Touch is a powerful tool that can be used in asana teaching to deepen the student’s experience of the pose, provide support and encouragement, and help prevent injury. Here are some qualities of touch that are important to keep in mind when offering hands-on adjustments in asana teaching:
- Presence: Being fully present and attentive to the student’s needs is essential when offering touch in asana teaching. This means staying focused on the student and the pose, and tuning in to their body language and verbal cues.
- Respect: Touch should always be offered with respect and sensitivity to the student’s boundaries and comfort level. It is important to ask for consent before offering touch, and to respect the student’s response.
- Clear communication: Clear and concise communication is essential when offering touch in asana teaching. This includes using clear and concise language to explain the adjustment, as well as providing verbal cues to guide the student into the correct alignment.
- Awareness of anatomy: Understanding the anatomy of the body is important when offering touch in asana teaching. This includes knowing the correct alignment of the pose, as well as the location of bones, muscles, and joints.
- Gentle pressure: Touch in asana teaching should be gentle and supportive, rather than forceful or aggressive. Applying gentle pressure and using a light touch can help the student relax into the pose and deepen their experience.
- Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. When offering touch in asana teaching, it is important to empathize with the student’s experience and to offer support and encouragement.
- By incorporating these qualities of touch into your asana teaching, you can create a safe and supportive environment for students to deepen their practice and explore the full potential of each pose.