Yoga Lesson Planning Tip 

7 Yoga Imagery Phrases To Inspire Your Students

The great poets understand the easiest and most enjoyable path to comprehension is through imagery, the use of metaphor and simile.

“Imagine your heart is a soaring eagle“, paints a more interesting picture than “Lift your chest up.”

The human mind loves metaphors and similes because they are so powerful.

They are able to instantly change our bio-chemistry.

Simile | makes a comparison
Metaphor | makes a direct analogy

Here is some yoga teaching poetry to get you started…

Blackboard 

Before relaxing in Savasana your brain may feel like a blackboard having chalk screeched across it. As your mind starts to focus on your breath, feel the chalk crumbling into powder.

Confining Tunnel

Your emotions may be a dark, confining tunnel, but as you stand in mountain pose feel the darkness turning into a light, airy meadow.  You even hear Julie Andrews singing the sound of music.

Court

Instead of constantly going to your mental court and putting yourself on the dock to be judged by yourself, become an an unborn baby in your mum’s womb.  Let go of your ego.

Glaring Searchlight

Your mind may be a glaring searchlight, but sense it gradually morphing into a soothing candle flame.

Jackhammer

Your head may be pounding like a jackhammer right now, but you now feel the hands of a well trained masseuse giving you an Indian head massage.

Screaming Siren

Your mind may be a screaming siren filled with distractions, but as you focus on slowing down your breath listen as the noise fades to the whisper of a flute.

Sugar Cube 

As you rise into dhanurasana feel like a sugar cube dissolving in a cup of hot tea.

Tight Rope

Your thigh may feel like a tight rope right now, but as you stay in bridge pose feel the rope going slack.

The key to unlocking the yoga teacher poet within is to put pen to paper and see what pours out.