What should instructors focus on when teaching novice students?

When teaching novice students, instructors should prioritize helping them understand what a pose feels like. This foundational aspect is crucial for beginners as it encourages body awareness and helps students connect with their physical sensations during practice. Understanding the experience of a pose allows students to cultivate mindfulness and focus on their own bodies, rather than getting overwhelmed by the technical aspects or complexity of the poses.

Focusing on how a pose feels promotes safety, enabling students to listen to their bodies and avoid injuries. This approach also helps them develop a sense of confidence in their practice, as they learn to establish their limits and modifications based on their personal experiences. By emphasizing the bodily sensations tied to each pose, instructors can foster a deeper understanding of yoga that extends beyond mere physicality into emotional and mental realms, establishing a more holistic practice for the students.

In contrast, concentrating on the complexity of the poses or advanced techniques may lead to frustration or disconnection from their bodies. Moreover, delving into the historical context of yoga may enrich students' understanding, but it may distract from the immediate experience they should focus on as beginners. Prioritizing what a pose feels like enables instructors to create a supportive and effective environment for novice students to grow in their practice.