Role of Yoga Teacher in Time of COVID-19
Yoga Teachers as Leaders in Times of Need
The Role of Yoga Teachers
As Sivananda Yoga teachers, it is important that we come together with a shared sense of purpose. In times of crisis, we are called to be leaders, to support others, and to offer guidance through yogic wisdom.
Today’s focus is how we can help people during difficult times. If you have not yet read the article “Self-Quarantine or Yogic Turning Inward: How to Live with Yourself and Be Happy and Healthy,” please do so. It contains many teachings that can help you guide others in your own way.
If you find it difficult to communicate these teachings, reach out for support. For example, if you want to help people move from fear toward self-confidence and faith, guidance can be provided. As yoga teachers, we must recognize our responsibility. Many teachers feel uncertain about what they can do. This discussion exists to help clarify that role.
Thought Power: Spreading Positive Energy
This pandemic affects not only individuals but the collective consciousness of the world. Fear, worry, and uncertainty have changed the global vibration. At this time, yogic teachings are especially important because they help people transform negative thoughts into positive ones.
Yoga teachers must understand that thoughts affect far more than just themselves or the people nearby. Positive thinking contributes to the collective consciousness of humanity. Now more than ever, we must consciously practice sadhana, yoga, and meditation to uplift the world.
As the world slows down and people spend more time at home, they face an important choice: sink into fear and depression or rise into awareness and growth. Yoga teachers have a vital role in helping people rise.
Raise Vibrations Through Mantra
A yoga teacher’s thoughts and practices matter deeply. Even if you practice alone at home, your yoga and meditation benefit not only you but the collective vibration of the world.
One of the simplest and most powerful ways to raise vibration is through mantra repetition. Mantras create positive energy that helps balance fear and negativity.
Helpful Mantras for This Time
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Om Namo Narayanaya
A mantra that brings peace and calmness. -
Om Namah Sivaya
A mantra connected to Lord Shiva, offering purification, protection, and higher consciousness. -
Om Sri Durgayai Namah
Or the stronger form: Om Dum Durgayai Namah
This mantra invokes the energy of Goddess Durga, helping remove fear, panic, and negative forces.
These mantras can be repeated individually or in groups. Recording and sharing them can also help others feel calmer and more centered.
Mantra for Healing
Another powerful healing mantra is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra:
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushthivardhanam
Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaan Mrityormuksheeya Maamritaat
This mantra supports healing, peace, and liberation. It can be played softly for those who are anxious, grieving, or ill. Even without understanding the words, people often feel calmer through its vibration.
When chanting, use not only the voice but also the heart. Healing energy is strongest when mantra is offered with sincerity and compassion.
Chant with Awareness and Compassion
Mantras become powerful when repeated with consciousness and heartfelt intention. Yoga teachers can direct positive energy toward individuals, communities, or the world through focused prayer and awareness.
Even from a distance, positive energy and sincere intention can help others. This is one of the greatest services yoga teachers can offer during difficult times.
The Connection Between Prana, Thought, and Immunity
Yoga teaches that prana, or life-force energy, directly affects immunity and well-being. The stronger the prana, the stronger the immune system.
Prana increases through:
- Spending time in nature
- Proper food and lifestyle
- Positive thinking
- Mindful living
- Yoga and breathing practices
Prana decreases through:
- Worry and fear
- Negative emotions
- Excessive mental stimulation
- Mindless actions
The principle is simple:
Increase prana and reduce energy loss.
Too much information, especially information we cannot mentally process, creates stress and drains energy. Like overeating unhealthy food creates toxins in the body, consuming excessive negative information creates mental toxins.
Comforting Others Through Presence and Listening
People need comfort during times of uncertainty. Even while physically distant, we can still reach out through phone calls, messages, or online communication.
Simple words of care can make a difference:
- “How are you doing?”
- “We are thinking of you.”
- “You are not alone.”
Often, people do not need solutions as much as they need someone willing to listen. Yoga teachers should practice humility, empathy, and patient listening. Being fully present for someone can itself be healing.
The Three Levels of Relaxation
1. Physical Relaxation
Stress creates tension in the body. Gentle stretching, yoga postures, and Savasana help release that tension and allow prana to flow freely.
Even simple practices like tensing and relaxing the body with awareness can bring deep relaxation.
2. Mental Relaxation
Mental relaxation does not mean having an empty mind. An idle mind often increases worry. Instead, the mind should focus on positive and uplifting activities such as:
- Repeating mantras
- Reading spiritual teachings
- Singing kirtan
- Mindful study
A focused mind becomes calm.
3. Spiritual Relaxation
Spiritual relaxation comes from knowing one’s deeper Self. Much of modern life keeps people externally focused through constant activity and consumption.
This crisis offers an opportunity to turn inward, reflect, meditate, and reconnect with deeper truths. Through self-knowledge and faith, people experience inner peace and stability.
Nature as a Source of Healing
Nature naturally calms and restores the mind. Even while staying indoors, connecting with plants, trees, sunlight, or fresh air can help people feel grounded.
Contemplating nature quietly brings calmness, joy, and a sense of unity. Yoga teaches many methods that help people reconnect with this inner peace.
Yoga for Anxiety and Stress
Yoga teachers can help people manage anxiety through gentle and mindful practices.
Helpful Approaches Include:
- Deep diaphragmatic breathing
- Rhythmical breathing
- Gentle asanas
- Coordinating movement with breath
- Restorative yoga
- Relaxation practices
This is not the time for intense yoga practices. Gentle, calming, and restorative approaches are more beneficial.
Building Stress Resilience
Balanced movement and mindful stretching help prana flow properly through the body. This improves emotional balance and increases resilience to stress.
Breath regulation is especially important. Slow, steady exhalation calms the nervous system and reduces fear and panic.
Ayurveda and Increasing Ojas
According to Ayurveda, stress and excessive mental activity weaken ojas, the subtle energy responsible for vitality and immunity.
Ojas can be strengthened through:
- Proper rest
- Nourishing foods
- Warm oil massage
- Healthy routines
- Gratitude
- Spiritual connection
Simple, wholesome foods and calming habits help restore balance and inner strength.
Swami Sitaramananda