CONTINUING . . .

This age thing has really been bothering me over the past few days. What made it worse, was reading that a fellow instructor's opinion is that young people - people his age - don't want to attend class with someone my age. Wow! That was not totally a surprise, but it does cause one to wonder how many people make their yoga teacher selection based on age, beauty, looks; not on knowledge. I am not saying a young, beautiful, slim yoga teacher can't also possess a lot of knowledge; by the same token, not all older yoga instructors will possess the knowledge to practice and teach yoga wisely.

But, how many times will students make that decision without even giving someone older (or younger) a chance to demonstrate what knowledge they possess? And, by doing so, what are these students missing out on? Interesting.

Even more dismal than the comment I'd heard last week about 'liking slower classes'. Enough (again).

On top of this minor dilemma, I am in the middle of 'working a deal' on my parents' home. One of the problems with selling a house right now is that it really is a buyer's market -- lots of inventory, prices low, interest rates low (but going up) -- so, a buyer makes an offer, asks for a significant price reduction, then keeps asking for more concessions. I know I love a good deal, but when is enough, enough? When do I look at the gift I'm receiving (as a buyer) and say 'wow, I'm going to have a good - albeit dated - house in a great neighborhood, with great potential; and, I'm saving enough on the purchase that I can make needed upgrades." When do I say that? or, do I just keep going back to the trough and rooting around for more. After last night's trip back to the trough, I told the realtor what to offer the buyer, and to attach the statement -- 'don't ask for more; this is the seller's limit', in other words -- the trough is empty.

I have always said, 'if you don't ask, you won't get'. However, once you receive what is asked for, how about showing some appreciation rather than asking for more?

Enough.

Why haven't I written in my blog for a few days -- because what I've written so far is, in my book, a 'downer' -- not what I'd like to read in a blog post.

Here's a bit of good news -- I've been relaying the 15 aspects of Laksmi to my Gentle Yoga student (actually 16, but the 16th is basically a summary of the previous 15 -- thank you, again, Eric S. and DBRK (Douglas Brooks)). I haven't done much of this -- carried a class through several weeks of a continuing theme. I believe they are enjoying it! And, I am having fun doing it. And, I am seeing - as I relate each aspect (sometimes it's 2 aspects per class) - that I have elements of each aspect within me, and I can safely look at my students and say the same to them -- that they each have the aspects of Laksmi in their make-up; they just haven't heard it or thought about it much before (or ever).

Monday was a quiet day. I did go in and take Adam's 'Yoga for Seniors' class yesterday morning. Felt I needed it, plus the info I'm taking away is wonderful! Why did I need it?Walking the dogs Sunday morning, I stepped on an uneven spot in the pavement and found myself on the pavement. Damage wasn't too awful, torn knee of sweatpants - skin broken and bleeding slightly; the ego damage, another story. Back at home, this was a good excuse to toss the VERY old sweatpants, take some Ibuprofen and relax in front of the Super Bowl. A bit stiff, yet I find it interesting that I fell mainly on my right knee, and the resultant sore muscles are happening in the back of that leg. Perhaps I tensed those muscles as I plummeted to the pavement, who knows. No sore neck or anything else. Today? Feeling better.

What am I learning by attending this class? How to use my 'beginner' mind; not to be anything BUT the student. (Tho, I am VERY flattered that he introduced me as an instructor of the same style as him.) I've known for a long time about the limitations some attending a class like this will display, and it's good for me to watch how another instructor handles them. For example, loud groans in the room when we lifted the knee from kneeling lunge to full runners' lunge. He acknowledged the groans ("lots of groans on that"), and moved on. I'll miss next week's class, but I also see a progression from last week to this, especially as he introduces the UPA's, without actually calling them anything - just making them part of the movement.

I shared my concerns from paragraph 1 with Adam (no names, tho). His comment: 'When you subbed for me, what I heard is that, contrary to being an easy class, yours was challenging because you asked student hold poses for longer.' Score!!!

Speaking of today:

• 9:15am, teaching Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center
• Noon, Pilates
• 2:30pm, private

Hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

ASKING FOR DIRECTION

Part of Amy Ippoliti's offering in the "90 Minutes to Change the World" program is targeted question and answer sessions (laser questions, as she called them). By that, I guess she will specifically address questions you ask that are pertinent to your situation.

So I asked the dreaded question: "how do I handle my age (61) when trying to grow my classes?" This is at the forefront of my thought process this morning. Why? I have addressed the question with my colleagues and mentors, only to be told "don't worry, you have tons of knowledge and are a good teacher".

Fact is, I am a good teacher and I am a good student. I am strong, I am committed, I am empathetic, I am smart, I'm even fun (in my mind). I have not been able, however, to keep a committed crew coming to the Level 1-2 classes that I teach. That is not the case with the other, Gentle Yoga, classes I teach; those are well attended.

Now, why do I think it could be my age? Earlier in the week, I mentioned this dilemma to a fellow instructor (younger) who has NEVER attended a class of mine. Her response? "Well, you know, I love to attend a slower class; I get lots out of them." Thank you, VERY much.

So, enough whining. It's Friday and I love Fridays, one reason being I can share a 'tip'. Here goes:

I have long struggled with just how to teach a new student pidgeon prep. I can literally spend minutes working with one student (all this while the rest of the class moans and groans away in their pidgeons). When taking Adam's class this past Monday, he has a great way to introduce the pose -- if you are curious, let me know and I'll e-mail you. So, that has had me thinking about and teaching pidgeon all this week. And, in my notes from the last Immersion (Park City, 2010) with JF, he pointed out these common misalignments for the pose:

• Hip of front leg drops to floor
• Lack of muscle energy in front leg
• Hips not squared
• Toes of back leg not flex'd under (why? using an active foot will aid in inner spiraling that back leg more effectively)
• Beginning students will be happier with front foot closer to groin, top of 'barbie' foot pressing into the mat, ankle and foot moving in same direction as shin.

That reminds me -- I've been using a fun comparative in classes: For example, in pidgeon - set up the pose using appropriate muscle energy, breathe for a moment, then let the ME energy go from the legs. To me, and - I think - to students, it feels as though the bottom dropped out of the pose. Good demo of the power of our foundation and why it needs to stay energized as we extend up and out of it.

Today?

• Teaching Gentle Yoga, 10:30 am at The Yoga Center
• Errands

Have a great Friday!

LOTS OF INFORMATION

My two continuing education projects -- How to grow and enhance my yoga teaching from a wise business standpoint, plus the history of Yoga -- lots of information to absorb, but do-able. The good thing is that in each of these educational activities very different types of information are being transmitted. One - the teaching - is very practical information; stuff I can use immediately in my day-to-day activities. The other - more in the philosophy vein - needs more contemplation. I think I'll be o.k. doing them concurrently.

My issue right now; how to stop what I am listening to as I re-play Tuesday's Webinar and then re-start it, perhaps back up a bit to something I want to re-hear. Now THAT'S a challenge. Oh well, I was about 16 minutes into it; so, I'll re-listen and type this blog post -- how's that for multi-tasking!?!?!

My private went well -- interesting how just watching someone breathe with more awareness, or do a pelvic tilt can fill me with a sense of accomplishment. It did, tho. And - better yet, she is feeling the benefit of these weekly visits.

On to Gentle Yoga, another true confession -- I used a lot of what I learned in Adam's Monday class for my students yesterday. Groans in the room (stuff they weren't used to), but I loved teaching it. Good for me to change it up a bit.

BTW, thank you for the name suggestion - nice.

Today (Thursday's are busy ones for me):

• 1 pm, Pilates
• 2 pm, Webinar with Amy
• 2:30 pm, Private
• 4 pm, Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center (me teaching)
• Would love to do Tiffany's class, not sure if other things today will allow that.

O.K. - back to the Webinar tape. Have a nice Thursday!

90 MINUTES . . .

Two of my continuing education endeavors begin this week - '90 Minutes to Change the World' and 'Srividyalaya'.

In fact, Amy Ippoliti's '90 Minutes to Change the World' began yesterday. This course is meant to restore 'glory' to the yoga teacher in the trenches -- meaning the yoga teacher that faithfully teaches each week; the teacher that builds yoga skills in students so that these students are confident and able to attend workshops and trainings with the 'rock stars' of yoga (those hard-working and traveling yoga instructors who arrive, push our limits a bit, then move on to the next 'gig'). This is NOT a revolt against those 'rock stars', just a re-recognition of the importance of the stay-at-home yoga instructor -- intended to give us information and tips to grow and cultivate our skills and classes.

It's a 'webinar' - something I haven't done before. Tried to log in unsuccessfully; not necessarily my fault, tho -- everyone was being challenged by the technology. Because I had limited time, I gave up and moved on to other activities, so will download and view it this afternoon.

I am, however, getting feedback through Facebook -- sounds like people are happy and excited about the potential of this course to affect their teaching careers. Good stuff!

One of the commitments Amy has made during this teaching endeavor of hers, is to attend a public class 5 days a week during the month of February. It sounds as if she has asked participants in the webinar to join her - to attend more classes during each week of this educational effort. More good stuff! Why? I don't see a lot of yoga teachers in classes. Oh, the new-to-teaching teachers are there, taking notes and listening carefully. The more experienced instructors? Not sure where some of those are (speaking of SLC, here). Perhaps they do a home practice faithfully, or ___?___.

Personally, I admit I have used the excuse "I have too much to do to attend class today; besides, I taught 2 classes. That should be good." (More true confessions on blogspot.com.) I've also used the reason that I'm just too tired; fact is, if I went to class, I probably would feel better - not so tired. Just a counter argument to that reason.

So, I will continue to attend classes - kick it up a notch, try to ignore the excuses that build in my head. There's a ton to learn from attending someone else's teaching; I know that, and the support I show that instructor -- that's equally important.

Today?

• 9 am, Private
• 10:30 am, Gentle Yoga at The Yoga Center (me teaching)
• Srividyalaya begins tonight! "History of Hatha Yoga", here I come.

Have a great Wednesday,

NEW IDEAS, NEW APPRECIATION

Yesterday went much as planned -- I did a bit of housework, then - after time on the computer - I got myself ready and zipped over to Adam's class at Steiner Aquatics. This is a class, probably best defined as 'Gentle', but looking for a name.

Just try to re-name a class from 'Gentle'. I've been trying forever and cannot come up with a better, more effective word. A word that says this is not going to be your 'kick butt' yoga class, will take into consideration limitations, will be 'gentle' yet work to increase strength and flexibility -- all the things we do in Level 1 classes, modified a bit. If anyone out there has an idea, I'd love to hear it. 'Gentle' keeps some people away, thinking they don't want to be identified with a 'gentle' class -- well, now that I've typed that, perhaps those people don't belong in the class anyway!?!?!? That thought just occurred to me. Egos.

Back to the class at Steiner. Got some great ideas for teaching. Also got a good reminder of what it means to really put on that 'beginner' mind. How tempting it was to break into a full-on version of parsvakonasana, or throw in a little vinyasa switching sides. But, the instructor (Adam) didn't ask for that, he asked for modified versions and switching sides by moving back to table. I even put some padding under my knee -- unheard of; and accepted the block he offered me (I hadn't grabbed one on my way in and his was the only spare). All this, a sign of respect for other students in the room and teacher.

It was a great learning experience for me as an instructor and as a student.

Today?

• 9:15 am - Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center
• Noon, Pilates
• 2:00 pm, Amy Ippoliti's course begins (will have to download and watch it later, due to 2:30 commitment)
• 2:30 pm, Private

Hope your Tuesday is terrific!

LET THE WEEK BEGIN . . .

First, a pic taken Christmas, 2010, of Howard and I with our San Diego 'Grand-dudes'. Cute, huh?

As I begin this week, it is with a commitment to NOT forget anything. So, let me go through my week quickly (my commitments), just to cement them in my brain cells:

• Monday - No appointments/classes to teach
• Tuesday - 9:15 am, Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center; Noon, Pilates; 2 pm, Webinar with Amy Ippoliti (download and view later); 2:30 pm, Private
• Wednesday - 9 am, private; 10:30 am, Gentle Yoga at The Yoga Center; 6 pm MST, Srividyalaya Course (History of Hatha Yoga) begins online
• Thursday - 1 pm, Pilates; 2 pm, Webinar with Amy (download and view later); 2:30 pm, Private; 4 pm, Level 1-2 at The Yoga Center
• Friday - 10:30 am, Gentle Yoga at The Yoga Center
• Saturday - 7:30 am, Private
• Sunday - No appointments/classes

There -- for me, just the process of writing things down has a definite affect on my memory. And, even as I wrote, I found myself leaving things out -- duh!

Not that you want to read about my schedule, but this is for my own benefit and this is, after all, my blog.

Looking it over, the week looks pretty active (I'm avoiding the word 'busy' here). Additionally, there will be class planning to do for each of the 4 classes I teach, I'll need to learn the technology to download Amy's webinar (help is available for those of us who are challenged in this endeavor), and Srividyalaya -- well, let's just say I'm concerned a week with only that course in it would seem overwhelming. Perhaps the other activities will keep me from stressing about it too much.

And, I deliberately left out the yoga classes I hope/plan to attend during the week; need to take that one day at a time. So, today - since I have no other scheduled activities, I will attend Adam's 'Yoga for Seniors' at a local aquatics center. This is good - it will give me some insight to what other, more experienced instructors teach in a class of students who may have some limitations; and a more gentle yoga class for myself.

The rest of the day?

• Errands
• Housework, including some laundry
• Watch for books to arrive that I ordered for the Srividyalaya course (4 of the 6 needed; I already had 2 and have read most of those - a little review won't hurt, tho.)

Hope your Monday is productive and fun!

WHAT'S HAPPENED?

I rarely forget appointments or schedules, especially those revolving around my yoga teaching. This week, tho, I managed to forget two things related to my teaching -- a private session and my turn to guide a practice. For each of those missteps, I apologize.

Not knowing who might have shown up to the practice, I apologize -- and, I'll continue to apologize when/if those people come forward. For the private client, I have apologized personally to that student. There was no good excuse for either incident of forgetfulness.

That doesn't mean I'm not sitting here trying to come up with a few (excuses). Human nature? Perhaps.

On my recent visit, I noticed my middle grandson, the 2-year-old, often says 'it's o.k.' right after he does something he realizes may not be o.k. It's cute and often he is forgiven; I did (in my stern grandmother way) point out to him that - on a couple occasions - it was 'not o.k.'; it made a mess, or it hurt someone, etc.

So, when my private client offered me an out -- 'it's o.k., things happen', I was reminded of this interaction with the 2-year-old. My response to her, "no, it's not o.k. and I apologize; I'll do a better job of writing things down from now on". I had to own it - the embarrassment, the feeling bad, the realization that I do forget - it's all mine. Once owned, I could move forward with how I plan to solve it in the future, should that person decide to give me another chance.

Enough for another session of "True Confessions on Blogspot.com". This is one post I hope few of you read.

But, if you are reading, I attended a good class with Adam yesterday. Since the sale of my studio, the buyer has assumed teaching the apex Saturday morning class - a good thing. That leaves my Saturday morning's open. Not knowing who was subbing for Sheldon, I decided the class with Adam would be of value. It was either that or his practice in the afternoon. My 'hard-core' yoga practice needs work, so a softer version was needed. Didn't necessarily turn out that way (softer), but I got a lot out of the class, I saw a few old friends, and I felt good when done. All good things.

Remember the word 'vijaya' from yesterday's post? Well, as I practiced yesterday, I thought of it often. We did padangusthasana(!?!?!), I reminded myself of how much I loved hugging the leg-to-be-extended in as I prepared to continue in the pose. Then voila! the left leg extended -- all the way -- not high, but straight and my torso was upright! Definitely a few 'vijayas' from that experience. I am sure the right leg would have amazed me also, but the left just was not in the mood for holding me up in balance postures yesterday. A little celebration is better than no celebration.

Today?

• Husband time
• Household tasks
• A trip to the airport
• Class with Tiffany

Have a great Sunday,