TUESDAY

Up early (what's new?), and at a loss for a blog post title; so will just go with the obvious -- it's Tuesday.

Yesterday began as planned - I did write the e-mail; then, received a call from an instructor having car trouble. I live close to the studio (the one I used to own), so people call me when in a 'pickle'. She explained she'd be late, if she could get there at all -- I offered to sub. Since it was just 15 minutes until class was to start, I threw on clothes, brushed my hair, rinsed off my face (no make-up for this class), and hopped in the car. Pulled up to find 5 people patiently waiting outside the door and more walking in from the parking lot.

Subbing can be an interesting task, but - this morning - perhaps because I felt freer after the sale or maybe it was because of the spur-of-the-moment request, I was able to walk in, tell everyone why I was there (instead of their favorite instructor), and begin class. My voice, I noticed, was strong and I 'kicked it up a notch'. Best part -- no planning. Once in a while, I believe, this is a good thing - to just walk in and teach; no plan; no intentions for students; no expectations of myself except to give them a good experience (I hope).

After that, I ran errands, did some grocery shopping, and went home. A nice, productive day. The unfortunate part? I didn't make it to Tiffany's class. Bummer! Maybe Wednesday. Last night might have been a bit dangerous, anyway -- The Shop is re-opening their retail space with lots of new stuff; clothing that we haven't had access to before. (SLC, by the way, is not the shopping mecca you might think -- especially for yoga clothes.)

Today is a busier day:

• Class with Wayne
• Pilates at noon
• 2:30 semi-private with the less-than-flexible (or stiffer-than-most) couple
• Help get Yoga Center newsletter out

Enjoy your Tuesday,

AND, A NEW PHASE BEGINS

Last night, I officially turned over the 'keys' to The Yoga Center to Sheldon & Lyndsey Marie. We had a great meeting at the studio -- with wonderful food; thank you, everyone. And, all but two instructors were in attendance -- considering there are now 14 teaching at the studio, that was impressive.

And, to look around the circle at all those faces; faces that I've known for years and some faces new to me, I saw good friends and very accomplished yoga teachers -- all dedicated to their craft and their students. Good stuff!

I sent an e-mail to all the instructors earlier in the week, reminding them of the meeting and telling them that this change is for the good -- new energy, refurbished studio, updated and more effective record keeping; all good things. The best part -- a goal to keep disruption to a minimum for the students who have come to consider the studio their 'sanctuary'; their place to practice yoga (even if it isn't the only place they practice yoga). "Change is inevitable; growth is optional." -- remember that.

I began to write this post as a description of the 'new phase' for me; I realize it will be a 'new phase' for instructors and students, as well.

Yesterday morning, I followed my plan and attended Sheldon's class. The moment I sat on my mat, an inward smile made its way into my head. I looked out the window and up at the mountains and said 'thank you'. Thank you that this has worked out so well -- and, thank you that I can now practice, teach and study without the added responsibility of running a studio. FYI, running the studio was never a burden for me -- oh, I had bad days on occasion; but, one of the reasons I did it for so long, was that the next day I would return to the studio with a solution or just in a better mood. Those bad days never lasted more than a day. A sign, to me, that I was in the right place doing the right thing. And, this transition has been similar -- never angst, worry, disruption; just a calm progression to last night's finale'.

This morning, I'm sitting here thinking of the things that need to be done; aware that it's not my responsibility, but also aware that I was asked to help in the next few weeks of transition. So, I'll send an e-mail, make a phone call, and follow instructions. Big change!

In my last few posts, I reviewed and evaluated (from my own experience) suggestions from JF for teaching. This morning, I read Christina's blog - she's done similarly; there's some good advice in there for us, if we're teaching or hoping to teach Anusara yoga.

So (parrot word), what happens now? Create a personal website, business cards, settle some final details (shift insurance, shift utilities - all things you do when you move), and plan for Saturday's workshop, "Embrace Yourself" - a time of recognition, reflection, and rejuvenation. First workshop, a bit nervous -- we'll see. I don't plan to take this 'show' on the road, now that I no longer own a studio, but I think expanding my threshold to include a local workshop now and then is a good thing.

Today's schedule:

• Write that e-mail I talked about
• Christmas decorations
• Tiffany's class, perhaps

Have a good Monday,

ABOUT SMALL CLASSES

Over the years, I've heard teachers lament the small classes we sometimes wind up teaching as in, 'what's wrong with what I'm offering; why aren't my classes larger; am I wasting my time'. Once they're done, we agree that we ought to view a primary purpose of teaching yoga as simply giving our best to whoever happens to be in the room -- be it 4 students or 40.

Yesterday morning, I taught just such a class -- small (but mighty). As I planned the class (at 4am, no less), I remembered Adam's words: 'kick it up a notch'.

Before I proceed, I'll elaborate on that. I worry that people walk into my class, see me, and form an opinion -- something like, "she's a bit older, I wonder what this class will be like, slow - maybe". Then, I fear, I meet their low expectation. I know I'm a good teacher; I know I can teach up to what some would like. I also know I get lost in the details; back to that 'too much information'. I love the fine tuning, and many students don't want to be fine-tuned. They just want to move. That's not a negative - it's a fact, and I need to find the balance between moving and fine tuning. A balance that will make us all happy.

My goal in planning yesterday was to teach a good class, yet 'kick it up a notch'. And, I did it -- to the surprise of the students in the room -- one heard to comment: "that was a work-out!" (I was secretly smiling as I heard that).

That comment led to further discussion with the rest of the group about the benefits of a smaller class -- one commenting that she had been practicing (at another location) for a couple years, and - perhaps because classes are large - she had never been asked to do some of the fine tuning I asked for. (Go back to my photo story of a couple blog posts ago -- proof positive.)

Why write about this? There is much to be learned from small classes -- I learn more about my students - their personalities, their physical abilities (or limitations), I learn about my comfort level with fewer than 5 in the room, I am asked to teach more precisely - no glossing over because there are just too many people in the room to serve everyone (I might even be asked a question for which I don't know or have the answer -- that's a bit embarrassing, but - as JF advises - I will admit 'I don't know, but I'll find out' -- then I follow through.).

"Small classes are a blessing, a place to learn" == my quote? No, one from a 2007 therapeutics training with JF in Santa Fe. My case, exactly! And, in going back through notes looking for that quote, I saw tons of information that I knew, but I hadn't thought of for a while. A case for reviewing notes once in a while!

My thoughts are running rampant this morning -- must be a bit of excitement over the transition this weekend holds. I have loved owning a studio. It has offered me a forum for teaching and developing my own skills, without having to worry about 'where will I teach'. It has honed my skills and my sensitivity to students' needs and desires. It has not, however, given me the key to scheduling -- that remains a mystery. As in, what class will work best at what time? That, I think, is where the right instructor can make or break it. But, I won't have to worry too much about that now -- I just will keep 'kicking it up a notch', while fine tuning -- the balance, remember?

My day?

• Sheldon's class at 8am at The Yoga Center
• Instructor meeting at 6 pm at The Yoga Center
• Inbetween? We'll see.

Hope you have a nice and relaxing Sunday,

ANSWER...

ANSWER QUESTIONS AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL (Don't give too much information, you might overwhelm students.)

#7 - JF's Suggestions for Teaching

Yesterday, I think I said a bit about this one. I am known to offer all kinds of information. In one of my first teacher trainings (Desiree), she asked us to tell students 'why' -- why we do things this or that way. Well, I took that one to heart. I told people 'why' ad nauseum. Too much of a good thing is too much (no matter how good it is).

And, that's all I have to say about that. (Forrest Gump)

Today is a big day for me. I will enter a weekend of transition from studio owner to yoga instructor. Over the past few weeks, I've been in discussions with my friends, Sheldon & Lyndsey, to purchase the studio (a good thing).

After all, it's been 7 years. 7 years of steady growth, good instructors, quality yoga. And, Sheldon & Lyndsey will continue that. Additionally, they have the energy (and a lot of friends) to refurbish the space -- finally putting in those bamboo floors I always coveted, and raising the ceilings (which students will LOVE). And, doors into the practice room -- who knew !?!?!

It will be a bit of a juggling act through December - but, classes will remain the same - just shifting to another space for a few weeks. Then, come January, a grand re-opening. We'll keep everyone informed on where and what to expect.

Good and exciting stuff!

As things progress, I'll keep you posted. If you are a student of the studio, rest assured there are no big shifts (other than the remodeling and a bit of updating in recordkeeping) happening. Sheldon & Lyndsey will handle things differently than I did, but who wouldn't? And, in dealing with them, I see their vision for the studio remains much the same as mine has been.

So, see you all next week in classes; no change except that my title will be 'instructor' instead of 'owner'.

Today:

• Private in about one hour
• Level 1 at 9 am at The Yoga Center
• Spend time with 'the husband' (if he reads this, I may get scowled at -- not sure if I'd like being called 'the wife' -- but, it's all in good fun)

Hope you have a great Saturday,

DON'T ANSWER THE . . .

Don't answer the question that hasn't been asked.

#6 - JF's suggestions for teaching

I remember the first time I heard this suggestion from John. It was Miami, my first teacher training with John, 200? (the exact year I can't remember). When he said it, I remember it was like a thunderbolt.

Why? Because I often offer too much information, an opinion, or a solution, before I've ever been asked -- or, at least, I used to.

And, for a while after the Miami training, I continued with this habit of answering before being asked, until I saw and realized the impact. It many times sends people away, rather than bringing them closer. What did I see? I had a woman in class several years ago who limped. Before she could get out of class and out of the studio, I approached her to talk about the limp and what we might do to 'change' it. Never saw her again. Need another example? The young dancer who came to class and to who I offered unsolicited advice about her legs that rotated in (kneecaps almost facing one another). We worked with a block, I showed her how to begin to change this pattern in her body. Never saw her again, either. There may be other reasons these people didn't come back -- maybe they just didn't enjoy my class, or my bubbling personality. I like to think it's because I broke this 'golden' rule and offered too much without being asked.

There have been other examples (at least two additional ones come to mind, but I won't go into those). Suffice it to say, by having these examples in my life, I learned the lesson -- despite the fact I had been forewarned.

Today, I will answer questions galore. I won't, however, bombard the person with a ton of information - just the answer to the question; if they want more, they will ask. And, I even open the door to more questions a crack, like "if you need/want more information, just check in with me".

Yesterday, on an impulse, I posted my Bhartrihari quote (look to the right on this blog) on Facebook, because I love it. My husband asked (on Facebook, no less), for my opinion of Bhartrihari's last sentence "..such a difficult vow, which is as sharp as the edge of a sword." Stymied for a moment, I answered (privately) and this morning I've re-read the Discipline in Speaking chapter of The Yoga of Discipline. I may have a better answer now -- that it is very easy to do as Bhartrihari describes 'good people' do, but to slip into a negative or - worse - an implied negative comment. Like "Sissy is so nice, she'd be even cuter if she'd fix her hair." We have now slipped off the 'good people' truck and onto that sword blade.

For both situations (not answering unless asked and offering speech about someone or something), the operative word might be 'pause'. Sometimes, if we just pause for a moment, the urge to offer all our information and knowledge will pass; and - better - we will contemplate any potentially hurtful comments we were about to offer.

Hope all this makes sense. It did as I wrote it, now to re-read.

Today?

• Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center
• Paperwork
• Dinner out with 'the husband' (love to read Bernie Birney's blogs, where she refers to 'the husband' -- makes me smile and laugh)

Hope you have a great Friday,

WHEN TEACHING ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL . . .

"When teaching a group or individual, and give an instruction, allow time for the student(s) to carry out the instruction. Don't just walk away and on to the next instruction; make sure they do what you have asked them to do."

#5 - JF's suggestions on teaching

If you are to travel back in this blog a ways, you will find this same suggestion relayed to me from Christina Sell. It's a good one. Not always easy, tho.

It (JF's suggestion) requires that we go back to #4, that 'quiet is not a bad thing' piece of advice. And, to elaborate on Christina's advice, her statement went like this: 'if you don't care whether they do it or not, don't ask them for it'. Simple as that.

Example: If I ask students for a 'full stretch', and I look around the room and see bent elbows and limp fingers, I will ask the group again. If all but one or two respond, then a personal visit is needed (as in, I go to that person or persons) and softly ask them to extend a bit more. When/if that doesn't get the desired result, I will physically adjust (or - in some cases - it just isn't within their range, and then I usually get the explanation).

It's more work, more observation, but the poses -- Wow!

If I don't ask students to carry out my instructions, habits set in; and not good ones. They become lax because I am not 'teaching' them otherwise. I am reading the book "Cutting For Stone" now, and came across this sentence which - to me - spells out just what I'm talking about. It goes: "practice doesn't make perfect if you repeat a bad practice".

And, I saw proof in a recent photo of a class in parsvakonasana. Students in pose with elbow on front knee. Lots of limp arms, heads drooping towards floor, necks resting on shoulders. There was one student in the center of the room - a student known to me (he does take classes with me, but I'm not his primary teacher). He clearly has been asked and has the desire to do the best pose available to him -- there was nothing in the pic that indicated anything but full, beautiful effort on his part. So nice to see. And, for me (maybe for him), to offer that fuller expression makes the pose easier!?!?!?

Enough on this -- I could carry on and carry on, but I think I (and everyone reading) get the point already.

Another cold day in SLC. What's on the schedule?

• A bit of housecleaning
• Pilates at 1
• Semi-private at 2:30 at The Yoga Center
• I'm teaching YogaHour at 4 pm

Hope your Thursday is a great day!

GIVE YOUR STUDENTS ...

"Give your students time to breathe in a pose. Quiet is not a bad thing."

#4 in my notes from the JF Intensive, 2009 in Tucson.

Students might not agree -- especially if it's a challenging pose, or one they do not enjoy. Being asked to stay in a pose while the instructor walks the room, or simply stands looking at general forms and foundations, is many times challenging in its own right.

I remember the first time, tho, that I was able to notice taking two calm breaths while in Trichonasana. Amazing, I thought. Here I am, in this - for me - challenging pose, and I am breathing; calmly breathing. Had the instructor not given me that time to notice, to appreciate, I may still be wondering why we put ourselves in those situations / those poses. Now I know, that - for me - the act of holding the pose, then being able to breathe, is an act of creating beauty and awareness (chit ananda).

As much as quiet is a hard thing to receive; for me, it is a challenge to give. As an instructor, I remember wanting to fill every moment with dialogue. I thought that was my job, to talk, to tell them what the alignment principles were, how to get there, what benefits they might receive, how they could hurt themselves by rushing, little stories, etc., etc., etc. It's hard to offer silence. And, even now, when I do, sometimes I think "I should be talking", then I remember -- 'quiet is not a bad thing'.

So, it's a practice for me as well as for my students -- getting used to silence; being able to offer silence. Certainly not a 'bad' thing.

Dogs are staring me down, as I hurriedly write this. It's well past time for their walk (tho they have been outside). Habits! So, on with the snow pants, boots, parka, hat, gloves; grab bags (even in snow I am a good, responsible dog owner - I pick up after my pets); and get out there.

Today?

• Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center
• My own private with Adam (more handstand work)
• Shop for one Christmas gift

Hope your Wednesday is a good one,