Latest news with #HansajiYogendra
News18
3 days ago
- General
- News18
Want To Be A Good Yoga Teacher? Here Are The Qualities That Matter
Last Updated: A student may not remember your Sanskrit verses or the jargon you use, but they will always remember how you made them feel At a Yoga centre where I was attending a programme some months ago, I happened to encounter a person from Russia as he was exiting the classroom. Red-faced, he was walking out in a huff, preparing to pack his bags and leave. He let loose when I asked what had happened: 'The teacher thinks she's an enlightened soul and so superior! I find people here are so rigid about what's wrong and right. Worst is they themselves don't practice what they teach!" It was a long list of complaints. It occurred to me that students were not content to just learn Yoga poses and practices from teachers — that their teachers needed to measure up in other ways, too. So, what are the qualities that make a successful Yoga teacher? We approached veteran Yoga teacher and guru, Dr Hansaji Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai, for answers. Here are edited excerpts from an interview. A good Yoga teacher is not just someone who knows asanas, pranayamas or the scriptures – she or he must embody the practice. Inner stillness, compassion and humility are absolute musts. I always say to teachers — be still. Stillness requires courage. The ability to be quiet and to observe, without judgment, reflects an inner strength. The Inner Motivation The motivation to teach must come from a place of seva — selfless service — and not from a desire to impress, preach, or seek recognition or validation. A true teacher doesn't teach in order to be seen, but rather to help others see themselves more clearly. Empathy, kindness, and genuine human connection are needed. I often remind new teachers that people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Knowledge And Skills, but Also Own Practice A Yoga teacher should understand all three — the body and how it functions, the mind and how it behaves, and the spirit and how it seeks. More importantly, they must remain dedicated to their own practice. All of Yoga is abhyasa —so, practice, practice, practice! The teaching carries authenticity and depth only if the teacher is first a sincere practitioner. Perfection is a myth — but progress is essential. And it is only through consistent sadhana that skills transform into wisdom. Your Class Should Be A Space of Peace, Not Pressure For this, some do's are: Do practice what you teach. Keep learning. Respect each student's unique journey. Create a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels seen and supported. And some don'ts are: Don't impose, compare, or preach. Teaching is about guiding and about not showing off — remember, there is a difference between teaching and preaching. Inspire through your own lived experience; don't just share information or bookish knowledge. And always remember: anything that doesn't bring psychological balance is not Yoga. Let your class be a space of peace, not pressure. How To Be More Confident Confidence comes from clarity and consistent practice. When you engage in daily sadhana and witness the subtle shifts in your own body and mind, you begin to teach from a place of truth. And that truth builds authentic confidence. Yoga doesn't make your life better; Yoga makes you better at life. Live Yoga fully, and the confidence to teach will arise naturally and effortlessly. The Test of A Good Teacher A student may not remember your Sanskrit verses or the jargon you use from anatomy, but they will always remember how you made them feel. A good teacher helps students feel seen and safe, and inspired. The real test? When a student begins to practice on their own—not out of pressure, but out of joy. That's when you know that Yoga has truly happened. Be Morally and Ethically Sound You have to be morally and ethically sound, only then can there be true spiritual progress. That moral compass can only develop when all three pillars of Yoga — the body, the mind, and the soul — are nurtured through a balanced integration of Physiology, Psychology, and Philosophy. A good teacher must be well-versed in all three dimensions of Yoga — Physiology, Philosophy, and Psychology. At The Yoga Institute, we emphasise all three. Here, Yoga is not confined to physical postures, but is embraced as a way of purposeful living. The emphasis is not merely on flexibility of the body, but on cultivating stability of the mind, along with clarity and inner resilience. The philosophy taught is not rooted in rigid beliefs, but in practical wisdom that can be meaningfully applied to everyday life. The author is a journalist, cancer survivor and certified yoga teacher. She can be reached at swatikamal@ Watch CNN-News18 here. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
6 simple breathing techniques to instantly calm you down
Stressful situations are part and parcel of life. Whether it's the pressure of a deadline, a personal crisis, or simply feeling overwhelmed by a packed schedule, these moments can cloud our judgment and leave us feeling mentally foggy. At times, the mental overload can lead to indecision or trouble in focussing, which can interfere with our day to day work. Chronic stress can take a serious toll on the mind and the body. Prolonged stress can lead to a range of diseases like cardiovascular issues, depression, diabetes, and gastrointestinal distress. It is important to manage stress effectively for your long-term well-being. Breathing techniques for calmness Slow-paced breathing practices could have a real effect on the body's stress response. These methods are believed to influence the autonomic nervous system (ANS)—the part of our body that controls things like heart rate and digestion by increasing something called heart rate variability (HRV). Put simply, when you breathe slowly and intentionally, your heart rhythm becomes more flexible and adaptive, which is a good sign your body can handle stress better. Inhaling tends to speed up the heart rate, while exhaling slows it down. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Keventer One: Offices built for you Keventer ONE Undo The more variation between beats, the better your body is at bouncing back from stress, says a study published in Nature. Here are some breathing techniques suggested by prominent Yoga experts to help you manage stress better. 1. Abdominal breathing Place one hand on your belly and breathe slowly, expanding your abdomen with each inhale. Make your exhale just a little longer than your inhale. This simple shift activates the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) response and brings you back into the body. (Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu, Global Yoga Educator, Author & Founder of Akhanda Yoga Institute) 2. Equal breathing Sit or stand straight, and relax your shoulders. If standing, keep your feet one foot apart. Keep your gaze fixed at the point ahead of you. Begin inhaling and count up to 3. Then while exhaling, count up to 3. You don't need to hold your breath. Continue inhaling and exhaling slowly and gently, while concentrating on the flow of your breath. Practice up to 4-5 rounds. (Yoga Guru Dr Hansaji Yogendra) 3. Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath) Inhale deeply, then exhale with a soft humming sound. The vibration calms the vagus nerve, reduces anxious energy, and grounds the mind in stillness. Just a few rounds can soften the inner noise. (Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu) 4. Chakravati Pranayama To practice this breathing technique, start by inhaling deeply, filling only your lungs while keeping your stomach still. As you breathe in, visualize gentle, clockwise circles forming in front of your nose. Use your right hand to trace three small, imaginary circles close to your nose with each breath, imagining the air flowing smoothly like a spring. After completing three circles, slowly exhale. Begin with just a few repetitions and, with practice, gradually increase up to 100 circles as your comfort and control improve. (Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar) 5. Box breathing (Square Breath) Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4—and repeat. Used by high performers and athletes, this technique builds emotional resilience and steadies your internal rhythm. We don't need hours of meditation—just a few mindful moments. (Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu) 6. Shitali Shitali aids in blood purification. Additionally, it relieves stress and tension. Perform it 5–7 times. It has a calming effect on the entire nervous system and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which induces muscular relaxation, eventually helping in stress management. (Dr. Mickey Mehta, Global Holistic Health Guru and Life Coach) 5 Yoga Asanas to Naturally Manage Low Blood Pressure | Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Fenugreek tea for weight loss: How this simple drink can help you shed pounds
Fenugreek seed or methi dana, the fragrant and flavourful spice, often used for culinary purposes, is equally revered for its medicinal use for centuries. As a herb, its fresh leaves are often used in curries, soups, either fresh, frozen, or dried. Tea lovers could include it in their morning cuppa for a burst of nutrients that can also help them shed pounds and that pesky belly fat. Fenugreek tea is a wonderful way to start your day as the beverage not just aids weight loss but is also diabetes-friendly. Fenugreek is wonderfully versatile and can aid in reducing fat, shedding weight, lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, and balancing hormones, among a host of other benefits. While you can have fenugreek tea at any time of the day, morning could be one of the best times to consume it for weight loss or blood sugar control. Operation Sindoor How India shut down Pakistan's second desperate bid to escalate tensions Pak used civilian planes as shield to launch failed drone attack: India S-400, Spyder, Akash: What is in India's air defence arsenal? Many benefits of fenugreek tea Weight loss Among the many wonderful properties of fenugreek is its ability to promote satiety and reduce unwanted cravings, courtesy its soluble fibre. Drinking fenugreek tea on an empty stomach boosts metabolism and eases bloating. A study published in Clinical Nutrition Research demonstrated how drinking fenugreek tea could decrease appetite. Belly fat loss Fenugreek can work wonders for reducing abdominal fat. Galactomannan, a water-soluble component found in fenugreek seeds can help suppress appetite. Combined with its high fibre content, it can aid in reducing bloating, which can aid in belly fat reduction . Blood sugar control Must-have for people with diabetes, fenugreek tea can help manage blood sugar levels as it improves insulin sensitivity. It also decreases fasting blood glucose levels. Digestion Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fibre, which can aid digestion by increasing stool bulk and promoting regular bowel movements. A study indicated that fenugreek supplementation improved gut microbiota diversity, potentially enhancing digestive health. Lactation Known as a galactagogue, fenugreek tea is often recommended for nursing mothers to increase milk supply. Useful in menstrual discomfort The anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing effects may ease menstrual discomfort when taken regularly. Boosts immunity Rich in antioxidants, fenugreek tea may help strengthen the body's defenses against infections. How to make fenugreek tea Author and Ayurveda expert Dr Hansaji Yogendra shared a healthy way to make fenugreek tea from scratch: Add one cup of water to a boil and add one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to it. Simmer it on low flame for around five minutes. This will allow flavor and beneficial compounds from the seed to infuse into the water. After it's done, strain the tea and pour it into a cup. You can add few drops of lemon juice to the tea for enhancing the flavour can effectively improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar Who shouldn't drink fenugreek tea Fenugreek tea should be avoided by pregnant women as the herb may have oxytocin which could lead to uterine contractions. People with diabetes if on medication should take their healthcare expert's advice as using fenugreek seeds as medications can lower blood sugar levels dangerously. Water Hack? How H2O Can Unlock Your Weight Loss Journey! Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
