Sharing Readings or Quotes in Yoga Class
You may have attended a yoga class where the teacher shares a quote, reading, or poem that deeply resonates with you, creating an environment of introspection and creative contemplation that enhances your experience of yoga.
Readings can set a meaningful tone for the class, offering students something inspiring to carry with them throughout their day.
Watch the video or scroll down for the transcript notes, quotes, and recommended reading as we explore how to share readings in a safe, accessible, and inclusive manner that invites students to fully enjoy the experience and fosters a sense of ritual, providing a thoughtful gateway into and out of their practice.
Sharing Readings and Quotes in Yoga Classes
In this discussion, we explore various topics for readings, how to share them effectively, manage potential risks, and offer tips for selecting readings that resonate with your students.
Topics of Discussion
- how to share readings
- accessibility, inclusion, risk management
- tips for sharing a reading that resonates
- how to find readings
- common topics
- then, let’s share some of our favorite readings!
How to Share Readings or Quotes in Yoga Classes
Timing:
Share readings at the beginning of the class to set an intention or at the end to leave students with something to reflect on.
Tone:
Use a calm, natural, and soothing voice to read, matching the meditative atmosphere of the class.
Length:
Keep readings short, around 2-3 minutes, to maintain focus and avoid disrupting the flow of the class.
Integration:
Relate the reading to the theme or focus of the class, whether it’s a specific pose, breathing exercise, or intention.
Theme:
You might theme your class around your reading or quote – sharing it at the beginning with a short explanation about how it relates to today’s practice, sprinkling reminders on the theme throughout the practice, and then bookending the class with the reading again and thoughts on how you might take the inspiration out into your life.
Accessibility, Inclusion, Risk Management
Cultural Sensitivity:
Be mindful of the diverse backgrounds of your students. Choose readings that are inclusive and respectful of different cultures and beliefs.
Be Invitational:
Offer readings in a way that allows students to listen and connect, or if they prefer, listen to the sound of their breath. Invite connection without demanding attention or participation.
Trigger Warnings:
Avoid readings that could potentially trigger negative emotions or memories. Aim to choose uplifting and positive messages.
Appropriateness:
Ensure the content is appropriate for the audience. Avoid controversial or overly personal topics.
Tips for Sharing a Reading that Resonates
Personal Connection:
Share readings that you personally resonate with, as your genuine connection can be felt by the students.
Know Your Audience:
Consider the demographics and preferences of your class. Choose readings that are likely to resonate with them.
Reflect on the Practice:
Choose readings that align with the day’s practice, helping to reinforce the physical and mental benefits of the class.
Invite Introspection:
Encourage students to reflect on the reading and how it relates to their own lives and practice. You might ask them to carry the message with them throughout their day.
Create a Ritual:
Make the reading a regular part of your class, creating a sense of anticipation and tradition that students look forward to.
How do you Find Readings and Quotes for Yoga Class?
There are lots of books with collections of readings for yoga, websites to search out specific themes, or specific authors or poets. For me, I read a lot, so I take photos of pages that I think might like to consider, and I follow a lot of poets, authors, libraries, poetry accounts on social media and keep a file of screenshots of things that I like.
You might start with some basics like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, the writings of the Buddha, Rumi, Kahlil Gibran.
Then you might branch out into popular writers and poets like Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Walt Whitman, Herman Hesse, Mary Oliver, the Dalai Llama.
Then maybe start to explore more modern writers on yoga, mindfulness, and personal growth like Jon Kabat Zin or Melody Beattie.
Zen Stories or Parables
You might also share Zen stories or parables to illustrate your theme or focus. Some of these are well worn, but you and your students might still find them enlightening – like the 2 wolves/2 dogs story, the cracked water pot, the good luck/bad luck farmer, the donkey in the well etc.
Poetry
You might also explore the use of poetry, particularly as an entry or exit from Savasana. Using poetry at these moments allows people to either choose to pay attention or just float off into relaxation if they prefer.
Using poetry in a yoga class can create a reflective atmosphere. Poetry invites us to connect deeply with their inner selves and the present moment. The rhythm and language of poetry can inspire mindfulness, evoke emotions, and promote a sense of peace and introspection. It’s good to remember that because poetry can inspire emotions, not all poetry is suitable for all classes.
In my own practice I love to use poetry, but it often does bring me to tears. Emotions are not a bad thing but consider your responsibility as a teacher for eliciting emotional responses from students in moments of vulnerability.
What to do with all the resources you’ve gathered…
Save them:
Keep a file, write them out in your yoga journal, screenshot them and make an album specific to your readings – whatever works for you!
In my own practice, I prefer not to use my phone in class to read a quote or story, so a journal or notebook might be a good choice.
Common Topics for Readings or Quotes in Yoga Class:
Mindfulness and Presence
Quotes on being present in the moment.
Popular authors on this topic include Thich Nhat Hanh or Jon Kabat-Zinn, also Mary Oliver and Alan Watts.
Compassion and Kindness
Poems or quotes emphasizing compassion towards oneself and others.
Popular authors on this topic include the Dalai Lama, Pema Chödrön, or Maggie Smith.
Gratitude
Quotes or passages on the power of gratitude or affirmations
Popular authors on gratitude include Brené Brown, Melody Beattie.
Letting Go
Quotes about the importance of letting go of stress and tension.
Popular authors on release and surrender include Jack Kornfield, Alexandra Vasiliu, Tara Brach.
Balance and Harmony
Passages about finding balance in life and practice.
Popular authors on balance and harmony include Lao Tzu, Langston Hughes, and Robert Frost.
Inner Strength and Resilience
Readings about overcoming challenges and inner strength.
Popular authors on inner strength and resilience include Maya Angelou or Nelson Mandela.
Connection with Nature
Readings that connect the practice of yoga with the natural world.
Popular authors on nature include Mary Oliver and Rumi.
Self-Love and Acceptance
Passages emphasizing self-acceptance and love.
Popular authors on self-love and acceptance include Rupi Kaur, Maya Angelou, and Melody Godfrey
Yoga Themes and Readings – Sample Readings and Quotes
When you are theming a class around a particular topic, having a shorter quote or idea to begin the class, and then another quote or a longer reading at the end of class is a great way to ‘bookend’ your class with your theme and give students a few ideas to think about, or a few lenses to view the theme through. Below find a few topics with quotes and readings that can bring the theme to life in your class.
Mindfulness Theme
Quote:
“Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.”
— Sylvia Boorstein
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Mindfulness Reading:
“Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment. It is the art of paying attention, noticing the details of your experience, and accepting them without trying to change anything. In our yoga practice, we can cultivate mindfulness by focusing on our breath, the sensations in our body, and the thoughts that arise in our mind. By bringing our attention to the present moment, we create a space of peace and stillness within ourselves, allowing us to connect more deeply with our true nature.”
Gratitude Theme
Quote:
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
— Aesop
Gratitude Reading:
“Gratitude is a powerful practice that can transform our lives. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, helping us to see the abundance that already exists in our lives. As we move through our yoga practice today, let us cultivate an attitude of gratitude for our bodies, our breath, and the ability to practice. Each inhale can be a reminder of the gift of life, and each exhale can be an expression of thanks. By embracing gratitude, we open our hearts and minds to the joy and beauty that surround us.”
Self-Love Theme
Quote:
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
— Buddha
Self-Love Reading:
“Self-love is not about vanity or self-indulgence; it is about recognizing your worth and treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you offer to others. During our yoga practice, we can cultivate self-love by listening to our bodies and honoring our limits. Instead of pushing ourselves too hard, we can choose to be gentle and nurturing. By embracing self-love, we create a foundation of inner strength and resilience, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and confidence.”
Peace Theme
Quote:
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
— Buddha
Peace Reading:
“Peace is not something we find outside of ourselves; it is a state of being that we cultivate within. In our yoga practice, we can create a sense of inner peace by focusing on our breath and allowing our minds to become still. As we let go of the distractions and stresses of daily life, we can connect with the calm and quiet that resides in our hearts. This inner peace is always available to us, no matter what is happening in the world around us. By nurturing this sense of peace, we can bring more harmony and balance into our lives.”
Kindness Theme
Quote:
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day, someone might do the same for you.”
— Princess Diana
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
– Dalai Lama
Kindness Reading:
“Kindness is a simple yet powerful practice that can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of others. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures; even small acts of kindness can make a difference. As we practice yoga today, let’s cultivate kindness towards ourselves and others. By being gentle with ourselves and offering support and compassion to those around us, we create a ripple effect of positivity and love. Remember, every act of kindness counts and contributes to a more compassionate world.”
In closing: Sharing Readings and Quotes in Yoga Classes
Okay, that’s tons of information on how you might share readings, quotes, poetry, and theme your classes around these readings. I hope you’ve found some of the strategies, tips, and ideas of use in your own practice and your teaching.
Thank you for joining me today, hello to those watching or listening to the recording, and I’ll look forward to hearing how you go with bringing these inspirations into your classes, and I’ll look forward to seeing you all next week.
Like to learn more?
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