TIME TO WRITE . . .

It's been a while since the last post and I thought (the other day) -- I have a lot of stuff to write about. So, here goes:

First, I am coming to the end of the third 200-hr Teacher Training I have been guide to here in Fallbrook. It's been a great ride (and, one that will continue). As I look over graduates, I see several teaching at Sage Yoga in Fallbrook; I hear that some are teaching in other venues (Connected Warriors or to friends or to co-workers). One or two are actively seeking me out as a mentor - a great compliment.  All-in-all this has been a rewarding growth and learning experience.

Growth and learning? Aren't I supposed to be teaching them to teach? Of course, but teaching can only be accomplished with a large supply of knowledge. I am re-reading the books I read for my own Certification process (AND, understanding more!?!?!?). I've also explored and found some great books to supplement the training. And, the students who populate the trainings have been wonderful teachers, as well.

Students as teachers? Just like in the public classes I teach, each person brings a unique perspective to our Teacher Training program. One may have a background in massage therapy or personal training, giving them another view of anatomy; another may be in the service industry, offering us a valuable glimpse at the importance of customer service and boundaries; I could go on - through each of the 11 graduates and 5 almost-graduates - but that would create a LONG post, so I won't.

To enhance MY teaching skills:

1.  I'm enrolled in another webinar with Christina Sell -- this one titled "Finding Depth in the Basics". I am always impressed with the quantity and quality of material presented by Christina - she doesn't disappoint.

2.  I've also travelled to Idaho for two 5-day sessions with Sundari in the last 8 months - one on the Chakras, the second on sequencing. The community Sundari has created is amazing and each time I study with her I come away with new skills and greater sensitivity. I have another one planned, just not sure of dates yet.

3.  In March, I will check Darren Rhodes off my 'to do' list when I attend a workshop in Tucson conducted by him and Sam Rice (FYI, I have long hoped to study with Darren.) Looking forward to a new experience.

4.  And, in August, I have registered for my 4th 'Raising Your Vibration' intensive (5 days) with Desiree Rumbaugh and Andrew Rivin. Yes!

On teaching, I had a personal light-bulb moment this week. A student in one of my classes mentioned that she always thought her elbows were straight UNTIL she saw her reflection in the mirror during class. Then, as I was doing my practice at home one day, I looked at my elbows and noticed they were not as straight as I'd like, either. So, what to do? For me, I stood on my mat, raised my arms, and took my 'mind's eye' (as I call it) to my elbows. From the elbows, I extended through fingertips - without getting too rigid in the fingers. (Remember, I'm working the elbows.) And, it worked. I took it into class with me that day and tried it out; saying something like: "with your arms overhead, draw your attention to your elbows and, from the elbows, reach out through the fingertips to the ceiling".  Note that we had already done some shoulder work, which meant most had their arms alongside ears. Elbows were noticeably straighter.

And, at home, we have a new puppy. His name is 'Beau' - we call him 'Beau-dy', and he came to us from Utah. He's an English Shepherd, about 12 weeks old, and already 22+ pounds. So far, things are going well; a bit of an adjustment for us, not to mention the older 2 dogs, but we are doing o.k. and he's definitely a 'keeper'.

Off to a Saturday of Teacher Training. I hope you have a great day!