you may need to block out time every day for a week for example, but the idea is that you’re putting some boundaries around the time you spend so it doesn’t get away from you   31:30 Time blocking specific to yoga teachers:   Personal Practice- 8-Limb focused (not just asana) Marketing - can include talking about what you do, email, social media, public speaking, newspaper advertisements, posters, business cards, videos and more Yoga offerings - workshops, classes, 1:1, retreats, online videos, blog posts   **Don’t forget to include your travel and set up time**   Learning - yoga teacher training, reading, studying, videos, courses, yoga teacher training     **Small regular drips of information are better than a flood of information, especially if your schedule is already packed **   Planning and Preparation of Yoga offerings Other - Add what you’d like here such as accounting and email   37:00 Self-study (SVADHYAYA) to determine how you best work- Are you an introvert or extrovert? How do you best start off your work day? How does your energy tend to unfold throughout the day?   39:30 “Eat Your Frog First” and “The One Thing”- What is the one thing that needs to get done? If you’re feeling overwhelmed pick just one thing that you are going to get done today and make the goal achievable, measurable, and specific   43:50  Ask what is the one thing that will help me generate income for my yoga business at the beginning of the day or the end of the day and plan tomorrow. How much time do you need to complete this? If it seems overwhelming create micro goals in 60-90 minute blocks.   45:40 Ask if you can outsource some of your to-do list? Household chores, accounting, website graphics, etc.   47:05 Looking at your yoga business as having seasons- it’s okay to focus on one thing and put other projects on the back burner   48:30 Airport Test (created by Pat Flynn) to help look at the big picture   50:15 Set yourself up for success by cutting off distractions, time block for the distracting times eg. timer for using Facebook, and a few other recommended resources Links   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Relevant TCYT podcast episodes:   030: Rituals to Start and End Your Day with Puja Madan   032: Set and Achieve Big Goals with Natalie Eckdahl   TCYT Define Your Yoga Niche Course   BizChix Podcast: 288: Time Management for High Performers: How to How to Map Your Ideal Month, Ideal Week, Theme Days and Time Block   BizChix Podcast: 316: How to Summer Proof Your Business   Book: The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan   Book: Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done by Brian Tracy   Book: Will it Fly? by Pat Flynn (includes the Airport Test)   Freedom App Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

064: Getting Hired by a Yoga Studio with Kristen Sweeney   Have you completed your yoga teacher training and are preparing yourself to look for employment? Shannon and Kristen Sweeney have your back with clear steps to getting hired by a yoga studio that, most importantly, is the right fit for you. It’s the best gift you can give yourself, the studio, and your students.   Kristen Sweeney remembers the first yoga class that lit her up. She was a working as a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada and tried a Bikram Hot Yoga class. She was “sweaty, drenched, exhausted, hooked, and exhilarated.” Later, as an actor living in New York city, she found yoga to be grounding, gave her a refuge and a sense of safety at a time when her life was hectic, outward facing, and approval seeking.   Kristen reached a point in her life when she wanted to find work that felt rewarding on a daily basis. That led her to teach yoga and share her insights on her blog. Finding a strong connection between herself and yoga teachers through her posts, she wondered if there was something more to explore. Kristen niched down further to create her business Edge of the Mat and is now a business coach for yoga teachers.   On today’s episode, you will be guided through the steps to find the teaching job that is right for you. The steps will take you through a process to determine where you’d like to teach, how to approach the studio, what to expect when you audition and much more. Kristen has also kindly shared the PDF The Yogi’s Guide to Teaching at a New Studio for when you’ve landed the job. You’ve got this and we wish you all the best in finding the work that lights you up!   07:30 How Kristen’s yoga journey began   10:55 What led Kristen to write her blog Edge of the Mat and how she expanded it into a business   14:20 Was there a gradual realization or a light bulb moment that led her to clearly define her niche   16:50 Step-by-step process to approach studios   17:10 Step 1: Discern which studios you want to approach   If you research to find the studios that fit with you, you are more likely to get the job Important to be able to approach a variety of studios, gyms and community centers- are they close and easy to commute to? Does the community vibe match your style of teaching What is your ideal class size? What do you want in the experience of teaching? What studios fit you? Where would I like to work- be choosy and shift that mindset from desperation to personal choice Take a variety of classes at the locations to find a good fit 22:35 Step 2: Approach the teacher of the class you’ve been taking and approach them with a 2 to 3 sentence ‘pitch’ or introduction including:   Thanking them for class and what you liked about it What you love about the studio and community Asking who would you connect with to set up an audition Leave resumé and consider including your resumé on your website   26:05 Step 3: Planning and Preparing for the audition   30:25 What to do if you don’t hear back from the studio   Follow up- email Show up in person and take one of their classes Don’t take it personally if you don’t hear back, studios get many emails Sometimes it takes quite a while for to hear back- even months! Worth checking in a few months later (in person) to see if a spot has opened up Don’t take it too personally and letting it breathe for a while   33:50 Tips and tricks for teachers auditioning   Prepare :) Detailed sequence planning Create class arc even if it’s a short audition In a Round Robin, situation be prepared to change up your plan depending on your place in the class Structure gives you freedom Prepare yourself for your professional best- externally and internally so you show up as your best, most confident self   38:30 Step 4: Feedback   1:1 time with the studio manager Be open to feedback Feel free to engage and ask questions about the feedback so you can evolve as a yoga teacher   Step 5: Follow Up   Auditioner will hopefully let you know what the next steps are (repeat the instructions to make sure it’s clear and follow up)   41:05 Step 6: Yes, no or Maybe   What is the next step if you get a “thanks but no thanks”        Possible reasons:   Missing self-awareness that misidentified the place as the right fit for you (move on) Studio felt as though you’re not a good fit or that you’re not quite ready skill-wise to join (check in again in the future)   43:30 Coming from a place of personal choice instead of a place of desperation   44:05 How you can work with Kristen   45:20 Shannon’s wrap-up and action steps             Links   Email: [email protected]   Kristen’s Website: Edge of the Mat   Edge of the Mat Facebook Group   Kristen on Instagram   PDF gift from Kristen: Yogi's Guide to Teaching at a New Studio   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity  

063: Secrets of Successful Full-Time Yoga Teachers with Ashley Zuberi Ashley Zuberi has been a full-time yoga teacher for three years and acknowledges it has been a struggle. While considering her own challenges, Ashley became curious about the struggles of her fellow teachers. Recognizing there are several variables that affect how successfully one can teach yoga full-time, Ashley created a set of questions that she could pose to other yoga teachers.   Ashley’s questionnaire was aimed at those who worked independently as a yoga teacher and earned 70% or more of their income from teaching yoga. Most of the respondents were female and living in North America though some answers came from China, Australia, and England. She wanted to get a sense from a group of teachers what it looks like to teach yoga full-time. Ashley’s hope was to uncover patterns, tips, and tricks that could be shared across the yoga community on the whole   The answers revealed much that surprised Ashley. For example, she found that 32% of the respondents are able to make a living by teaching alone, which was happily more than she expected.  Ashley also discovered that the teachers worked an average 42 hours per week and that regardless of the hours spent working (between 20-80 hours per week,) most respondents felt they worked too much. Other revelations were around income, teacher burnout, mindset, (how you describe your job and market yourself, for example) and yoga community connection (or disconnection).   Ashley began her yoga journey by following a class on DVD and later attended classes at her local gym based on the recommendation of a friend. This enhanced her life in on several levels including physically, socially, and spiritually. The first yoga teacher training she attended was a 200-hour Power Vinyasa training from Jason Bowman and Derise Diatta at CorePower Yoga Boulder in 2011.  Since then has expanded her knowledge by taking a variety of trainings. She loves to weave philosophy into her teaching which includes group classes, private yoga sessions, workshops, and yoga teacher trainings. In addition, she provides yoga teacher mentorship.     5:45 How Shannon structures her Consultation Calls   8:50 Ashley’s yoga journey   9:50 Ashley’s yoga teacher project - 53 logistically challenging   11:25 The difference between the yoga industry and other industry in regard to “set paths” and a measure of growth and success   13:20 Interview process and how Ashley chose her interviewees   14:25 Ashley’s key takeaways from the data collected   18:30 What yoga teachers found to be their biggest challenges   20:35 Their experience with yoga teacher burnout and anxiety around “never knowing enough”   22:30 How Ashley compiled her data   23:30 Mindset of yoga teacher influenced their answers-  do you consider yourself a yoga teacher or small business owner   24:15 The reality of working for yourself   26:20 Successful yoga teachers and innovative marketing   28:20 What the interviews revealed about the marketing mindset,  Ashley’s personal experience with marketing and the importance of building relationships   30:45 What Ashley took from the data and applied to her yoga business- Ashley’s decision to scale back from her online presence   Smart Passive Income vs. Smart Active Income   34:20 Responses to the question “Do you feel supported?”   39:25 How the lack of support felt within the yoga community can be addressed   41:05 The struggle to commit to a personal practice and perhaps re-defining what that means to you   43:20 What Ashley wishes yoga teachers would know after doing these interviews   44:50 Balancing family and a yoga career and how the yoga community can help support this   48:40 How to connect with Ashley   51:30 Average yoga teacher income from respondents and how the mindset for making a living as a yoga teacher is a viable option for full-time work from teaching has evolved over time   55:15 Shannon’s closing thoughts on the issues brought forward by Ashley’s report such as creating a supportive community in your area Links   Ashley’s Website   To Access the downloadable PDF “The State of Teaching Yoga Full time” click on “Download the Report” button on Ashley’s homepage   Email: [email protected]   Ashley on Facebook   Ashley on Instagram   Article: Calling All Full Time Teachers by Ashley Zuberi   Article: The Evolution of Yoga Teaching by Ashley Zuberi Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity   Yoga is a practice that asks us to look at ourselves and our lives so we can choose to live in alignment with our true values. The practice offers freedom, safety, and non-judgment to do this inner work. Embarking on this path is both an individual journey as well as a journey within our community and the world.” ~Ashley Josephine Zuberi

062: Buteyko Breathing with Steve Donald   When Shannon heard about Buteyko breathing she became curious and reached out to Steve Donald, one of the first Buteyko teachers in Canada. Steve had struggled with asthma throughout his life,  and it worsened as he grew older. He tried raw diets and supplements and some improvement was made but not sustained. In looking for an answer an internet search led him to learn about The Buteyko Method.   Impressed with the extent Buteyko helped him with his chronic condition Steve trained to teach Buteyko in 2006. He is the founding member of the Buteyko Breathing Educators Association ( BBEA) 2010 and was elected as BBEA president and board chair in 2016. Steve has been asked to speak to various groups, including yoga teachers and is preparing to hold teacher trainings in the Buteyko Method in the near future.   Buteyko is based on the concept that we breathe an excessive amount of air and it negatively impacts the function of our bodily systems. It is known as an asthma, sleep apnea and anxiety treatment; however, it is effective in treating a wide range of chronic health issues, as well as being good for general health and wellbeing.   Shannon and Steve discuss breath and the Buteyko method including what happens on a physiological level when we take a deep breath, how much air we should optimally be taking in per minute, and why Steve highly recommends nose breathing (even when engaging in physically demanding activities such as running). Shannon also asks Steve how the Buteyko Method can co-exist with yoga. 11:50 What led Steve to discover the Buteyko method   14:00 How much time does it take to incorporate the breathing exercises into your life   15:35 The theory behind Buteyko   17:00 Steve’s process to incorporate Buteyko into his life despite his skepticism   19:40 Other alternative health attempts made by Steve to relieve his asthma symptoms   20:55 How to incorporate Buteyko breathing into your life and how much work is needed in order to maintain the benefits   22:20 Steve’s experience as one of the first Buteyko teachers in Canada   23:20 Difference between yogic and Buteyko breathing and the possibility of incorporating Buteyko breathing with yoga   26:05 The culture of “take a deep breath” and what happens on a physiological level when you take in too much breath   30:00 How understanding respiratory physiology informs the understanding of blood pH and the effectiveness of Buteyko   33:50 How much a healthy adult should be breathing and how much those with chronic conditions breathe (liters per minute)   35:50 What Steve wants to share with yoga teachers   38:05 Why Steve believes large volume breathing isn’t beneficial and the effect it has on those with asthma and anxiety   40:10 Nose breathing versus mouth breathing   44:40 A great yoga cue for breathing through the nose   45:35 What distinguishes Buteyko breathing from regular breathing   47:35 How to work with Steve and upcoming Buteyko trainings   51:45 Shannon’s closing thoughts on breath Links   Steve’s Website: Buteyko Toronto   Buteyko Toronto on Facebook   Buteyko Breathing Educators Association   Further Reading: Buteyko and Breathing   PDF: The Health Benefits of Nose Breathing by Dr. Alan Ruth   Article: 28 Reasons to Nose Breathe by Lisa Bowen   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

061: Too Many Yoga Teachers? with Kimma Stark   When Shannon read Kimma Stark’s thought-provoking blog post: What the World Needs Now is NOT ANOTHER YOGA TEACHER, she knew she wanted her on The Connected Yoga Teacher to share her perspective. Kimma, with great love and respect for those who own and/or manage yoga studios, questions the churning out of yoga teachers through the yoga studios who provide trainings in order to make ends meet.   With Kimma’s experience managing four different studios she knows how difficult it is to create a business model that will ensure a studio’s financial success. What she questions is the effect these trainings can have on the industry, the teachers and the students.   Shannon and Kimma also discuss the limitations of a 200-hour yoga teacher training, yogi trainings versus YTTs, the importance of always learning and finding inspiration as an established yoga teacher, embodying your teachings and much more.   For Kimma, teaching yoga is her full-time profession and says it has been “most rewarding, challenging, and meaningful work she has ever done.” She was intrigued by yoga from her very first experience, trying a hot yoga class in 2000. She moved on toward traditional formats and began teaching in 2008. Her teachings are grounded in yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology.   She teaches private and group classes in Gentle Flow Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Prenatal, and Kids Yoga classes along with Thai Massage in Cascais, Portugal. She has an Essential Elements retreat planned in Portugal for June 2018.   9:40 Kimma’s early experience with yoga   13:30 Kimma’s first teacher trainings   15:30  Kimma’s early career in the high-paced corporate world of marketing and advertising   17:10 What led Kimma to write her article: What the World Needs Now is NOT ANOTHER YOGA TEACHER   20:20 Kimma’s experience as studio manager and the business model of offering yoga teacher trainings as a way to make ends meet   22:45 Alternate trainings such as yogi trainings for those interested in delving into yoga but not necessarily teaching and the pressure to teach coming out of your first YTT   26:05 Kimma’s move to Portugal and travels to Thailand and how teaching yoga can be a nomadic lifestyle   29:45 On continually learning and evolving as a yoga teacher and how students can sense when yoga teachers are embodying the yoga they teach   31:18 What 200-hour YTT Kimma would recommend   33:12 Other considerations when choosing a yoga teacher training and approaching yoga with an understanding of the light and dark (the yin and yang)   35:00 Why Kimma feels a 200-hour YTT is not enough   37:30 What would Kimma tell aspiring yoga teachers who have obstacles, such as distance and time, about taking a yoga teacher training and why Kimma has a concern with online training when starting out   39:44 The effect of studios offering yoga teacher trainings to make ends meet instead of offering unique teachings and the idea that teaching yoga is a service   44:30 Kimma’s advice to teachers wanting to teach full-time     46:28 How to contact Kimma and her upcoming retreats   49:18 Shannon’s closing thoughts and key takeaways   Links   Flowing Lotus Website   Flowing Lotus Yoga on Facebook   Kimma Stark's Resumé   Kimma’s article: What the World Needs Now is NOT ANOTHER YOGA TEACHER   Frog Lotus International Yoga Teacher Training Programs   Fiverr- Freelance Services   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Accessible Yoga Conference in Toronto June 22nd-24th, 2018 Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

018: Accessible Yoga with Sarah Helt   There has been a growing movement focused on making yoga accessible to all that has caught Shannon’s attention. On today’s episode Shannon has invited Sarah Helt, an Ambassador from the Accessible Yoga organization, to share her insight on this topic. Sarah speaks with great thoughtfulness about what led her to teach yoga with a concentration on accessibility, on how to make yoga classes more available to those with disabilities, and the upcoming Accessible Yoga Conference.   Sarah was introduced to working with persons with disabilities through an apprenticeship program with senior Iyengar teacher Gabriel Halpern. This work became a great source of inspiration and led to her creation of NeuroYoga; an accessible style of teaching yoga and meditation geared toward persons with disabilities relating to the spinal cord and nervous system.   Sarah Helt is the Lead Teacher of Hot 8 Yoga, the Director of Communications and Marketing for Accessible Yoga along with her role as an Ambassador. 4:25 Shannon’s reflections on making yoga accessible to all   13:30 What to expect at The Accessible Yoga Conference   15:50 What led Sarah to practice yoga and become involved in Accessible Yoga organization   18:15 How Sarah began to notice a link between yoga and pain management   18:55 How Sarah found her niche, her “soul work”   20:35 Sarah reflects on the journey leading to her to work with persons with disabilities and if looking back there’s anything she would do differently   22:15 On not letting fear hold you back from modifying poses for those with disabilities and on taking your time to build your successes   23:55 On why there’s a separate conference for accessible yoga   26:55 Yoga Accessibility Conference resource guide points to how meticulously those with disabilities have to plan to move in the world   29:30 Sarah sums up the Accessible Yoga Conference   30:40 What Sarah would like yoga teachers to incorporate into their classes to make them more accessible?   33:30 Sarah’s involvement in the Accessible Yoga Conference and how to get in touch with the organization   34:40 About the Accessible Yoga Ambassador program   38:10 Shannon’s closing thoughts and key takeaways- when are teachers ready to teach one-on-one and how to make yoga classes more accessible   Links   Accessible Yoga Email: [email protected]   Sarah Helt’s Email: [email protected]   Accessible Yoga Website   Accessible Yoga on Facebook   Accessible Yoga on Instagram   Accessible Yoga on Twitter   Sick Boy Podcast   Accessible Yoga Conference in Toronto June 22nd- 24th   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity   Quotes   “I think it’s really unfair that marginalized persons, such as those with disabilities, have to shoulder the burden to make society accept them.” ~Sarah Helt   “Unification will serve our world, as a whole.” ~Sarah Helt

059: Marketing and Promoting a Yoga Teacher Training with Ashley Hagen [Consultation Call]   Today’s episode is a consultation call between Shannon and Ashley Hagan, who is preparing to co-teach her second 200-hour yoga teacher training course. Ashley is a full-time yoga teacher with a background in graphic design. She has been the lead instructor at a yoga studio for 4 years and has come to the realization that she wants to build her own yoga business by hosting trainings, retreats and more. Ashley loves taking yoga teacher trainings and pulls from them to inspire her to teach in her own way.   Shannon coaches Ashley by asking her to reflect on the first 200-hour yoga teacher training she led, how Ashley and her teaching partner Dave split the work, why Ashley wanted to create her own course and more.   Shannon advises Ashley on marketing her course as it’s Ashley’s top priority to fill the spaces available. She also leads Ashley to distill her course and who she and her co-teacher Dave are down to the essence, as well as envisioning their ideal student in order to market the training.   Shannon also asks Ashley to consider what makes her teaching unique, what defines her course over the many other 200-hour yoga teacher trainings and the importance of taking a stand on what she wants to include in the content of the course. 02:40 How a consultation call with Shannon works   07:25 What Ashley finds to be the most challenging aspect of her yoga business   08:10 Ashley’s previous experience with leading a yoga teacher training   08:30 Working with a partner and splitting the work   11:10 When her teacher training starts and the style of training   11:35 What motivated Ashley to create her own teacher training   12:45 Feedback Ashley received from her previous teacher training and challenges she encountered   14:35 What unique offerings Ashley feels she brings to her trainings   16:00 Shannon asks Ashley to reflect on yoga teacher trainings she’s taken and how she would like to teach aspects of the course differently   17:45 Ashley describes Budokon and what she draws from the practice   19:30 Shannon asks Ashley to consider her interest in Sanskrit and yoga philosophy as a strength and perhaps incorporating it into her teacher trainings   21:25 Shannon suggests Ashley incorporates developing yoga teacher confidence into the course and advice on getting yoga teacher jobs   22:05 What Ashley finds to be the biggest challenge in attracting yoga students to her training   22:55 Shannon’s sticky note method to visualize, in a concrete way,  how many students you need to fill your course and how to accomplish that   24:00 Shannon asks Ashley if she has a mailing list and if she has a method to reach out to that list regularly, in a personal way   27:00 What Ashley believes to be her target audience and is advised to market keeping this in mind   28:40 Reaching out to yoga teachers that may have students who are interested in YTT and considering incentives for those who refer students to the training   33:25 Using video to introduce yourself and your partner to tell your background story and using Facebook Live to preview part of the course   37:20 Making a plan to post on social media and sending out emails, including some course content or relating it back to activities in your life   42:55 Establishing what makes you unique is key to elevator and escalator pitches- Your One Thing, THE strategy, the essence of your yoga teacher training   45:40 Highlighting the relationship between you and your co-teacher and the way you work together can make students feel confident about taking your course   Taking a stand on the YTT that you want to teach and letting students know that the 200-hour yoga teacher training is just a start   52:00 Shannon and Ashley discuss where and how Ashley is going to market next   56:25 Shannon’s closing thoughts Links   Ashley's Website- Ashes Yoga   Yoga with Ashley on Youtube   Article: Budokon, made in America, mixes yoga with martial arts on reuters.com   MamaNurture Website   Relevant Podcast Episodes:   Sticky Note Method- 049: Grow Your Yoga Student Base [Part 1] with Shannon Crow   002: Reconnect With Your Yoga Practice with Nina Andic [Consultation Call]   018: Get Creative with Your Yoga Cues [Consultation Call] with Brittany Alred   029: Creating Your About Me Page with Trevor Parks [Consultation Call]   040: Grow Your Audience with a 5-Day Challenge with Patricia Fasciotti [Consultation Call]

058: Confidence & Self-Promotion with Julie Zuzek   Julie Zuzek’s passion for entrepreneurship is profound. As she says: “It is the most intense form of personal growth that you will ever go through.” As the founder of The Corporate Yogi, she has certainly found her calling; coaching yoga teachers as they navigate the often daunting world of entrepreneurship.   Julie has the experience to back-up her teachings, she began in the corporate world and worked there for 15 years before deciding to completely change focus and attend a yoga teacher training in the UK in 2009.  Yoga teacher training then led her to the world of entrepreneurship and she founded her business in 2011.   Julie thought that running a business would be easy enough but reflects that it is ‘the hardest and smartest’ thing she’s ever done. She learned the hard way that she’d have to work extremely hard- just like everybody else. She wants you to learn from her mistakes and brings with her a refreshingly honest and open view on entrepreneurship. In her podcast Conscious Business with the Corporate Yogi, she doesn’t ‘sugar coat things’ but does share gems to help yoga entrepreneurs gain confidence.   On today’s episode Shannon and Julie discuss how to gain confidence to self-promote, (a much-asked question in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group), taking on challenges one-step-at-a-time, letting comparisons go, and much more.   05:35 Shannon follows her own advice on how to gain registrants for her course   12:50 Julie’s yoga journey   14:10 Entrepreneurship is the most intense form of personal growth that you will ever go through   15:10 Julie’s advice on how to navigate “growth hangovers”   17:50 How Julie defines conscious business- really being aware of who you are and focusing on personal growth and relationships   19:50 How Julie weaves eastern and western philosophy into her teachings   21:50 How does it look when a yoga teacher is lacking confidence?   24:10 Imposter syndrome- everyone deals with this at various points in our lives   “Your challenges will always up-level relative to your ability to handle it”   27:05 Julie’s advice on how yoga teachers gain confidence- ask what it takes to take the first step forward in a way that makes you feel safe   “Confidence comes from taking action”   29:55 Being comfortable and confident with silence gives your students the opportunity to really communicate with their body   30:55 Letting go of comparisons to others to find your unique style   34:25 Faking it ‘til you make it?   36:25 Ask and trust your students, having a beginner’s mindset   38:00 How confidence is connected to marketing and self-promotion   “Self-promotion is a muscle we need to build”   39:50 Meta-skill: asking permission in an authentic way   43:05 Stay connected to your “Big Why”   “At the end of the day your self-promotion isn’t about you, it’s about putting yourself out there so you can share your gifts, your purpose, heal others.”   44:35 The wonderful feeling of finding your niche and taking a leap in a direction to see if it fits for you   46:10 How to connect with Julie through Business Coaching, Conscious Business Mastermind Coaching, Retreat Leadership Training or her podcast Conscious Business with The Corporate Yogi   48:45  Shannon’s closing thoughts   Another wonderful thing that Julie said a few times “Get out of your head and into your heart.” -when it comes to building confidence when teaching Links   The Corporate Yoga Website RetreatU Website The Corporate Yogi on Facebook The Corporate Yogi on Instagram   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube  Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)   Toronto Yoga Conference April 12th-15th Accessible Yoga Conference in Toronto June 22nd-24th, 2018   To contact Samantha Scott for Website or VA work: Tech Crazy VA Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

057: Feng Shui Your Yoga Space with Marina V. Umali   Shannon has invited designer Marina Umali to the show to answer some of the questions asked by many of you in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about setting up your yoga spaces.   Marina is a New York State certified interior designer and Feng Shui practitioner. She studied architecture at Parsons School of Design and Interior Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She also practices yoga and has had the opportunity to visit many yoga studios.   Shannon and Marina discuss setting up your at-home or studio space keeping direction, colours, fabric choices, lighting and more in mind. Marina also shares with us when and how to clear the energy of objects and spaces for a more peaceful practice and how yin energy can be expressed through design choices you make.   Marina’s work is a blend of striking design and practical functionality and the power of intention and good energy flow. She believes that deep, lasting improvements to your environment create deep, lasting improvements in your life. Most recently, Marina became certified as a cruelty-free designer. 08:30 Marina’s journey to becoming an interior designer   11:10 Marina’s top Feng Shui tips: 1) no clutter 2) command position   13:50 Tips for clearing your clutter   14:45 Is there any direction that we should we be facing?   16:40 The relationship between Feng Shui and windows   17:35 Colours for yoga spaces   19:50 Organizing your yoga space within a room with various functions   21:10 Other Feng Shui tips: 1) room in the back of house with yin energy 2) natural materials, soothing colours 3) options for lighting   22:20 Marina’s recent cruelty-free certification   24:15 Feng Shui fabric suggestions   25:10 Tips on creating an altar space and clearing objects of past energy   27:55 Clearing your yoga space before practicing (at home or before teaching your class)   29:25 Clearing our minds before practicing yoga   31:35 Feng Shui for your electronics   33:30 Energy around your bed- the effect of books and storage   36:55 Marina’s experience with energy in yoga spaces she’s visited   37:45 A few more tips from Marina 1) use green cleaning products 2) paint with low VOCs 3) use inspirational quotes or graphics in your space   38:45 The energy of mirrors in yoga studios   39:30 How to work with Marina   40:35 Shannon’s final thoughts and her big takeaway Marina's Website   Marina V Design Studio on Facebook   Marina V Design Studio on Instagram   Blog Post: How to Solve Health Problems with Feng Shui by Marina Umali   Accessible Yoga Conference in Toronto June 22nd-24th, 2018   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity  

056: Yoga and Menopause with Leslie Kazadi Today Shannon has invited Leslie Kazadi to talk about yoga and menopause.  There can be a lot of shyness around discussing the profound physical, emotional and mental changes that menopause can bring. Leslie opens up about her own experience with menopause in a very honest way and how it led her to take it on as a special area of interest in relation to her yoga teachings.   There have been studies that have shown a promising correlation between yoga and the reduction of common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep and mood disturbances, stress, and muscle and joint pain.  Leslie discusses these and other symptoms while revealing the increased health risks that accompany menopause. Also discussed is how yoga teachers can make their students more comfortable and what women experiencing menopausal symptoms need in their yoga practice.   Leslie has a wealth of education and experience to draw on. She is certified as yoga a therapist by the International Association of Yoga Therapists as well as a certified in massage and Thai massage therapist. Leslie also had the opportunity to study in India with the masters of Ashtanga and Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar which inspired her to take yoga teacher training in 2001.   Leslie has worked with adults of all ages with complex medical conditions. She is passionate about making yoga accessible to all including those with injuries and older adults. She feels working with those who “don’t think they can do yoga” especially fulfilling. Leslie believes in teaching in an approachable way that includes laughter and lightheartedness and holds the belief that truly being present is the greatest healer.   7:20 Leslie’s yoga journey   10:30 Why Leslie wanted to work with people that weren’t typically drawn to yoga and her interest in anatomy   12:35 How Leslie came to turn her attention to yoga and menopause   13:55 The reluctance of women to talk about menopause, the disappointment felt by ageing   16:00 Leslie’s experience with menopause, common symptoms   19:10 Empower yourself with the knowledge to choose your yoga practice- when entering menopause your risk of heart attacks and osteoporosis skyrockets, digestive issues such as GERD and acid reflux   19:55 Outward changes that go along with menopause that are difficult for many to talk about or accept such as changes in the skin (such as elasticity), decreased muscle tone, weight gain -can be hard for yoga teachers whose physicality is on display   21:25 How you can help students experiencing menopausal symptoms more comfortable   23:45 What style of yoga is helpful for women going through menopause, a focus on strength and relaxation and on their participation in class but not being singled out   26:20 How yoga helps achieve a good night’s sleep, allowing yourself to schedule an extra hour of sleep (even temporarily)   28:30 Those who struggle with ageing and how this causes unnecessary pain   34:10 “The gift of ageing” and practising gratitude, how yoga philosophy can support this   37:05 The positive aspects of menopause: “Live the life you want to live now”   39:00 The importance of being authentic with your students, letting them know that you accept them as they are, and knowing you influence young women who are bombarded with messages about beauty   41:50 How to work with Leslie Kazadi and her passion for making sure yoga is accessible for all   44:25 Shannon and Leslie reflect on yoga teacher trainings   46:50 Shannon’s closing thoughts and takeaways (and a preview of upcoming episodes!) Links   Leslie’s website- Alchemy Yoga Therapy   Leslie on Instagram   Leslie Kazadi Yoga Therapy on Facebook   Leslie on Twitter   Yogis Anonymous   What is GERD? Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)- from WebMD   Mind-body therapies for menopausal symptoms: a systematic review- A 2010 review of 21 papers from  the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

055: Share Your Course Using Thinkific with Siddharth Bharath   Thinkific is an online course software platform based in Vancouver BC, Canada. CEO Greg Smith was searching for a way to put his LSAT course online in order to reach more students. He saw the need for an online course platform and along with his co-founders designed software that would allow course creators to easily add their content online.   On today’s episode, Shannon speaks with Siddharth Bharath, a marketer and VP of growth at Thinkific. Sid, who at the time was a marketing consultant, was looking for an online platform to host his courses. He really liked Thinkific as a course platform because it was easy to use. He decided to contact Greg Smith with some marketing ideas and Greg was impressed enough to ask Sid to join their team and has been with them since.   Shannon picks Siddharth’s brain asking him what technology is needed to create a course, how much financial investment is involved, how students and teachers can interact, marketing your course and more. 10:05 What led Sid to work for Thinkific   12:40 How Thinkific can help you run a course   14:45 The Thinkific plans so you can decide which financial investment works for you   15:55 Do you need a website needed to run a Thinkific course   16:50 What is the bare minimum technology needed to make a video   18:30 What tools are needed for good audio   19:55 Sid’s tips for creating a video   20:40 How Thinkific facilitates the interactivity between students and teachers   21:30 Yoga teachers who are producing courses with Thinkific   23:25 The Thinkific team and culture of kindness   25:30 The help available to Thinkific users   26:25 Sid’s tips for marketing a course   29:05 Videos as yoga class add-ons and how they can supplement your in-person classes   29:25 Payment options for your customers such as one-off, monthly payment plans   30:30 Sid’s last bit of advice: “Action beats perfection”   31:50 How to get in touch with Sid and Thinkific   32:15 Shannon’s wrap-up and key takeaways Links   Email Sid: [email protected]   Thinkific Website   Thinkific on Facebook   Thinkific Blog Post: Best Equipment & Software For Creating Online Courses   Example Yoga Courses on Thinkific   The Bhakti Shop   Mako Mindfulness Membership     Related TCYT Podcast:   Ep 54: Launching a Podcast and Facebook Group   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   5-Day Content Creation Challenge   Define Your Yoga Niche Online Course   PDF: 5 Koshas   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

054: **Anniversary Episode ** Launching a Podcast and Facebook Group with Shannon Crow   Welcome to The Connected Yoga Teacher one-year anniversary episode! Episode 001 of The Connected Yoga Teacher was launched on February 24th, 2017 and here we are, just over one year later on episode 054. Shannon’s vision to provide a platform for yoga teachers to connect between trainings has grown in a way that she could never have imagined. Always reading about and researching yoga topics, Shannon wanted to support other yoga teachers by sharing important and relevant information. She has invited a variety of guests to share valuable knowledge about a wide array of subject matters such as running a yoga business, pelvic health, eating disorders, yoga and social media, re-thinking stretching, and the importance of trauma-informed yoga. Shannon provides a behind-the-scenes look at creating and maintaining The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group and the work put into the podcast each and every week. She also shares more about herself; her vulnerabilities and her view on making mistakes. With much gratitude, we want to thank our listeners for taking this journey with us. Downloading the podcast and engaging with and supporting one another on The Connected Facebook Group keeps this community thriving. Thank you also to The Connected Yoga Teacher team -- Rob, Laura, Samantha and every single listener. 2:25 Shannon’s journey that led her to the creating a podcast for yoga teachers and the fear that accompanied that   4:40 Brainstorming in her red journal and finding the common thread was wanting to help yoga teachers   5:10 Why Shannon thinks supporting other yoga teachers is so important   5:40 How Shannon got her ideas for topics- from yoga consulting, connecting with and interviewing experts, reading articles   6:40 The Connected Yoga Podcast team   9:55 If you’re interested in making a podcast or creating content   10:05 Some of the content Shannon wanted to include in the podcast and choosing her guest   11:05 The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group- creating and maintaining the group   12:05 Podcast listener and TCYT FB group member Barbara Peter’s question for Shannon: “Would you please do a podcast about everything you do behind the scenes to make everything in The Connected Yoga Teacher group page so wildly successful. Every minute detail. Hold nothing back.”   13:00 Naming the podcast and making the choice to avoid asking others to join, hoping to grow the group organically   14:20 July 2017 (5 months into the podcast)- 346 members, a solid foundation had been built with Shannon working hard to keep the members engaged   14:55 Nov 2017 (9 months into the podcast) -1000 members, great questions and content posted regularly by members   15:35 February 2018 (the one-year anniversary of the podcast)- over 2000 people (100 people added just this week!)   15:40 3 question set-up for those that want to join a group, post questions to start discussions, post questions on behalf of other teachers   16:55 The challenge of making a welcome post that you can pin to the top of the group page, the purpose of the welcome post and tagging people in the group   18:25 Shannon’s TCYT Facebook Group welcome post   20:40 Context of people’s posts when it’s in writing, in text, easy misunderstandings challenges in moderating the group   23:35 Online negativity and taking a look at your own reaction to posts, avoiding the knee-jerk reaction- “Can you say that in a more vulnerable way?”     Related episode: 051: Yoga and (Anti-) Social Media with Carol Horton, PhD   24:50 Question from Shelly Prosko of Prosko Physio Yoga: “My question for you relates to compassion and sense of community and connection...What is one thing that you’ve failed at or made a mistake of you’re struggling with right now if you can get a little vulnerable if you feel comfortable…”   27:25 Shannon reflects her on making mistakes, owning up to them, embracing them, how her view of mistakes has changed over time   36:15 When Shannon thought she was ready to launch the podcast and what she still had to consider   Related Episode: 005: Set and Achieve Big Goals with Natalie Eckdahl   37:50 Steps needed make TCYT podcast   42:20 How Shannon got Schedulicity as a sponsor   44:30 Automation and engaging with guests and listeners through emails   46:40 Show notes and our desire to have a great summary, quotes, timestamps and links   47:50 How profit can be made through podcasts   48:40 Shannon’s began using Facebook Live as a way to engage her audience   49:30 Shannon’s Facebook Launch Party Event   51:40 TCYT downloads statistics   52:50 Shannon’s final thoughts and voicemail by TCYT podcast listener Haunani Drake   Contact us:   Email: info@theconnectedyogateacher   Voicemail: The Connected Yoga Teacher Website (click on the ‘Send Shannon a Voicemail’) Links   Seth Godin’s Podcast 01: Akimbo- The Grand Opening- a great episode about launching a podcast   Dr. Kristin Neff’s website: Self-Compassion.org   Accessible Yoga Conference- June 22nd-24th, 2018 at the University of Toronto   Related TCYT Podcast Episodes:   051: Yoga and (Anti-) Social Media with Carol Horton, PhD   009: Kegels, Mula Bandha and Pelvic Health with Shelly Prosko   005: Set and Achieve Big Goals with Natalie Eckdahl   Facebook Live Show: The Connected Yoga Teacher   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   The Connected Yoga Teacher Launch Party Facebook Event Page   The Connected Yoga Teacher Launch Party Facebook Event Video   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

053: Yoga Mentors and Lineage with Chase Bossart   On today’s episode, Shannon invites Chase Bossart who with great warmth and humour shares with us some of his experiences with his mentor T.K.V. Desikachar. Chase discusses the hallmark of Desikachar’s teachings that he’s very much taken to heart, the importance of mentorship and the sometimes necessary end of this relationship.   Chase was introduced to yoga in 1991 when he took a semester abroad in India as a philosophy major. He was interested in learning more about Eastern philosophy and took a class in yoga theory. This is where he met his mentor T.K.V. Desikachar, one of the class’ regular instructors and become immersed in yoga and Desikachar’s teachings.   Chase has spent over 4 years in India and several years in China (becoming fluent in Mandarin).  Expanding on his knowledge of Eastern philosophy, Chase earned a Masters degree in Religious Studies with an emphasis in Indian Philosophy in 1996.   Now living North of San Francisco, Chase has travelled frequently to give workshops and training on a wide array of yoga and yoga therapy topics since 2003. Chase teaches courses and workshops in person and provides an online meditation session and online study session of Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita once a week. He is also passionate about pranayama, meditation, chanting and the therapeutic application of yoga therapy. He loves to lead experiential workshops that demonstrate yoga philosophy’s practical applications in daily life. 5:25 Studying with his mentor T.K.V Desikachar in India   8:35 Hallmark of Desikachar’s teachings is individualized, one-on-one sessions where you participate in your own healing   10:05 The feeling Chase has when teaching to online students and in-person students   12:00 Online Thursday night study of Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita with Chase- study of Sanskrit and most importantly how does that apply to one’s life by pausing, responding and sharing with each other   13:10 Incorporating Sanskrit and yoga philosophy in our practice and the importance of finding context for why we do the techniques we do, recognizing that yoga is an intentionally engineered practice with the science behind understanding how the human system functions   18:00 Chase’s appreciation for Desikachar’s ability to break teachings down and applying them in a practical sense to everyday life   19:05 Importance of taking time to take teachings in- not rushing through training and philosophical texts so a sustainable transformation is possible   20:20 Differentiating between yoga as information and yoga as being (understanding why your life is unfolding as it is, seeing yoga play out in your life, allowing for feedback and study with a mentor)   22:10 The benefit of having a mentor- difficult to digest studies without a reliable outside reference, help you stay on your path, cue you to reflect and the importance of having an established relationship with someone you have faith in and trust   25:20 Chase details some of the more difficult experiences as Desikachar’s mentee and how moving through them helped him establish different patterns and the refinement of his person and behaviour   32:30 Chase’s belief that teachings should be the main focus- not so much the lineage and T.K.V. Desikachar’s hesitancy to give a name to his yoga teachings (named Viniyoga for a period of time) when he very much believed that yoga should flow through someone in an individualized way   36:10 The problem with lineage and putting yoga into groups- divisiveness, can overemphasize form over function   37:45 Desikachar’s taught the importance of relinquishing rather than looking at the effort and asanas   39:20 An example of relinquishing- being attached to how things are such as groups you are in, your home, your job and seeing that as primary importance   42:55 When and why a mentorship relationship may end   47:55 The importance of honesty and communication in mentor-mentee bond and when there may be a shift in the relationship   51:00 What mentorship should provide such as understanding how the mentee’s  process works and helping to hold space for that process   53:35 Yoga Wells Institute Therapeutic Yoga Trainings   53:20 Importance of teachers undergoing process themselves, doing their own practice with an open, malleable fashion   57:00 Upcoming Yoga Therapy Teacher Certification Course with Chase in Nashville, Tennessee   58:55 Chase’s work with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) and its importance in legitimizing the practice via accreditation and guidelines   1:02:19 Chase shares what his own practice looks like while gently reminding teachers to find their own way   1:04:20 If you struggle with your own practice- “When you need it the most it’s harder to do.”   1:08:40 Shannon’s closing thoughts and key takeaways Links   Yoga Well Institute Website   Yoga Well on Facebook   Twitter: The Well Bucket   Yoga Well Institute on Instagram   Email: [email protected] send an email to set up a 30-minute interview process to help find you a mentor   Yoga Therapy Teacher Certification Course   Chase Bossart on J. Brown Yoga Podcast   International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity  

052: Create Your Online Course with Janelle Allen of Zen Courses   Have you ever thought of turning your expertise into an online course? It can be a great source of income that comes with the satisfaction of inspiring others with content you feel passionate about.   Shannon welcomes Janelle Allen, the founder of Zen Courses to help you get started. Janelle shares her knowledge with us covering how to pick a topic, organize and market a course, the different styles of courses, and much more.     Armed with her Masters of Science degree in Instructional Technology, Janelle has spent nearly ten years creating courses for a variety of clients, including colleges, universities, corporations and small businesses. Realizing that she wanted to work in a more personal way with others she founded Zen Courses.  Through her business, Janelle offers services that include one-on-one consultations and courses. Janelle has a free online email list course just for our Connected Yoga Teacher listeners. 6:20 How Janelle got interested in online learning and went from working for a six-figure company to working for herself   10:10 Janelle’s experience with yoga   11:20 How to get started creating an online course: 1) target learner 2) what problems do they have 3) what solutions do you have   15:35 How do yoga teachers pick from possible course topics? How to determine if people will pay for your course.   17:35 How to organize the course? “The one thing” what should people be able to do after completing the course, using “backwards design”   21:45 “Simpler is better” - resisting temptation to put too much content in your course   20:35 Tools Janelle uses to create her courses- outline, content cues, mind maps   23:40 The difference between a live course, self-paced course or blended course (part live and part self-paced)   26:30 Open cart or close cart launches- whether a course is available for a limited time   27:15 How choose between creating live course, self-paced or blended course- often depends on complexity of your courses   28:40 Thinking about your learners- there will be times when parts of the course will be harder, students may stumble and it will be important to be available to your students during these times through video chat, Facebook groups, provide an extra week to do their work, etc.   32:10 Making your course actionable: activities and assignments in your course, develop a community in your course (on social media like a FB group)   34:05 How to get students for your courses 1) market to existing audience through email including survey questions, building a case for the course and how to sign up for your course  2) partner with people that have an audience through a joint webinars   39:30 When you are worried about being “salesy” and how Janelle worked through that and the fear of rejection   41:30 How to reach Janelle if you want to work with her   43:40 What advice would Janelle give to those starting out   46:40 Shannon’s closing thoughts Links   Zen Courses Website   Sign up for Zen Courses Newsletter   Free Course from Janelle Allen "Start With Email"   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Define Your Yoga Niche Online Course   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)   Free TCYT 5 Kochas PDF   Free TCYT 5-Day Content Creation Challenge   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Carol Horton, PhD is a writer, educator and activist. She works at the intersection of mindful yoga, social science, and social justice. Carol serves as Vice President of the Yoga Service Council and was a co-founder of Chicago’s Socially Engaged Yoga Network. In her desire to make yoga accessible to all she has taught yoga in underprivileged areas such as Chicago’s Cook County Jail, a drop-in centre for homeless women, a residential foster care facility, and a community health centre.   Shannon asked Carol Horton to be a guest on The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast after reading Carol’s thoughtful blog post called Yoga: Beyond the BS. Carol discusses the negativity surrounding yoga, especially in social media. She brings up the shadow side of yoga, such as the commercialization and commodification of yoga, with the intention of being critical in a balanced fashion. It is her wish that yoga teachers employ honesty and discernment as they navigate the yoga world.   From Carol’s first yoga class in a church basement to her profound healing and spiritual experiences while practising, it is clear yoga has meant a lot to her. Carol doesn’t believe that yoga culture needs to be taken down with critique but rather respectful discussions in conjunction with work so there is power behind the discourse. Carol believes in supporting and nurturing the good and calling out the bad so we don’t lose the teachers that can make profound changes in the lives of others.   2:20 Shannon’s thoughts on the negativity in the yoga world and connecting with Carol Horton’s blog post Yoga: Beyond the BS   7:25 How Carol got started in yoga and how it evolved into her current work   11:55 Difficult childbirth was a profound experience in Carol’s life that shifted her perspective on yoga and saw the importance of trauma-informed yoga   15:00 Lying in savasana and slipping into a “spark of consciousness”   19:30 What led Carol to write the blog post Yoga: Beyond the BS   26:10 Problematic aspects of online discussions, social media as a culturally powerful medium and online bullies   30:25 When Carol thought about walking away from yoga and why she didn’t   35:00 The positive and negative response to Carol’s blog post   38:50 Is there a place yoga teachers can go to for fruitful discussions?   41:30 Carol’s editing work for the book: “Best Practices for Yoga in the Criminal Justice System”   43:40 Carol’s desire to see healthcare (including yoga) accessible to all; working with those in homeless shelters, foster homes, prisons and more to help those who’ve experienced trauma to heal   52:10 How to contact Carol   53:50 Shannon’s final thoughts   Links   Carol Horton's Website   Blog Post: Yoga: Beyond the BS   Book: Best Practices for Yoga in the Criminal Justice System Editor: Carol Horton PhD The Yoga Service Council   Forrest Yoga Website   Embodied Philosophy Podcast   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   5-Day Content Creation Challenge   Define Your Yoga Niche Online Course   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

050: Grow Your Yoga Base [Part 2] with Shannon Crow   Welcome to episode 50!   We are so happy that we’ve been able to keep growing and connecting with so many yoga teachers to discuss a wide variety of topics relevant to the yoga teacher career path.   The Connected Yoga Teacher podcast and Facebook group has been brought to life by all of your support for one another, your humour and spirited discussions.   Thank you for all for your participation and feedback as it has provided much inspiration and momentum. You have helped to this little seed of an idea planted by Shannon Crow, who envisioned a supportive place for yoga teachers to raise each other up. Thanks also to Rob, Laura and Samantha of The Connected Yoga Teacher team for so much of the work that goes into getting every episode to you.   As a gift to you, our listeners, a 50 episode summary has been compiled. It’s filled with key takeaways and actionable step for each episode. Keep an eye out for it in your inbox and if you are not subscribed to The Connected Yoga Teacher newsletter click here to sign up.   In Part 2 of Grow Your Yoga Student Base, Shannon continues to share steps to help you attract more yoga students. No need to tackle them all at once, simply do one thing and when you hit a comfort zone move on to another action item. Areas explored include connecting with students in and out of class, offering gifts and discounts and being authentic; because as Shannon says, you’ve got this! You have everything within yourself to attract the students who will benefit from your unique services.   12:30 Recap of Part 1 of Grow Your Yoga Base   14:20 7) Connect with students  a) In class   17:25 ACTION ITEM:  If possible place yourself at the exit and the entrance to greet and say goodbye   18:20 7) Connect with students b) Outside of class   23:20 ACTION ITEM: Get a list of your students and their contact information- their phone number, email and maybe even a mailing address   24:35 8) Posters and Business Cards   Keep posters with you and ready to pass out or put up. It’s handy to have a poster travel kit with you that includes a variety of ways to hang your posters such as tape and tacks.   Consider getting business cards to hand out or other creative way to pass on your information such as brochures and bookmarks.   ACTION ITEM: Create a poster or business card to have ready to pass out or hang up.   28:25 9) Get to know people’s preferences/check in   When you have a smaller class it’s a great opportunity to take the time to check in asking them what poses they enjoy and what parts of their bodies need some extra attention. You can incorporate the poses into your future classes each week.     ACTION ITEM: Choose 1 check in method and try it out in your next class   30:55 10) Offer the same thing every week. Offer something different every week. It sounds contradictory but including the same poses can help students feel comfortable and internalize the poses and learn about these poses in relation to their bodies.   The opposite has its own benefit- adding a new thing will keep the students feeling challenged and increase their knowledge base.   “The opposite of a great truth is also true” –Gretchen Rubin   32:25 ACTION ITEM: If you generally do the same thing, add something new or tweak a commonly used pose. If you often vary your classes quite a bit try the same flow each week in a session.   33:10 11) Gifts, treats, offers and discounts   Some examples of gifts and treats: quote on a paper, a yummy treat (could be healthy or semi-healthy like organic chocolate or ginger chews, maybe even something homemade), pose cards, candles, something that works with the holidays such as an ornament a Christmas or chocolate on Valentine’s Day.   Some examples of offers and discounts: bring a friend for free, 5-class pass donation for a charity auction, punch card (with 10 stamps students earning them a free class), partnering with a local business or event (such as a free smoothie at a local eatery when you take a class).   34:30 ACTION ITEM: Bring a treat to your next class which may work with your theme.   34:35 12) Assists     While some people love touch while others feel uncomfortable. If you or your students aren’t comfortable with touch, there are other ways to assist. Savasana can be a great place to start. A couple of ways to ensure your student is comfortable with touch is by using consent cards or by classes that include assists as a main focus.     The Connected Yoga Teacher podcast episodes to check out on this topic:   036: Thai Yoga Massage with Shai Plonski 004: Assisting Students Without Touch 015: Consent Cards and Hands-On Assists with Molly Kitchen   36:00 ACTION ITEM: Learn one assist and practice it on another yoga teacher, your partner, friend or family member.   36:35 13) Strengthen your own yoga practice   Be the student. Attend other class to gain inspiration and nurture your own yoga practice. Attending workshops and trainings so you can continue to learn and grow as a yoga teacher.   TCYT podcast episodes to check out on this topic:   001: How to Avoid Yoga Teacher Burnout with Erin Aquin 002: How to Reconnect With Your Yoga Practice with Nina Andic   ACTION ITEM: Set a time and place to practice yoga.   41:00 14) Be authentic   Teaching what you know and be who you are. Don’t try to be like another teacher. You are unique and no one else can share yoga like you can.   ACTION ITEM:  Pick 5-10 yoga poses to strengthen your cues and unique voice. You can record yourself on your phone or jot down some notes to help you determine whether your using cues that make sense to you and your own personal experience in yoga.   42:25 15) Use a theme   There are so many ideas out there for themes and the sky’s the limit! You can subscribe to the Yoga Teacher Central newsletters as it has relevant theme ideas each week. A few examples are: anatomy focus, 8-limbs, chakras, elements, summer solstice, full moon.   ACTION ITEM: Look at your calendar and see what’s coming up for you, sit in meditation or draw a card and see what pops up for you- it might be one word or setting an intention   43:40 16) Create an amazing class   You’ve got this, you’re already an amazing teacher! When you speak in your authentic voice and you define your yoga niche and plan something new or fun along with the consistent yoga offerings you are doing fine.  Trust that the right students are coming to you at the right time.   ACTION ITEM: You are right on track and are now armed with 15 things to help you keep going.  And for the days when it isn't feeling like the best class. Learn from it. Move forward with a deep breath. We have all been there and we have your back.   Links   Add your location to the Connected Yoga Teacher Map   The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Page "What if I am getting bored with teaching?" thread- thanks to Shannon Elise sharing your authentic self with us   Student waiver and health information form (PDF printable version)   Student waiver and health information form (editable Word document)   Canva- to make your own graphics   Here is an editable poster template Shannon made using Canva. Please make sure to make a copy before you edit it, so the original is there for others :)   Fiverr- to help you find a graphic designer to work for you   Relevant to 12) Offer Assists:   036: Thai Yoga Massage with Shai Plonski 004: Assisting Students Without Touch 015: Consent Cards and Hands-On Assists with Molly Kitchen   Relevant to 13) Strengthen your own yoga practice:   001: How to Avoid Yoga Teacher Burnout with Erin Aquin 002: How to Reconnect With Your Yoga Practice with Nina Andic The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   5-Day Content Creation Challenge   Define Your Yoga Niche Online Course   Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

049: Grow Your Yoga Student Base [Part 1] with Shannon Crow   On today’s episode, Shannon wants to help you with one of the most frequently asked questions: how do I get more students to come to my class?   In part 1 of this 2-part episode, Shannon will take you through the steps that helped her grow her student base. Beginning with asking what is your ideal yoga class size to being patient and consistent as you build your students’ trust, Shannon shares 6 areas to consider with six actionable steps.   Don’t feel overwhelmed by the actionable steps, just start with one this week and find out how it can work for you as you build your student base. 6:15 1) What is your ideal yoga class size?   Consider: How many students do you need to pay for your time, rent, fuel? After expenses how much profit would you like to make? How many students can fit comfortably in the space?   7:35 Action Item: Once you have the ideal number of students in your head choose 1 of the 2 ways to visualize this:   Sticky notes Student sign-in sheet   Put it somewhere you can see every day   11:15 2) Registered sessions   If you’re concerned about having enough students to cover your space rental, registered sessions are a great way to know what your income and expenses are going into the session.   20:50 ACTION ITEM: Try running a registered session. See how it works for you, your student base and for the studio or rental space schedule   Offer something new and unique that you’re particularly passionate about.   A couple of examples:  a 4-week beginner series or a 6-week back care yoga series.   22:00 3) Define Your Yoga Niche   ACTION ITEM: If you can define what your unique yoga is and who your ideal yoga student is then you already have done this work! If you feel stuck on either of those or if marketing and content creation is a challenge enrol in  Define Your Yoga Niche: An Online Workshop or book a one-on-one Consultation Call with Shannon.   25:25 4) Create content that advertises and markets your yoga   26:10 ACTION ITEM: Do the (Free) 5-Day Content Creation Challenge   26:25 5) Classes to suit your students   Are your yoga classes accessible? Are the classes that will attract the community you live in?   28:50 ACTION ITEM: Find a way to check in with your students to see what kind of yoga they are looking for (email survey, phone call, talk with them at your next class).   If you don’t have students yet can you check in with people in your area? Attend some local classes to see what is popular, join or create a local Facebook group   Ask friends or ask on social media   Listen to Trevor Parks’ episode where Shannon asks Trevor a series of questions so he can define his ideal student   029: Creating Your About Me Page With Trevor Parks   Sign up for the Define Your Yoga Niche: An Online Workshop   30:25 6)  Be patient and consistent   Keep showing up for yourself and keep showing up for students. Don’t get discouraged if your class sizes are smaller at the beginning.    ACTION ITEM: Keep showing up to teach   While being consistent, be careful of yoga teacher burnout. It’s okay to take some time off or occasionally ask for another teacher to sub your class.   001: How to Avoid Yoga Teacher Burnout with Erin Aquin     Links   The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group "Most Embarrassing Teaching Moment"  thread-  thanks to Joyce Slaughter for starting the discussion   The Connected Yoga Teacher FB Group "Looking for Music for Restorative Yoga" thread- thanks to Brittany Boersma who is most definitely not looking for cheesy spa music ;)   Shannon does NOT recommend Foundations by Kate Nash as a good yoga class song :)   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   001: How to Avoid Yoga Teacher Burnout with Erin Aquin   029: Creating Your About Me Page With Trevor Parks   Define Your Yoga Niche: An Online Workshop   5-Day Content Creation Challenge   Student sign-in sheet   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Yoga Teacher Eating Disorder Education with Tabitha Farrar   On today’s episode, Shannon and Tabitha Farrar reflect on eating disorders, such as disordered eating and anorexia, and its relationship to the yoga world.   As Shannon notes, January is a busy time for yoga teachers. Many new students are influenced by the tradition of the New Year’s Resolution as a way to make a fresh start or establish new patterns (often eating better and exercising more), so eating disorder education is especially relevant at this time of year.   Tabitha Farrar is an eating disorder recovery coach who speaks and writes about effective and realistic recovery approaches for adults with restrictive eating disorders. Tabitha recovered from 10 years of severe anorexia and is passionate about helping adult sufferers find a sustainable recovery that works for them.   She is the author of Love Fat, numerous articles on eating disorders and the founder of 2 support forums. Tabitha is currently working on her second book, A Workbook for Anorexia Recovery.  She also hosts The Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast and has founded Adult Eating Disorder Recovery (AEDR), a service that offers meal support and emotional support through text for those recovering from an eating disorder.   Tabitha shares her expertise to help dispel myths surrounding eating disorders. She also discusses symptoms of EDs, the seriousness of malnutrition, the danger of restrictive eating (such as cleanses and fasts), and what to do if you suspect a student suffers from an eating disorder.   3:45 Shannon’s Personal Wellness Goals for the New Year   4:55 Shannon’s thoughts on yoga and its relationship to eating disorders   7:40 Tabitha’s yoga journey   8:45 How Tabitha came to realize she had an eating disorder   10:25 What led Tabitha to her current career path- an eating disorder coach with a podcast Tabitha's Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast   12:00 What Tabitha wishes people knew about eating disorders   13:30 Myth around the idea of anorexia being a desire for control when in fact it’s a ”negative state relief” - a behaviour that helps manage anxiety to a level that is tolerable.   14:40 Not always easy to recognize an eating disorder but some symptoms include:   extreme weight loss can be a sign but you don’t have to be underweight to have an eating disorder (even anorexia) mental state deterioration irritability hoarding possessiveness (acting as though you’re in a threatening environment)   16:50 Another symptom that is especially relevant to yoga is the compulsion to exercise   19:00 A study revealed eating disorders can stem from genetics if ancestors migrated in response to famine- in migration eat very little and quickly travel over vast distances “have to keep moving”   Article: Adapted to Flee Famine: Adding an Evolutionary Perspective on Anorexia Nervosa by Shan Guisinger PhD   20:40 Malnutrition is a medical emergency   21:15 Tabitha’s wish for less emphasis on nutrition believing that as nutritional science has gained prevalence in our society it has been more detrimental than helpful   23:10 The yoga community should treat the body as a living organism and not like a machine   23:45 What can yoga teachers do to empower their students whether they know their yoga students have an eating disorder or not- Tabitha reads an email she received with thoughts on yoga teachers and eating disorders   25:20 Detrimental effect of yoga marketing, social media- e.g. can set unrealistic standards in the mind of yoga students or can encourage students to come to yoga focusing on accepting  their bodies not changing them   27:05 The changes in Tabitha’s teaching after educating herself about eating disorders   29:20 Yoga and meditation as a tool for eating disorder recovery   30:45 Breaking down eating disorder statistics by age and gender and looking beyond them- e.g. eating disorders in males are underreported     32:20 If you notice some symptoms of an eating disorder in a yoga student do you approach them?   35:10 Helpful to for yoga studio managers to have some education in eating disorders so teachers can come to them if they’re concerned about a student   36:00 Danger of diets, fasting, cleanses, vegetarianism, veganism (any restrictive eating) in general and especially when struggling with an eating disorder   39:10 Being aware of language around eating and the body as a yoga teacher- criticizing your body is normalized in society, often a bonding activity   42:20 Tabitha’s final words to yoga teachers   44:05 How to find Tabitha if you want to contact her   45:00 Shannon’s closing thoughts    “I want you to understand that eating disorders are genetically based mental illnesses. They are not a choice. They are not ‘caused by society’ (although they are complicated and aggravated by society in a serious way). They are not caused by bad parents or a ‘need to control’” -Tabitha Farrar   Links   Tabitha Farrar's Website   Instagram   Twitter @love_fat_   Podcast: Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast (also available on iTunes)   Book: Love Fat -Tabitha Farrar’s eating disorder recovery story   Tabitha’s Blog Posts: The danger of veganism and EDs   Article: Adapted to Flee Famine: Adding an Evolutionary Perspective on Anorexia Nervosa by Shan Guisinger PhD   Adapted to Flee Famine Website   Adult Eating Disorder Recovery (AEDR) Website   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   New Year's Resolutions Discussion on TCYT Facebook Group   Miranda's Student Numbers Question Discussion on TCYT Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Downward Dog in Prenatal Yoga with Kim MacDonald-Heildant and Shannon Crow Shannon met Kim MacDonald-Heildant at a prenatal yoga teacher training and they bonded over their enthusiasm for this area of expertise. Leaving the training with even more questions, Shannon and Kim decided to join forces. They felt that while every teacher and training brought them valuable experience, they wanted to expand on what they learned to incorporate the research and experience they’ve gained since.   Shannon and Kim co-founded Mama Nurture to provide a 100-hour prenatal yoga teacher training (PYTT) that spends more time on all the wonderful aspects of prenatal that are often only touched on in PYTT (e.g. postnatal and fertility) while expanding on anatomy. Their website also provides great resources such as articles, breath practices and yoga sequences.   Kim was drawn to yoga as a self-care practice and became even more enthusiastic about the practice when she became pregnant. She enjoyed her pregnancies and the way yoga enhanced her experience. This positive relationship led her to enrol in a 200-hour YTT followed by a PYTT and is now a certified children’s and prenatal yoga teacher.  She is also a mother of 2, a teacher, co-owner and director of Gibbons Park Montessori School as well as the founder of Live Laugh Breathe Yoga.   Shannon and Kim found that one of the most common questions from yoga teachers in prenatal training is: “Can I teach downward dog to pregnant yoga students?” There are many opinions about this. Shannon and Kim are going to share their opinions which they emphasize are not meant to be a definitive answer. In fact, through listening to each other they’ve switched positions!   As Shannon and Kim say: “No one yoga pose is good for everyone. No one yoga pose is bad for everyone.” They explore reasons why downward dog is on their caution list and offer alternative poses that can provide some of the same benefits. 7:20 Kim’s yoga journey   9:00 What inspired Kim and Shannon to create their own prenatal yoga teacher training   10:45 Kim’s thoughts on prenatal and downward dog   12:25 How Shannon and Kim ended up switching their positions on downward dog in prenatal yoga   13:35 Article written by Kim and Shannon   Can I Teach Downward Dog to Prenatal Yoga Students   14:10 Reasons Kim and Shannon caution, take out, or only offer downward dog as an option in their classes:   14:25  1) Unnecessary strain on the low back   15:45 2) Can cause or exacerbate heartburn and nausea   16:45 3) Most prenatal students are beginners and downward dog is not a beginner pose   18:30 4) Can irritate carpal tunnel which is common in pregnant women   19:20 5) It can cause baby to turn   20:40 6) Can increase round ligament pain   21:15 7) Can affect very low or high blood pressure   23:35 Kim and Shannon’s favourite pose for prenatal students- Puppy Pose   25:10 Kim and Shannon’s cueing for downward dog for a prenatal student that wants to attempt the pose   26:25 To stretch out the calf muscles- Modified Big Toe Pose   27:55 Bird Dog Pose   28:45 Legs Up the Wall   29:20 Half Forward Fold   30:50 Kim’s words of wisdom when it comes to incorporating Downward Dog- “Try to let go with what’s expected of you.” Observe your class, don’t be afraid to ask how it feels for your students, your students may do it because they feel like they should, not because it works for them   31:55 Kim and Shannon want to share their information and experience to help others make a more informed opinion about downward dog in prenatal- no absolute answer   33:15 Shannon’s closing thoughts- ask yourself what benefit do you want to gain from a pose?   Links   Gibbons Park Montessori School MamaNurture Article: Can I Teach Downward Dog to Prenatal Yoga Students PDF: 8 Contraindications for pregnant yoga students (to get the list sign up on the homepage) Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) TCYT Podcast 033: A New Perspective with Diastasis Recti with Sinead Dufour Spinning Babies Website The Connected Teacher Facebook Group Free Images Discussion on TCYT Facebook Group-A special thanks to Lindsey Larson for starting the discussion Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube Book a Consultation Call with Shannon Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Redefining Stretching with Jules Mitchell   Jules Mitchell is “a student for life”. She is a massage therapist, yoga teacher and educator. She holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Biomechanics from CSU Long Beach and teaches numerous workshops that combine the tradition of yoga (asana and pranayama) with her knowledge of biomechanics to educate teachers in a fun digestible way.   Jules practiced yoga for many years and at a certain point in her life felt the need to teach. The teacher training brought up so many questions for Jules that she says weren’t satisfactorily answered and realized she would have to turn to academics to answer them.   Jules came to realize and accept that there will always be a lot of questions that are unknown and one will always be learning. She tells her students at the beginning of her workshops that if they don’t leave there with more questions then she hasn’t done her job. Jules wants to impress upon yoga teachers the need to question more, the importance of scientific literacy, critical thinking and curiosity.   Shannon and Jules talk about how there are no bad poses, the importance of cueing (talking less and listening more), and questioning how poses are taught. Jules gives us an excellent example by discussing whether you keep your legs straight or bend them when performing a forward fold. Her explanation using scientific research illustrates the importance of science-informed teaching and the benefit of reading studies in a field that is ever-evolving.   Jules wants to help inform you to make your own choices as a yoga teacher, not to overwhelm you. She is working on an upcoming book tentatively titled Yoga Biomechanics: Redefining Stretching which moves far beyond what is generally understood about stretching. She explains the mechanical properties of connective tissue, the material science, the composition and architecture of tissue and emerging ideas and research along with yoga sequences. She hoping to release this information-packed book in 2018. 8:05 Jules' yoga teacher journey   10:15 An example of a question that Jules had that wasn’t answered satisfactorily in yoga teacher training   13:25 How Jules went outside the yoga teacher training for answers, but then brought information back to the yoga world   14:55 Jules' thoughts on stretching, range of motion and flexibility   17:15 Passive stretching, load and strengthening “strengthen to lengthen”   19:05 What does this look like for Jules as a yoga teacher?   “co-contraction” not so much focus on contracting some and relaxing others, how the muscles work together and how we don't need to work so hard to isolate them hopefully introducing adaptation   20:15 Restorative yoga and how it affects the tissues at a cellular level   22:25 How Jules uses research and at the same time works hard to avoid making huge assumptions   27:55 Language and cues that Jules uses now with more information- ask open-ended questions like ”How does it feel when your hand goes there?”  How can we help people explore movement instead of making them afraid of it- say less, observe and let your students teach you.   30:20 Forward folds and hamstrings   Article:  To Bend or Not to Bend (the Knees in a Forward Fold) by Jules Mitchell   33:05 Poses cannot be categorized as safe and not safe   36:40 How can we cue to enable students to pose the body as robust   39:10 What Jules feels is missing from yoga teacher training and importance of reading research studies using critical thinking   41:15 Social media and the pull Jules feels to answer questions there   42:50 Jules’ upcoming book: Yoga Biomechanics: Redefining Stretching   47:25 How to contact Jules   49:15 Shannon’s closing thoughts   Links   Jules Mitchell's Website   Book: Yoga Biomechanics: Redefining Stretching by Jules Mitchell in 2018   Article:  To Bend or Not to Bend (the Knees in a Forward Fold) by Jules Mitchell   Article: Question Everything by Jules Mitchell   Jules Mitchell's Workshop Schedule   Jules Mitchell's Online Education   Jules Mitchell's Online Classes on Udaya.com   Online Course: Biomechanics of Yoga and Asana: Biomechanics, Posture & Performance with Jules Mitchell   Free Youtube Videos with Jules Mitchell The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

045: Creating Content with Shannon Crow Shannon is going solo today to share with you something that she is incredibly passionate about- content creation. Content creation includes Facebook and Instagram posts, newsletters and websites and even books. It allows your ideal client to get to know you and the services you offer.   As an entrepreneur, Shannon has learned much about content creation through trial and error. She understands how difficult to know where to start. As a yoga business consultant, she has worked with many yoga teachers looking to grow their businesses and has learned much about what has held them back. Shannon has found that many get stuck in the process of creating and/or sharing their content so if this sounds like you,  just know you are not alone.   Having worked with Shannon I can attest to her love of content creation and her knowledge of many social media platforms. Her intense curiosity keeps her informed of any emerging content platforms as well which lends itself to another passion of hers- sharing her knowledge with others. This episode is packed with information and inspiration to help you get started on creating your own content.   6:05 Content creation didn’t always come easily for Shannon- was often scrambling   6:55 Content creation became a Monday Morning Task          What is content? It’s anything you are creating such as text, audio, or video or even a combination of the three. 2 examples of content:  1) A post on your Facebook page, perhaps you add an image 2) A book is an example of content created over a long period of time, even years.   8:25 When you feel stuck   Some of the common reasons you feel blocked:   Not feeling like enough of an expert Everything has been done before New technology needed to share like a mic for creating a video Time for creating content- feeling like your schedule is packed planning classes, other part-time or full-time jobs and family New to this (teaching and/or marketing) and not sure where to begin Wanting things to be better or perfect before sharing - a lot of fear around creating videos and sharing images No defined niche- harder to create posts without a strong point-of-view, they may feel like they don’t reflect your work Afraid to put your opinions / photos / video / writing out there - a fear that what you share will be picked apart Not sure which platform is best - at a standstill with indecision, or attempting to post on as many as you can when starting with one and doing it well Looking for an immediate reaction from a post- posting an article you have been working on and barely anyone likes it or looks at it can be discouraging   14:55 Five Keys of Content Creation:   15:05 1. Consistency   Some examples of consistent content are a weekly podcast, Facebook posts that you can schedule, monthly or weekly newsletters. People count on it and are reminded of you and your offering. Make space for content creation- perhaps Monday Morning 16:40 2. What is the goal of your content?   Increase your email list? Get students to attend your class? Why are you sharing content? This key is often skipped, but it is the one that will give your content focus.   18:55 3. Quality content -- what content do you gravitate towards? I love useful information and actionable steps   21:20 Shawn’s 5 Content Tips   Come up with a plan Don’t get stuck on one type of content Focus on quality over quantity Work with your interests and skills Add some randomness to your content   23:20  4a. Create Content   Writer’s block? Write down your ideas in one place - mind map, scribble, draw it out - you will be surprised when you are working paper to pen how the brain will come up with different ideas. Ask where and when you write best.   24:20 Ideas for Content   Your offerings Your calendar / schedule Resources e.g. books, music, props, quotes, any content that you are taking in Holidays & themes e.g. candlelight winter solstice yoga Write authentically your experience as a student Your experience as a yoga teacher or your personal story, written or video form for example Self-care share Your space where you teach or practice Yoga e.g. poses, pranayama, meditation, mantra, mudra through video, audio, photos or info Recipes e.g. yogi tea Curate content that has resonated with you e.g. books, articles written by others   31:10 4b. Call to Action   Are you asking people to do something? If so is it all the time? Aim for 20% of the time80 / 20 rule -Amanda Bond talked to us about this on TCYT 031: Facebook Marketing for Teachers. For every 5 posts on social media have 1 call to action so you’re not asking people to sign up for your class on every post and providing great content gives them a chance to get to know you   33:35 5. Schedule, Share and Repurpose Your Content   On your own platform or take an article on website and share on an online publication, make sure to check rules but can often share articles from other sites. Build up a bank- have the option of re-posting depending on the platform.   36:40 5 Keys to Content Creation re-cap   37:20 5 Day Content Creation Challenge   38:15 An actionable step you can take today to begin creating content   Write down 5 ideas for content creation and share one Links   The Connected Yoga Facebook Group Thread: "To those who are not full-time yoga instructors, what is your other job?"   The Connected Yoga Teacher 5-Day Content Creation Challenge   Define Your Yoga Niche: An Online Workshop for Yoga Teachers   Shawn Radcliffe's Website   Shannon's Yogi Tea Recipe   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT)   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Accounting for Yoga Teachers with Hannah Smolinski   In part 4 of our 4-part Money Mini-series, we get accounting advice from Hannah Smolinski. Hannah and Shannon discuss accounting software, the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CFO, which expenses are deductible and much more to help you feel confident about the money side of your business.   Hannah has had an entrepreneurial spirit since grade school when she set up her first business making friendship bracelets. She loved counting her money, coming up with business strategies and even considering supply and demand.   So, it was no surprise she ended up working with numbers. Hannah studied accounting in her undergraduate studies and moved on to receive her Masters in Accounting at the University of Washington, followed by her CPA licence. After working in her field as an auditor and a chief financial officer of a small business, she felt the need to help people build their businesses up. Hannah decided to start her own business; BrightenUp Financial, a company that specializes in small business accounting and finance management.   As a takeaway from the Money Mini-Series, we hope tackling your money-related issues seems less overwhelming. When broken down into small steps financial mastery is within your grasp. 7:00 Hannah's journey into accounting and small business financial consulting   11:10 Accounting software recommendations   14:00 Difference between accountant, bookkeeper and a CPA   15:30 When to hire a bookkeeper   17:45 Having a business bank account is a must   20:30 What expenses are tax deductible?   36:35 What statement gives us a good idea of how our business is doing? Look your profit and loss statement and the difference between profit and revenue.   38:55 You can increase your profit in 2 ways- increase revenue or decrease your expenses   39:55 Keeping track of taxes you owe- ask for help from bookkeeper or accountant, or use an Estimated Tax form so you don’t end up having to pay more taxes than you can afford at the end of the year   43:00 Monthly check-in for your business   44:20 Cost of goods sold   48:40 How to work with Hannah   49:25 Shannon’s closing thoughts   Expenses you can usually write-off on your taxes :   Yoga teacher training and other courses related to your business books music props marketing software office supplies custom labour (cleaner, accountant) - if specific to business meals & entertainment insurance rent   Check with your tax professional about: home studio utilities mileage & fuel auto expense cell phone computer - listed as a business asset gifts - check limit   Links   Accounting Software:   Quickbooks Xero Wave Excel   For the US: IRS Estimated Tax for Individual   Hannah's Website: BrightenUp Financial   Brighten Up Financial on Facebook   Resources from Brighten Up Financial -e-book, articles, links to helpful tools   Other Money Mini-Series Episodes:   041: Generating Profit with Natalie Eckdahl   042: Money Mindset with Geraldine Carter   043: Minimum Viable Income with Steph Crowder   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity

Have you thought about teaching yoga full-time but fear making ends meet? Steph Crowder, the Head of Member Success at Fizzle.co has created actionable steps to make possible what may seem like an impossible goal.   Fizzle is a community for creatives, makers and entrepreneurs. Steph began as a member and loved the platform so much she envisioned a role for herself within the company. She applied for a small job and worked her way up to her full-time position.   Steph also hosts the Courage and Clarity Podcast and co-hosts The Fizzle Show which allows her to share her passion for helping entrepreneurs reach their potential in an otherwise often solitary pursuit.   Steph shares with us the importance of calculating your Minimal Viable Income (or MVI) which is the minimum you need to make, per month, to make ends meet. If while building your business you can earn this number there’s a good chance you can transition from your primary job to teaching yoga full-time.   When Steph isn’t helping people pursue their business goals, she’s hanging out with her husband and one-year-old-daughter, sipping wine and decorating her new home in Louisville, Kentucky. 7:40 How Steph got started on her entrepreneurial journey   11:55 What is Minimal Viable Income?   14:15 Your MVI is highly individualized and is dictated by numerous variables   18:50 When can I teach yoga full time?   20:00 The power of having a number for your Minimal Viable Income   20:35 Actionable steps to determine your Minimal Viable Income:   1 Fixed and Variable Expenses- determining the difference between your fixed expenses like rent, mortgage, car insurance, etc. and variable expenses that are based on habits like entertainment, clothes, groceries   23:00 2 Trimming the Fat- looking at the numbers and where you can reduce,  challenging yourself on the expenses   25:35 3 Getting Creative- go further and ask yourself the question like: do you need 2 cars, can you change your living situation, etc. - means to an end, changes aren’t forever   29:15 4 Do the Math   Do you have a cushion of savings Business archetypes -different ways you can bring in income Making a game plan to get the work you need to reach your MVI   34:15 4 strategies to consider if you need to hit your MVI quickly:   Consider 1:1 work Hit your networks hard Always ask for referrals Consider a second source of income   40:30 Does the MVI apply to those working full-time teaching yoga and feel like they’re not making ends meet?   43:20 How to contact Steph   44:30 Shannon’s closing thoughts   Links   Steph’s email: [email protected]   The Fizzle Website   Steph's Website: Courage and Clarity- Fizzle to sign up for 5-week free trial   Free PDF from Steph: How to Afford an Entrepreneurial Lifestyle: A Comprehensive Guide to  Minimum Viable Income   Courage and Clarity Podcast   Courage and Clarity on Facebook   Steph on Instagram   The Connected Teacher Facebook Group   Follow The Connected Teacher on Youtube   Book a Consultation Call with Shannon   Mama Nurture Teacher Training (RPYT) Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity