JUST NOTES

Once in a while, it's fun to just write random thoughts -- no hoped-for result, no plan, no desired outcome. Here are some to mull over:

Last week, as I sat in my parent's home a bit bored, I went online and purchased a juicer. I have NEVER in my life made juice. Why, you (and my husband) ask, did you buy a juicer? Well, when in Tucson, a friend met with Cate Stillman (Certified Anusara™ Teacher and Certified Ayurveda Specialist). She came back excited about the prospects Ayurveda holds, and mentioned that a juicer is helpful and that there will be a Spring Cleanse Teleconference. So, I hope to do the teleconference course -- and, I rationalized, I better practice making juice as I wait for May to arrive. Yesterday was the big day -- I bought the ingredients for several types of juice, decided on a recipe from a book my husband bought me (he doesn't mind my purchasing a juicer, he just needed to see what it can contribute to our household), and we made JUICE -- apples, grapefruit & lime (one juice, 3 ingredients). Good, tasty, filling, and not too hard to make or clean up. Looking forward to Cate's Teleconference. To participate, or learn more about Cate, go to http://www.yogahealer.com/.

When I worked in the medical field, I learned just enough to be almost dangerous. What I mean is, that when you know the inner workings, some of the diagnoses and related treatment, the heirarchy of a medical office or hospital, you can be quick to jump to conclusions about your health, quick to critique the care you are receiving, etc., etc., etc. Well, the same applies to being a yoga teacher. Since studying in Tucson and being observed while teaching (and critiqued), somewhere inside me resides an EXPERT. There, I've said it (I've borrowed that phrase from Christina). I can take a class, find all the overused words, critique verbage and instructions, sequencing, etc. I need to be 'slapped up side the head' during those moments, and remember #1 and #2 of teacher qualities (FYI -- here they all are again):

1. Studentship (I am ALWAYS a student.)
2. Humility (I must remember and honor the SOURCE of my knowledge. I don't know everything -- there is still a LOT to learn.)
3. Trustworthiness (Do my students trust me? Do I trust myself?)
4. Empathetic (Am I able to relate to students; to enable them to connect with me?)
5. Aspire to Excellence (I will continue to read, study, practice, attend classes/workshops/trainings, to improve my teaching.)
6. Agility of Mind (As I look around the classroom, am I able to quickly assess the overall group, switch gears, deal with unexpected physical issues, etc.?)

Beginner mind -- I must continue to embrace that concept, no matter how much I learn or study.

Started my ASL (American Sign Language) class last week. Interesting to focus on learning signs, and to really focus on what other people are signing -- without the distraction of teaching yoga. The students in attendance were all there for different reasons: one to volunteer; several families, learning to better communicate with children, grandchildren or parents (even a 5-year-old, whose mother is going deaf); one young man who is taking the class so he can communicate with a good friend (we'll nickname him Hanuman); and me - so I can teach more effectively. It was fun; fun to be with a new group of people, to connect for another reason, to laugh at our mistakes, and to marvel at the skill and excitement of the 5-year-old.

Still snowing -- didn't Mother Nature get the e-mail that it's almost April?

Enjoy Monday,