Introduction

I used to resist teaching yoga philosophy—it felt heavy, complicated, and like it interrupted the "flow" of class. But I also felt conflicted. Yoga’s deeper ideas have been essential for my own well-being, my work, and my ability to share something that truly matters. But how do we embody these ideas in a class where students also expect to "work out"?

It can feel hard to convey ancient teachings and Sanskrit in a way that feels natural, but yoga philosophy doesn’t have to be complicated. There’s so much creativity in movement right now, and it’s exciting to see different traditions weaving into yoga. But unless we leave space for what makes yoga unique—actually embodying its wisdom—we risk losing the real heart of the practice. The thing that is the yoga!

Today, as we face the fragility of human existence and the planet, these teachings feel more relevant than ever. Yoga will keep evolving, but it’s up to us to ensure it remains meaningful. 

If you would love guidance on how to share these ideas and a wealth of themes you would love the online Creative, Inclusive Sequencing Course. We explore everything from movement, language, mantra and philosophy to bring the tradition of yoga to life. 

Yoga knowledge has always been about right now! The themes are timeless, so let’s explore ways to convey some ideas that show how relevant yoga is today! Let’s dive right into some themes and how we can share them. 

The 5 Kleshas or obstacles to freedom & causes of suffering

This is a 6+ week series of classes 

Week one- intro. + avidya

The kleshas are described in the yoga sutras of Patanjali- a text that describes yoga as a comprehensive system to help us find more ease in this life, and even a complete liberation from our suffering. The kleshas describe what holds us a state of suffering- always too hot or too cold, afraid, or looking for the next thing, not able to enjoy what we have etc. etc.! 

So if we can understand the kleshas, we can see what we can do to feel more contented and more connected to each other. 

The yogis believed the true nature of reality is not that which shifts and changes all the time, but that there is an underlying truth that is eternal. Yoga practice helps us to shift the focus to what is underneath and in this process find more peace. 

Avidya- ignorance 

This is the basis and foundation of all of the kleshas. We are not able to see clearly and this causes suffering. Metaphors include: wearing smudgy glasses or rose tinted spectacles! Or looking as if through a prism. 

Include:

- a mini-life story of how you see based on your past experience

 - describe the psychology of how we are influenced by our parenting/ early life

- Ignorance or avidya is an inevitable part of our experience, it does not make me wrong or faulty, but rather more discerning and wise when I realise this

 Mini meditation/ reflection:  

- I do not need to believe every thought I have. 

Sequence suggestion:

- rooting grounding practice, with standing poses & some pauses & taking some time to go slow and see what the mind is up to!

Week two. 

Asmita- ego- speak positively about the ego- our mind tries to protect us through the ego since we are social creatures and we want to fit it! (ahamkarra) But in doing so we suffer because we feel separate and alone.

Mini meditation/ reflection:

- The mind does not always tell the truth! I can learn to watch the mind without believing everything

Sequence suggestion:

- a gentle flowing practice with hip openers and a chance to see what the mind is wishing and how we tend to compare and judge ourselves. 

Week three.

Raga- attachment. We try to control what happens, wanting more of what we find pleasant. But we can’t control it so we suffer.

Mini meditation or reflection: 

Notice during practice what you feel drawn to and want more of, or when you feel like pulling away! what is it like to lean more fully into this moment. is it possible to rest more in the present experience - Following the inhale from beginning to end, and the exhale from beginning to end.

Sequence suggestion-

A core & twist focus practice noticing how we jump ahead to what we want but it's so hard to notice and appreciate it when it’s with us! Invitation to find gratitude for something simple in life without needing to make out everything is perfect.

I usually share that as soon as I start to eat a delicious cake I want more which distracts me from how delicious it is - or some similar anecdote.

Week Four.

Dvesha- aversion- similarly we try to avoid anything unpleasant and add suffering to the inevitable because we can’t avoid it! 

Mini reflection/ meditation 

- continues from last week, can we stay with what is in this momeent- can be fun to share this in a tricky pose!

Sequence- include longer for breathwork & backbends,  notice the mind choosing postures/ assessing instead of able to settle. Give moments to pause with the breath.

Week Five.

Abhinivesha- clinging to life. We are so afraid of change and especially of death, the yogis believe that we are simply in a continuum of life and death- just like the seasons changing or the waters circling through the rivers to the oceans. So they believe humans move from earth and beyond through reincarnation. This belief means we do not need to fear death so much. Can you imagine what it would be like to not be so afraid of death?

Mini meditation/ reflection

- I can connect to a sense of self beyond the ever-changing body & mind

Sequence suggestions

- explore expansive moments reaching with arms/ pausing and feeling the prana/ can include inversions or arm balances for the fun and fear factor! 

Week Six.

Wrapping it up week, and revisit avidya as the basis.

Mini meditation/ reflections

- I have power over the thoughts I cultivate 

- Yoga Nidra or longer shavasana to deeply relax and feel into a sense of expansiveness

Sequence suggestion

- a more gentle class with time for stillness- yoga nidra or restorative practice

- a focus on balance postures to really focus the mind.

Some general tips for sharing philosophy:

1. Pause

Include moments for reflection. Moments to notice what the mind is up to and describe the tricks our minds tend to make- can be a really fun way to practice as we generally are able to “mind read” a little because we are all the same!

“So notice how now you want to come out of utkatasana….but earlier you wanted to get moving, you felt restless sitting still!"

 2. Language

Talk in your language primarily and in down to earth every day words and then refer to the yoga teachings so it shows it is relevant but also honours the lineage. You can even add the origin text or Sanskrit to illustrate further.

 2. Your role as teacher

Use a phrase like “the yogis described this as” so the students see it is a wisdom tradition you are sharing, & not something that you have created or that they HAVE to believe and follow. Rather something you explore together. 

 3. Secret teaching!

We can also share the yogi wisdom without explaining all the concepts or referring back to the sutras etc. if we feel it is alienating, or leave the heavy lifting for a longer workshop or retreat. I sometimes think of this me knowing the code but not always needing to describe what it is exactly I am sharing. (fully aware I will be criticised of cultural appropriation by some for assaying this!)

 4. The science of yoga

Contemporary science- neurology & psychology in particular have validated SO much of what the yogis discovered. So we can explain concepts like “automatic negative thoughts” or the inner critic and share how we can offer ourselves more kind thoughts & how this rewires the brain. We can then choose whether it’s the right time to share that this is the practice of pratipaksha bhavana. Patanjali sutra 2.33.

5. Share what you know

If it feels inauthentic to dive deep into themes from the sutras, take a theme and consciously live with it for a month and then share what you discover. Something like the yamas are fantastic for this. Remember no-one is assessing you, they are all just trying to get through their own knives so any little glimpses of wisdom can support others who might not have the same resources as you.

Conclusion

I do not envy the yoga teachers training right now, there is so much information and so many “experts” claiming to have the right way. BUT! If we can find a way through all the noise, back to the heart of the practice- what an incredible time to be teaching yoga when it is SO needed and the science and wisdom of yoga are coming together.  

If you are ready to explore creative movement with themes to take you through the year, come check out the full Creative Sequencing Strategy worry free- there is a full 7 day refund guarantee. 

Enjoy your work and I hope to work with you soon. Laura x

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