When my daughter struggles with her homework, I explain that her frustration is a sign that she is building her brain "muscle" and strengthening her ability to learn. (For more, see Mindset by Carol Dwek.) Because she understands the benefit of the struggle and how the process unfolds, she can continue her work without letting frustration get the best of her. I think we are all like this, performing at a higher level when we have a certain education. That is why I talk to teenagers all the time as I'm teaching. Like my daughter and her homework challenges, yoga can seem strange and even difficult for the unfamiliar. Why we do yoga, who does yoga, and the benefits of yoga are discussion topics that provide a chance, not only to educate teens, but also to encourage them to be open to the experience. Here are some discussion topics that I regularly start with teens, whether they are already doing yoga with me or considering it. Come to think of it, these are useful conversation topics for adults, too. First, the short list: Now, the list with a little explanation: From the viewpoint of a teenager, what would you add to these discussion points? Please email me. Delve further and shape yourself to be an effective teen yoga teacher with the Yoga 4 Teens Online Training Package, including Yoga 4 Teens: An Instructor's Guide for Teaching Yoga to Teenagers is also available for helping prepare you to teach teens.
I'm a believer in knowing the big picture. If someone asks me to do something, I do a lot better when I understand WHY I am doing it.
