Beginner’s Mind
If you recall last week in The Fountain of Youth we talked about trying something for the first time. This brought me back to moving and practicing through the Beginner’s Mind.
Some years back I used to teach beginner drum lessons. Just the basics of rhythm, stick technique, rudimentary skills and how to them apply to a drum kit. Often, a student would come with a song that inspired them, and I would keep that in mind as we worked together. What I realized in the first few months is how much teaching beginners made me come back to the basics and revisit concepts. It also created curiosity and made me consider how to teach it to someone starting from the beginning. This new lens improved my skills as well!
This week in our Fall Session 200HR YTT we worked on the foundations and principles of Standing Asanas and Forward Bends. One of the reasons why I love being a yoga educator is I am always brought back to the foundations and my new trainees will challenge concepts, language, and we get to discuss it together. I get to live in a beginner’s mindset with them and I absolutely love this! Here’s why?
- I never forget the foundational aspects of each posture from the traditional standpoint.
- With new students on the floor, I get reminded of variations that can be offered, and I get to work with each student to explore variations for themselves.
- I get to explore new considerations based on my own studies and growth in an environment that is meant exactly for that – curiosity and exploration!
- My excitement never expires. Seeing the “light bulb” moments when students hear these principles for the first time and try them in their bodies for the first time, never gets old.
- I’m humbled. By the practice, the people, and knowledge shared on the floor.
- Gratitude to the max. I originally studied yoga as a retirement plan. That’s changed. Now I never want to retire!
Is there something you love but feel stalled on? Sometimes returning to a beginner mindset can re-ignite the passion as it’s a reminder as to why you show up and why you have encouraged others to arrive as well!
This week we are taking our practice back to the basics with a focus on Standing and Forward Bending Postures in an active practice.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being. Use yoga props as suits your practice.
Asana Practice: This practice can be taken at any pace that feels good for you. Choose Hatha, Flow, or something in between.
Mountain: find your foundation > (Tree > Warrior I > Pyramid) R > Mountain: find your foundation > (Tree > Warrior I > Pyramid) L
Mountain > Standing Forward Bend > Plank > Downward Facing Dog > Plank > Standing Forward Bend > Mountain
(Mountain > Warrior II > Wide Legged Forward Fold > Warrior II > Mountain) R > (Mountain > Warrior II > Wide Legged Forward Fold > Warrior II > Mountain) L
Standing Forward Bend > Downward Facing Dog > Hero > Table Top > Supine Wind Relieving > Savasana
Wishing to learn more about the practice of yoga and/or add teaching to your resume? You have just a few days to Reserve Your Spot for the next 200HR Yoga Teacher Training beginning January 2026, and become a Certified Yoga Teacher. Looking for more details? Email stephaniepower.ayc@gmail.com.
If you want to share your experience with us, follow us on Instagram: @albertayogacollege
With gratitude,
-Stephanie