Different = AWESOME

I heard it again this week -- that phrase that I have come to re-define.

Every once in a while, especially when I sub a class, I hear this line as one comes out of a pose:  "Well, that was different."  There was a time when I would feel crushed, feel that I had failed; that feeling of being 'different' would overwhelm me and my teaching.

But, since finding the cute little cartoon on Facebook (the one with the Unicorn, captioned "different is awesome"), my reaction/response has shifted.  I think I am really coming to believe in the title of this post (at least when it applies to my teaching).

I was subbing this week when I heard the phrase, and I quickly responded "as in AWESOME".  I went on to explain the origin of my shift towards the definition of 'different' to the students in class.  They chuckled.

I just looked up the definition of 'awesome' - interesting that this is what it says:  extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration, apprehension or fear.  And, there is the answer -- different is sometimes scary, daunting, without comfort zone -- it is awesome.  Wow!

Never ceases to amaze me when I re-frame something (a move, a phrase, a thought) and my whole attitude towards it changes.

I am going to Spokane tomorrow, to visit family AND to do a workshop with my long-time teacher, Adam Ballenger -- a great believer in AWESOME.  The young man who somewhere, somehow taught me how to work with different and embrace its awesome-ness when I practice yoga.  Looking forward to seeing him, meeting some new yoga friends, and visiting family.

But, first, I must write about Wisdom Warriors.  It's been different.  Desiree is traveling -- off to Europe, I think -- for six weeks.  In her stead is Mary, whose teaching style is different (think awesome).  Oh, I'd be lying if I didn't say that the first week, I wished for Desiree, for the familiar.  The second week, a shift.  For one, we did a bunch of more manageable poses (for me), and - two - I am becoming familiar with Mary's style.  What does that tell me?  Different takes some getting used to, even if it is awesome.

We did tons of backbending and shoulder opening stuff.  My right shoulder, which has been bothering me the past weeks (months?) took a day off.  I did not push it, however, choosing to keep right arm on my hip at times when others were extending theirs up to the ceiling.  I also resisted 'wild thing' on the right side.  In the back of my mind was the thought:  'I don't want a sore right shoulder when I practice this coming weekend.', so, I took it easy on that arm.  We'll see if my theory pans out.

It was fun.  It was more relaxed than the first week.  We laughed and talked a bit.  And, I have to give Mary credit -- who would want to step into Desiree Rumbaugh's shoes (for six weeks, no less), and risk the wrath of many 50+ year old WisdomWarriors.  Good on, Mary!

Today?  Teaching Gentle Yoga at Yoga for Life at 12:30, then Temecula's Wisdom Warriors will meet at Living Yoga Center.

I just finished reading Karen Sprute-Francovich's blog.  She is an amazing writer and perhaps I'll see her this weekend.  She ended hers with this poem -- perfect.

You see, I want a lot. 
Perhaps I want everything:
the darkness that comes with every infinite fall
and the shivering blaze of every step up.

So many live on and want nothing,
and are raised to the rank of prince 
by the slippery ease of their light judgemnts. 

But what you love to see are faces 
that do work and feel thirst.

You love most of all those who need you
as they need a crowbar or a hoe. 

You have not grown old, and it is not too late
to dive into your increasing depths
where life calmly gives out its own secret.

Rainer Maria Rilke / from The Book of the Hours
(Translated by Robert Bly)

A LITTLE R&R TO RE-CHARGE

I returned Monday from a long weekend in Idaho -- a little R&R to re-charge the batteries, so to speak.

It's interesting that many times the 'return' from such a trip is laced with challenges.  I choose to believe that's simply to remind us that it is really nice to be home.  This trip, I had a short connection time in Salt Lake City.  When we left Idaho Falls, we were delayed by 20 minutes as the flight crew asked for more gas and for air traffic to clear. That meant that I would have 25 minutes in SLC to get to the next flight. Once on approach to SLC, the airport put us in a holding pattern due to weather (this also delayed us another 15 minutes).  Now, I have 10 minutes to get to my connecting flight.  Once off the plane, I waited 2-3 minutes for my bag and, once on my way, I looked at the clock -- 4 minutes until departure.

Fortunately, the connecting gate was reasonably close, other planes had been delayed, and I made it onto my flight.  SO GLAD TO BE HOME!

When I leave town, I also leave my students in the care of substitute teachers.  I've been hearing that all had a good experience, and enjoyed the teaching they received.  Many teachers will tell their students when they are leaving; I choose not to (unless circumstances warrant).  Why?  Some students will 'skip' their classes if their regular teacher is absent.  They may also 'skip' some great teaching.  Hence, my way of handling a guest teacher's presence.

Since my return, I've been teaching, teaching, teaching.  And, practicing.

Wisdom Warriors Del Mar, yesterday, was fun -- so good to see and work with the friends I've cultivated through that practice.  We are experiencing a 'sub' situation for the next 6 weeks, as Desiree is in Europe teaching.  In her absence, Mary has taken the helm (with some help from Geri, I think).  We had fun, and I am wondering what poses we didn't do -- well, I watched at times.  It was a challenging practice - physically and mentally.  I was able to really relate to my own students, as I worked to maintain my 'beginner' mind.  That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it (the practice), it means that I had to remind myself that Desiree wasn't there and, instead, Mary is our guide -- her teaching is different, no less challenging or skilled, just different.  I am glad I was in the class; good to see how others teach, practice some different poses, sweat a bit, have fun.

So, today?  Teaching at 12:30 at Yoga For Life; then Wisdom Warriors at Living Yoga (2:30).

Hope you all have a great Thursday,