29: The Power of Simple Teaching Guest Teacher Sarah Capua

Have you ever taken (or taught!) a yoga class that was simple in sequencing but deeply powerful in its effect on you? Maybe you love teaching and practicing yoga in a simple way but you feel like you are the only one? Do you think that all your students want fancier, faster and more exciting asana classes?

Whether this describes you or not, I am so honored to introduce you to my old NYC buddy Sarah Capua.

Sarah is a yoga therapist and meditation teacher, a student of Buddhism and classical yogic practice, and a caregiver.  The heart of her practice is rooted in the tradition of T Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, who emphasized individualized practice and believed that yoga should be adapted to foster self inquiry and personal transformation. She also studied meditation and Buddhist teachings with Michael Stone, as well as contemplative caregiving at the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, where she trained as an end-of-life doula. She lives in Beacon, NY and is currently in post-graduate training in chaplaincy under the supervision of Zen Buddhist Reverend Trudi Hirsch.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • What it means to embody our practice in our lives.
  • How we can let our practice and our values guide our decisions in how we structure our classes.
  • Specific examples of the ways we can use our personal spiritual practice to guide what we teach.
  • The deep power in simple teaching and how to offer simple classes confidently.

Learn More From Sarah:

  • Visit her on Instagram.
  • Check out her website here.
  • Learn about her mentorship program here.

Subscribe to the Mentor Sessions Podcast

13 Responses to “29: The Power of Simple Teaching Guest Teacher Sarah Capua”

  1. Teri

    This was the most beneficial podcast for me! I think I’ve always been afraid of being a boring teacher because I have been in boring classes haha! So…it was freeing to move past my attachment mindset to that and go deeper into self inquiry and transformation about that. It’s funny because this is what I teach in life Coaching but hadn’t brought it home to my own teaching STYLE. I HAVE had much of my training in Trauma Sensitive Yoga and so what you said really brought more understanding to me. I’m not teaching TS classes right now BUT…I’ve stayed within those boundaries regardless and realize they aren’t really working for ME I the situation I’m in now and I am taking in all that youve said here. Thank you. I’m excited to create some new classes around my Life Coaching skills haha! Being PRESENT to the students…each person, even..rather than worrying about this boredom thing will help a lot. And….as a teacher of meditation and Nidra…I was quite challenged by the Savasana change but I totally get it with your explanation. I’m excited for my own and for my students forward moment.

    Reply
    • Francesca Cervero

      Wow Teri, these are some amazing reflections! I am so happy Sarah’s wise words helped you tap back into your own wisdom and intuition. I am excited for you and your students moving forward also. Stay in touch and let us know how your teaching is going. ❤️

      Reply
    • Sarah Capua

      Hi Teri, I am so glad this conversation awoke part of yourself. Becoming more of who we are is such a beautiful unfolding on the path of self study. We’d love to hear about some of your experiments/questions/roadblocks/celebrations as you explore looking at your teaching differently. Stay in touch! Deep bows.

      Reply
  2. Sally Broadhurst

    This podcast was a game changer for me, thank you so much! I have felt disconnected from my teaching for the past few months and couldn’t figure out why – it’s been really frustrating. I feel like this chat gave me “permission” to teach how I want to teach – and to remember that asana, etc are the tools and the channel for Divine energy to flow, not the be all and end all of Yoga. Mind blowing. Thank you again, Namaste x

    Reply
    • Francesca Cervero

      Yes yes yes Sally! We are so honored to be walking this path with you. Your students are lucky to have you! ❤️

      Reply
    • Sarah Capua

      Thank you Sally for sharing your frustrations and your celebrations. Isn’t it wonderful how we know when it doesn’t feel right?! So happy to hear this conversation supported you. Deep bows.

      Reply
  3. Nicole

    Yes, and Yes to both comments above!
    Thank you for sharing this podcast and allowing Sarah to offer her wisdom. I am currently studying yoga therapy with the aspiration to become a yoga therapist. I found myself sometimes feeling down about my teaching style due to all the fitness yoga I am surrounded by.
    Which, I feel serves a purpose as well.
    Sarah’s talk helped me feel grounded in my purpose and mission.
    Thank you- Namaste – Nicole

    Reply
    • Francesca Cervero

      Yes, isn’t Sarah wonderful? I am so happy to support you on your path and help you feel more grounded in your purpose and mission. That is what our students need from us more than anything! <3

      Reply
    • Sarah Capua

      Nicole – I hear your passion and I understand the feeling of pressures that are easy to feel. I have worked through the same jungle myself. The intention to really SEE people and care for them is a deep one, and it is grounded in the relationship you have with your students. When I put my focus on my students and my own awareness, my purpose got clearer. I hope that connection can help you feel strong on what is a beautiful path ahead. Deep bows.

      Reply
  4. Suzanne

    I loved this episode and agree with so many of the comments from other listeners.
    I particularly enjoyed Sarah’s thoughts on savasana. “Why wait until the end?” Check in with ourselves and be still. Love this idea.

    Thank you for bringing these wonderful teachers to our ears and hearts <3

    Reply
    • Francesca Cervero

      Oh Suzanne, you are so welcome! I love that idea you highlighted also…Why wait until the end to rest? It’s brilliant. <3

      Reply
  5. Raquel Scalon

    Wow Francesca – this is definitely one of my favorite podcasts ever! It is so refreshing, ah! Thank you Sarah Capua! I just realized Sarah is *almost* teaching mini segments of private yoga within a group context, and that is very challenging and it takes a lot of experience and a keen eye. Breath is the leader, I appreciate how she weaved that theme throughout the podcast. And I love this idea to give student space to go through the motions all by themselves, I feel like we as teachers sometimes talk too much – sometimes my favorite part of class is when the teacher shuts up ahahahah!

    Reply

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