The situation was just too good -- enough people, in a big enough room, and well-schooled (maybe not everyone in Anusara, but that turned out to be o.k. for this group).
And, what's the rest of the story? Not sure it will fly -- why?
First, I always have a written out plan with me (not that I read from it verbatim, but I do refer to it just to make sure I'm covering all the bases) -- The plan I hoped to use I left in the car which Howard (husband) was driving to run errands as he waited for me. Duh!
Second, I found myself being too directive, not using linking words enough. Oh, I knew I was doing it (being directive) and I tried to get them in (linking words), but I am not sure I did it often enough or with the right placement to create the desired sense of flow in my sequence.
Third, I almost forgot to demo. When I remembered that I ought to do one (not sure if it is a 'requirement'), it was at 'apex time'. Therefore, I demo'd the apex, which was Warrior I (this was a Basic class). I demo'd the pose, talking as I did it. I didn't re-cap, reminding everyone of two things to remember in this pose, and I didn't ask if anyone had a question -- these are key inclusions.
Fourth, I used my alignment emphasis (IS/OS) enough, but am not sure the verbiage I used gives credit to that emphasis for how each of the related movements felt (if that makes sense). An example: "confidently take your thighs back and apart, into the space you've created scoop your tailbone; now from the stability created by the two actions of IS and OS, raise your arms extending into your personal, extraordinary Warrior I" (see #5 for explanation).
Fifth, I am worried I totally blanked on the heart quality. I used John's recent quote in my opening comments "To make the ordinary extraordinary, sometimes you have to slow things down a bit." I believe it is so applicable to our practices and can be used effectively to help bring home the point that tadasana is an extraordinary pose with the right attitude. I used that simile through the class but is "extraordinary" a heart quality? Not sure.
O.K., enough for 'true confessions' -- I'll watch it. I am not even sure that the camera captures much of the 13 students in the room; I set it up, hurriedly went back to signing people in, and never re-checked it. I do know that it was on, however. So, we'll see.
Now, what's the good in this? That I can think about that class and even without watching it, know what I left out. That bodes well for including it next time. Wish me luck.
Today? Gentle Yoga, back in Temecula this morning; Library Class at 3pm in Fallbrook. More opportunities to practice, I'm thinking.
Have a great Monday,
2 comments:
Glad you are blogging again! As an "outsider" and your previous student, I wonder why your video requirements are so restrictive. Class has to be a certain length even tho your area prefers shorter classes. There must be a certain number a students, certain verbiage, inclusion of this and that. As you yourself state all these elements-- which represent how someone else teaches (John ?)--make you nervous. Your own flow and style are forgotten as you try to "cover all the bases." Leslie, I thought you were a great teacher in Salt Lake, and you're are most likely improving all the time in CA. I truly hope you can be certified soon! Just my opinion, offered in love. Judy
It is a challenge to balance and include everything. In the long run, however, my teaching is a result of this discipline. And, it is widely acknowledged that, once Certified, everything is not included all the time. But, I will know it and that is my goal. My nervousness yesterday was a reflection of modern technology (computer) and the confusion with a number of people trying to sign in and things not going so well (oh, for the paper days of The Yoga Center); since I've done a number of videos, that aspect doesn't bother me. Thank you for the vote of confidence and support -- that is so good for me to hear. Onward!!!
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