I taught a Basics class yesterday, 10am. Perfect for a video, I thought; tho, the 10 students were not familiar to me. I decided to go for it, anyway.
Set camera up - 9:55am, I asked everyone to hug in a bit for maximum camera coverage. I also explained the purpose of the camera briefly -- not too much, just enough that they would know it was there to film me, not them, and was needed for my progress towards Certification.
10am, I turned camera on and took my seat, asking everyone to do likewise. As I scanned the room, I felt the eyes on me -- eyes that didn't know me, but many eyes that said 'we're glad to be here' -- my interpretation, anyway. I also noticed 2 pairs of eyes - one more than the other - that said 'let's get moving, I'm bored'. I introduced my theme, mentioned that Hanumanasana would be our peak pose, and we would be preparing for the pose. (Note, there also was one new-to-yoga person in the room - a young man.)
We began, centering, chanting and warming up slowly. I paused when students were standing to briefly explain the sequence of a class to the new-to-yoga person (remember, this is a 'basic' class). We began to move through the surya namaskars I had planned. The 2 pairs of eyes mentioned above -- well, one of them moved as instructed (very seriously); the other, did likewise and continued to look bored.
Let me say this positive note -- of the 10 people in the room; in the end, 9 did a stellar job. There was no question that they were with me throughout the class.
Now, to the 10th (and the whining - you might want to stop reading now or skip to the last 2 paragraphs). As we moved from the surya's into some wide-legged standing poses (Parsvakonasana, Warrior II), she broke into her own routine -- doing many poses I had not requested yet. In one instance, I acknowledged it -- hoping she might realize the error of her ways -- and return to the fold of the class. It didn't work.
We continued -- student #10, as I'll call her, threw in variations, vinyasas, extra poses wherever possible. I tried to ignore her, until we came to a runner's stretch - one that I hoped to add some intricate instruction to in order to open the hamstrings. #10 took parsvottonasana (rather than back knee down), causing the student next to her to do the same thing. I came between them, asked them both to release their back knees to the floor -- 'we are doing a different pose here', I said, in a FIRM voice.
Class continues -- during my demos, #10 continued to do poses. All the while, I am thinking: toss this video, my anger rises and I lost focus, which I am sure is reflected in this video.
Savasana - finally. As I sit, eyes closed, I feel tears behind my closed lids and a feeling of almost-desperation -- like, when - where - how am I going to get this done? Perfect class, right numbers, 9 of 10 are giving me their best. This won't do, however. All 10 must give me their attention and respect me enough to stay with me throughout the class. Oh, I've seen other teachers have this happen; they ignore it; especially if it is a first-time encounter with a student (which this was). This happens in a yoga class. However, it won't fly in a Certification video. Taking the seat (being in command; having people do what you ask) is an important component of what my reviewer is looking at. It didn't happen. Not this class.
I left the room feeling let down, and, if I were to say to #10 how I feel, the response could very well be "well, this was my class and my practice; I didn't come to be video'd".
Right answer. Quandary. Enough.
Today? Meeting old friends for brunch. I have another opportunity to video this week. The good thing? It's all prepared, homework done and ready to go.
Hope your Sunday is a good one,
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
ON TO #3
#3 video, to be more precise. I've done my homework, I've been practicing the recommended elements; now to video another class.
A challenge -- not that I am nervous or unprepared, but finding a class to teach that is 90 minutes long and occupied by more than 3-4 people is my task now. My own classes are either 75 minutes long, therapeutic/gentle in nature, or at odd periods of the day (in other words, not attended by the requisite six people). In response to this 'challenge', I've been volunteering like crazy when a sub request for a 90 minute class emerges.
Good plan. But, so far, not working. The instructor I subbed for this week (90 minute classes) has loyal students; students that have stayed away in light of her absence (I think/hope). So, classes have been 4-5 people rather than her usual 8-10. Bummer!
Next option: I signed up to teach 2 classes this Saturday morning. Saturday ought to be a well-attended class; at least, the 10 am class. The noon class - questionable for many people. It will be a double-pronged 'crap' shoot. First, the schedule at this studio is a rotation of instructors and styles for the class. Unusual for a Saturday morning (Saturday mornings are usually the territory of the strongest and most crowd-drawing instructor). The rotation here seems to work, tho; people do come, sometimes large numbers. So, we'll see.
And, second, the people who attend will not necessarily be Anusara devotees. They may have attended an Anusara class or two, but their preferred style may be something else.
I don't have much problem with the second issue -- what happens, happens; and the first, I can't control -- other than to set my own intention to teach a good class. I will have the camera available, see what happens, and go from there. Fingers crossed.
This week's pose emphasis has been hanumanasana. I attended Ashley's class on Monday, and she set the tone for all my teaching this week. Well, without the chocolate. Ashley celebrated her birthday on Monday; cupcakes in the studio, and one fired up instructor (was it the chocolate? or, can someone really get so excited and exuberant about their birthday? If it is the latter, good for her!) It was a great class and one in which we did ardha (or - some of us - 3/4 or even full) hanumanasana. Since then, each of my classes has been able to experience the pose (well, not the Gentle - that's another story); myself included, as I demo.
What else has happened for me? The moonwalk continues to be easier each time I do it. A great way to experience progress in the work we do. What is moonwalk, you ask? Experienced yogis: Begin in table, with feet at a bare wall, hands slightly in front of shoulders. Move to a short down dog, press your heart towards the wall and, staying strong in shoulders, lift feet onto the wall about hip height (your legs and arms are straight and you are in the shape of an "L"). Begin on right side, hugging a straight right leg back in towards your right hip (it will move 1/2 inch or so away from the wall). DON'T BEND THAT RIGHT KNEE! Allow the straight right leg to release towards the floor, as you bend the left knee, keeping left toes and foot firmly on the wall. Lifting the straight right leg towards the ceiling, straighten the left knee. Repeat once or twice, each side. What have you just done? A'la Betsey Downing, you have begun to imprint the kicking action needed to be a 'kicker' (great handstand prep) -- read one or two posts back. You are also strengthening your arms, shoulders, torso. Great work.
My gentle class was a private - a scenario of what damage can happen over time when awareness is not available. Beautiful woman, mid-60's, with a torn medial meniscus (no remarkable incident, just discomfort and pain over the past few years). As a model, she was reminded over and over to stand with her tailbone over-scooped and thighs moving forward. She also stands with feet turned out. As we worked together, it was obvious her body awareness is great and she is able to do all the things I asked of her. Her work will be to create the 'habit' of feet parallel and thighs back. The meniscus might still be intact, had this work begun years ago (or never been necessary).
Today? Haircut -- do I keep it short or let it get a bit longer. In SLC, longer was the pattern. After all, I wanted a bit of hair to show from under the ski hats and helmet. Here? Not so necessary. Decisions, Decisions!
Hope you have a great Friday!
A challenge -- not that I am nervous or unprepared, but finding a class to teach that is 90 minutes long and occupied by more than 3-4 people is my task now. My own classes are either 75 minutes long, therapeutic/gentle in nature, or at odd periods of the day (in other words, not attended by the requisite six people). In response to this 'challenge', I've been volunteering like crazy when a sub request for a 90 minute class emerges.
Good plan. But, so far, not working. The instructor I subbed for this week (90 minute classes) has loyal students; students that have stayed away in light of her absence (I think/hope). So, classes have been 4-5 people rather than her usual 8-10. Bummer!
Next option: I signed up to teach 2 classes this Saturday morning. Saturday ought to be a well-attended class; at least, the 10 am class. The noon class - questionable for many people. It will be a double-pronged 'crap' shoot. First, the schedule at this studio is a rotation of instructors and styles for the class. Unusual for a Saturday morning (Saturday mornings are usually the territory of the strongest and most crowd-drawing instructor). The rotation here seems to work, tho; people do come, sometimes large numbers. So, we'll see.
And, second, the people who attend will not necessarily be Anusara devotees. They may have attended an Anusara class or two, but their preferred style may be something else.
I don't have much problem with the second issue -- what happens, happens; and the first, I can't control -- other than to set my own intention to teach a good class. I will have the camera available, see what happens, and go from there. Fingers crossed.
This week's pose emphasis has been hanumanasana. I attended Ashley's class on Monday, and she set the tone for all my teaching this week. Well, without the chocolate. Ashley celebrated her birthday on Monday; cupcakes in the studio, and one fired up instructor (was it the chocolate? or, can someone really get so excited and exuberant about their birthday? If it is the latter, good for her!) It was a great class and one in which we did ardha (or - some of us - 3/4 or even full) hanumanasana. Since then, each of my classes has been able to experience the pose (well, not the Gentle - that's another story); myself included, as I demo.
What else has happened for me? The moonwalk continues to be easier each time I do it. A great way to experience progress in the work we do. What is moonwalk, you ask? Experienced yogis: Begin in table, with feet at a bare wall, hands slightly in front of shoulders. Move to a short down dog, press your heart towards the wall and, staying strong in shoulders, lift feet onto the wall about hip height (your legs and arms are straight and you are in the shape of an "L"). Begin on right side, hugging a straight right leg back in towards your right hip (it will move 1/2 inch or so away from the wall). DON'T BEND THAT RIGHT KNEE! Allow the straight right leg to release towards the floor, as you bend the left knee, keeping left toes and foot firmly on the wall. Lifting the straight right leg towards the ceiling, straighten the left knee. Repeat once or twice, each side. What have you just done? A'la Betsey Downing, you have begun to imprint the kicking action needed to be a 'kicker' (great handstand prep) -- read one or two posts back. You are also strengthening your arms, shoulders, torso. Great work.
My gentle class was a private - a scenario of what damage can happen over time when awareness is not available. Beautiful woman, mid-60's, with a torn medial meniscus (no remarkable incident, just discomfort and pain over the past few years). As a model, she was reminded over and over to stand with her tailbone over-scooped and thighs moving forward. She also stands with feet turned out. As we worked together, it was obvious her body awareness is great and she is able to do all the things I asked of her. Her work will be to create the 'habit' of feet parallel and thighs back. The meniscus might still be intact, had this work begun years ago (or never been necessary).
Today? Haircut -- do I keep it short or let it get a bit longer. In SLC, longer was the pattern. After all, I wanted a bit of hair to show from under the ski hats and helmet. Here? Not so necessary. Decisions, Decisions!
Hope you have a great Friday!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
PRECISION
Interesting post title, isn't it? It comes from a student in a class that I guest-taught yesterday. As he thanked me for stepping in for his regular teacher, he noted that he has appreciated the 'precision' of my teaching each time he has encountered me.
Well, I like it. I'll take it. Just call me the 'precision princess', or some such name.
(As I re-read the previous paragraph, the staccato of the first 2 sentences remind me of a song from "Wicked" -- just an aside; comes from listening to the Broadway channel a bit too much, perhaps?)
Let's step back a couple days -- I've told you about Saturday, the no-urdhva backbend class day; but, not about Sunday, the 3-hour handstand day.
What fun, that was. My inclination: to stay away, to not put myself in a position of embarrassment because I don't kick up yet. Instead, I pushed and pushed and stepped through the door and into an amazing experience. Several levels of experience in the room, from non-kickers to the people trying to balance in the middle of the room (the kickers, I'll call them). How did she do it? How did she handle these different levels with so much skill -- practice, practice, practice.
First, Betsey watched the skilled kick to the wall. Then, she asked the rest of us to show her what we could do. And then, she paired each of the non-kickers with a kicker. (If you do yoga, this makes sense; if not, keep reading.) We went through a series of exercises, rotating time at the wall. This was great - why? Time for the wrists and arms to rest, as our partner worked. We would work on a task, and when finished get a demo of the next exercise or task -- one for the kicker; one for the non-kicker. Skillful teaching. Loved it.
FYI, I didn't kick up by myself, but I have tools now. Things to do to create strength and muscle memory for putting myself upside down, on my hands, against the wall (someday, without the wall) -- to be a 'kicker'.
We also were give homework -- to do random acts of kindness throughout our weeks. Yes!
Moving on to Monday -- a bit of yoga in the a.m. (on my own, practiced some things to make me a 'kicker'), some laundry and housework, then in to the Library for the BIGGEST class so far: 18! On to Temecula to participate in Ashley's class, then guest-taught (read first paragraph). Dinner with Howard, then home to our family of critters.
Today? Headed to my yoga room for a bit of practice, then to Carlsbad to teach, then to Temecula to teach. Busy driving day.
Hope you have a great Tuesday,
Well, I like it. I'll take it. Just call me the 'precision princess', or some such name.
(As I re-read the previous paragraph, the staccato of the first 2 sentences remind me of a song from "Wicked" -- just an aside; comes from listening to the Broadway channel a bit too much, perhaps?)
Let's step back a couple days -- I've told you about Saturday, the no-urdhva backbend class day; but, not about Sunday, the 3-hour handstand day.
What fun, that was. My inclination: to stay away, to not put myself in a position of embarrassment because I don't kick up yet. Instead, I pushed and pushed and stepped through the door and into an amazing experience. Several levels of experience in the room, from non-kickers to the people trying to balance in the middle of the room (the kickers, I'll call them). How did she do it? How did she handle these different levels with so much skill -- practice, practice, practice.
First, Betsey watched the skilled kick to the wall. Then, she asked the rest of us to show her what we could do. And then, she paired each of the non-kickers with a kicker. (If you do yoga, this makes sense; if not, keep reading.) We went through a series of exercises, rotating time at the wall. This was great - why? Time for the wrists and arms to rest, as our partner worked. We would work on a task, and when finished get a demo of the next exercise or task -- one for the kicker; one for the non-kicker. Skillful teaching. Loved it.
FYI, I didn't kick up by myself, but I have tools now. Things to do to create strength and muscle memory for putting myself upside down, on my hands, against the wall (someday, without the wall) -- to be a 'kicker'.
We also were give homework -- to do random acts of kindness throughout our weeks. Yes!
Moving on to Monday -- a bit of yoga in the a.m. (on my own, practiced some things to make me a 'kicker'), some laundry and housework, then in to the Library for the BIGGEST class so far: 18! On to Temecula to participate in Ashley's class, then guest-taught (read first paragraph). Dinner with Howard, then home to our family of critters.
Today? Headed to my yoga room for a bit of practice, then to Carlsbad to teach, then to Temecula to teach. Busy driving day.
Hope you have a great Tuesday,
Sunday, November 6, 2011
I DID IT
The two sessions yesterday with Betsey, that is. Afternoons, backbends; evening, forward folds.
The good news: no urdhva dhanurasana; the bad news: no urdhva dhanurasana. But, what we did do in the way of backbends was pretty challenging, and perhaps a bit more technical. I found that I haven't lost all my backbending talent -- there were moments of revelation; like, wow -- I can do this (or, at least it felt like I was doing it).
The forward fold class was 'no easy matter', either. Some challenging stuff there that worked our hips.
I am enjoying this time with Betsey. She is VERY knowledgeable, and - being a bit closer to my age - I am hearing many of the things I say in class used in her languaging. Maybe it's an 'age-thing', the verbiage we choose to use; or maybe something else about our make-up that is a bit similar. Haven't figured that out, but I love having some of the phrases I use validated.
I am going to leave this training with some new stuff to try on students, as well. Betsey, with her 30+ years of teaching experience, has developed some great moves that help to prepare us for the more challenging poses of our practice.
Today? Handstands. Another nemesis or dvesha pose. I enjoy it once I'm in it; it's the kicking-up part that has me baffled, still. Betsey has lots of good experience in this realm -- let's see what I'm saying after 3 hours of whatever she throws at us.
I'll keep you 'posted'. And, thank you, Cindy for the 'kick-in-the-rear' reminder about urdhva.
Have a nice Sunday, be it upside-down or rightside-up,
The good news: no urdhva dhanurasana; the bad news: no urdhva dhanurasana. But, what we did do in the way of backbends was pretty challenging, and perhaps a bit more technical. I found that I haven't lost all my backbending talent -- there were moments of revelation; like, wow -- I can do this (or, at least it felt like I was doing it).
The forward fold class was 'no easy matter', either. Some challenging stuff there that worked our hips.
I am enjoying this time with Betsey. She is VERY knowledgeable, and - being a bit closer to my age - I am hearing many of the things I say in class used in her languaging. Maybe it's an 'age-thing', the verbiage we choose to use; or maybe something else about our make-up that is a bit similar. Haven't figured that out, but I love having some of the phrases I use validated.
I am going to leave this training with some new stuff to try on students, as well. Betsey, with her 30+ years of teaching experience, has developed some great moves that help to prepare us for the more challenging poses of our practice.
Today? Handstands. Another nemesis or dvesha pose. I enjoy it once I'm in it; it's the kicking-up part that has me baffled, still. Betsey has lots of good experience in this realm -- let's see what I'm saying after 3 hours of whatever she throws at us.
I'll keep you 'posted'. And, thank you, Cindy for the 'kick-in-the-rear' reminder about urdhva.
Have a nice Sunday, be it upside-down or rightside-up,
Saturday, November 5, 2011
TO PARTICIPATE OR NOT . . .
I attended the first of 4 sessions with Betsey Downing last night. A nice potpourri class that was do-able and enjoyable. As we rolled up our mats, she announced that this afternoon's practice will be 'backbends', my nemesis, my dvesha poses.
So, as I sit here this morning, I am struggling with my desire (or lack thereof) to attend. Should I just skip it? I envision everyone reading this screaming (either out loud or to themselves), "NO!" Further, they are saying, "you need to get back in the backbend saddle". True dat.
I have circuitously avoided backbends (in particular, urdhva dhanurasana) for the many months I have been in Fallbrook. It's easy; I just don't practice them. In a class, I choose bridge; if asked, I would feign a sore shoulder, or some such malady (I really do have a sore right shoulder, at times.).
So now, here I am all signed up. Enthusiastic to study with Betsey. On the verge of 'chickening out' because of one pose.
For a few minutes, let's think about something else. Yesterday was one of the rainiest we've spent at this new home in Fallbrook. It was great to hear the rain hitting the ground and to know that our avocado and citrus trees will be soaking up all that moisture. It was also a day with lots of comings and goings: contractor here to install a couple lights; people picking up dog-loos we had sold on Craigslist; and a young woman picking up a box of classical music (also a Craigslist sale). What's left to sell? Probably lots of stuff, but right now the only listing that remains is the chandelier from our dining room (the one we replaced yesterday with our 'traveling' chandelier).
When we lived in Nashville, we purchased a solid brass chandelier -- simple design and HEAVY. Over the years, as we've bought and sold houses, down comes the chandelier to be replaced with something a future owner might like. We pack it up and it moves with us. For a few of those moves, I helped my husband install it. After a few, we figured out that our marital sanity deserved better - so, now we hire someone to take it down and re-install it. Brass is 'out' according to interior design magazines; I figured that much out during this last home sale and purchase. But, the 'traveling' chandelier has too many memories, it makes our house truly our home, it makes me happy to look at it. Besides what goes around, comes around -- brass will be 'in' again someday.
Now back to the workshop. I'll go; swallow my pride -- because that is really what's stopping me, my ego. To be a yoga teacher in a room of studied yogis and not be able to achieve a pose is really what holds me back. And, yes - I know, if I practiced the pose, it wouldn't be this way. But, it is. Maybe this is what it takes to kick my you-know-what back into action. We'll see.
And, tomorrow? Handstands. I may be writing the same post tomorrow -- just changing the words a bit.
Hope our Saturdays go well,
So, as I sit here this morning, I am struggling with my desire (or lack thereof) to attend. Should I just skip it? I envision everyone reading this screaming (either out loud or to themselves), "NO!" Further, they are saying, "you need to get back in the backbend saddle". True dat.
I have circuitously avoided backbends (in particular, urdhva dhanurasana) for the many months I have been in Fallbrook. It's easy; I just don't practice them. In a class, I choose bridge; if asked, I would feign a sore shoulder, or some such malady (I really do have a sore right shoulder, at times.).
So now, here I am all signed up. Enthusiastic to study with Betsey. On the verge of 'chickening out' because of one pose.
For a few minutes, let's think about something else. Yesterday was one of the rainiest we've spent at this new home in Fallbrook. It was great to hear the rain hitting the ground and to know that our avocado and citrus trees will be soaking up all that moisture. It was also a day with lots of comings and goings: contractor here to install a couple lights; people picking up dog-loos we had sold on Craigslist; and a young woman picking up a box of classical music (also a Craigslist sale). What's left to sell? Probably lots of stuff, but right now the only listing that remains is the chandelier from our dining room (the one we replaced yesterday with our 'traveling' chandelier).
When we lived in Nashville, we purchased a solid brass chandelier -- simple design and HEAVY. Over the years, as we've bought and sold houses, down comes the chandelier to be replaced with something a future owner might like. We pack it up and it moves with us. For a few of those moves, I helped my husband install it. After a few, we figured out that our marital sanity deserved better - so, now we hire someone to take it down and re-install it. Brass is 'out' according to interior design magazines; I figured that much out during this last home sale and purchase. But, the 'traveling' chandelier has too many memories, it makes our house truly our home, it makes me happy to look at it. Besides what goes around, comes around -- brass will be 'in' again someday.
Now back to the workshop. I'll go; swallow my pride -- because that is really what's stopping me, my ego. To be a yoga teacher in a room of studied yogis and not be able to achieve a pose is really what holds me back. And, yes - I know, if I practiced the pose, it wouldn't be this way. But, it is. Maybe this is what it takes to kick my you-know-what back into action. We'll see.
And, tomorrow? Handstands. I may be writing the same post tomorrow -- just changing the words a bit.
Hope our Saturdays go well,
Thursday, November 3, 2011
BEES & OTHER LITTLE CRITTERS (people) . . .
I read sometime recently about a woman who purchased a home, moved in, got settled, then noticed a dripping brown goo running down her walls.
This, my friends, is the result of exterminating a hive of bees who have set up residence in your walls or roof. The bees die (or go away), the hive remains and begins to disintegrate. All that honey has to go somewhere -- so, it begins to seep through the walls, dripping down to the floor (or furniture) below. Eventually the dead bees, the rotting hive, and the honey will begin to smell.
The scenario I describe is now happening to me!?!?! A hive of bees, entry point right above the patio, which we had exterminated (this, I'm told, is the way -- no way to relocate the bees; they're too happy with this spot). So, the bee man came and sprayed. His evaluation: the hive is not too big; not enough bees swarming around, not to worry. Well, that was wrong. The hive is disintegrating and one day I saw a spot and, thinking it was a bug, took tissue to pick it up -- sticky! Looked up -- two large drips coming from a seam in the ceiling. No smell yet, but not going to even let this get to that point.
Ahh, home ownership and its challenges. Call bee man; he will open my wall and remove the hive tomorrow, spray the area with a light bleach to eliminate residual pheromone odor (which will attract them back), replace insulation, seal their entry CLOSED. Then, in comes the contractor to repair the hole in the drywall.
As happy as we are with this decision -- Fallbrook, an acre of land, smaller home, fruit trees, it comes with a price. That price -- property management and maintenance. We've always done it, nothing new; just a different kind of maintenance than we experienced in Salt Lake.
Oh, well -- we could be shoveling snow. Looking for the good here.
Yesterday was a home maintenance day, with a break in the afternoon to sub 2 classes for a fellow ill instructor. Kids classes. I now know my limitations -- kids classes are not my 'cup of tea'. Nice kids in attendance, but I had not a clue what to do with them to keep them interested and motivated. Well, they got a class, no one got hurt, they did move. I am sure they'll be happy to have their regular instructor back next week.
Today? Two classes -- one in Carlsbad this morning, 10:30am; second one in Temecula at 4pm. Adults.
Hope you have a great Thursday,
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
ACTIVE FEET
I taught yesterday; an all-levels class at the Fallbrook Library. This is my volunteer class. I love teaching it. Not because it's volunteer, but because of the level of studentship in the room.
As I scanned the room, everyone in their best janu sirsasana, I noticed the feet. Of the 10 pairs of feet (20 in all - feet, that is), not one was 'flopping in the wind'. All were active - toes bright and pointing towards the ceiling on extended leg; on the other bent leg, toes were pressing to the floor. This is unusual; since, my experience has been that in a class of 10 students, I am bound to have one or two who forget, who don't see the value, who aren't 'in the class' enough to activate (and keep activated) the feet.
I believe I've commented before about this group, about their full participation in class. The last time was about 'full stretch', and the level of effort being expended to get into the 'full stretch' I had requested.
And, the longer I teach, the more convinced I am that this reflects how much students value being in the practice of yoga.
Not sure where I am headed with this. I could go off on a diatribe about studentship, or I could simply say this is a great group to teach, or I could stop and go off on another topic. Let's just say that I am impressed. A volunteer class, at the library, just 60 minutes long, all levels of experience, is not the place I expect to see this kind of dedication to the practice. But, I'm seeing it. They embrace, accept, carry out instructions; they don't forget.
Kudos to the Library Class!
Today? Teaching in Carlsbad - 10:30am; then to Temecula to teach at 2pm and again at 4:30. Busy day, lots of driving, fueled by memories of happy toes, active feet.
Hope your Tuesday is a good one,
As I scanned the room, everyone in their best janu sirsasana, I noticed the feet. Of the 10 pairs of feet (20 in all - feet, that is), not one was 'flopping in the wind'. All were active - toes bright and pointing towards the ceiling on extended leg; on the other bent leg, toes were pressing to the floor. This is unusual; since, my experience has been that in a class of 10 students, I am bound to have one or two who forget, who don't see the value, who aren't 'in the class' enough to activate (and keep activated) the feet.
I believe I've commented before about this group, about their full participation in class. The last time was about 'full stretch', and the level of effort being expended to get into the 'full stretch' I had requested.
And, the longer I teach, the more convinced I am that this reflects how much students value being in the practice of yoga.
Not sure where I am headed with this. I could go off on a diatribe about studentship, or I could simply say this is a great group to teach, or I could stop and go off on another topic. Let's just say that I am impressed. A volunteer class, at the library, just 60 minutes long, all levels of experience, is not the place I expect to see this kind of dedication to the practice. But, I'm seeing it. They embrace, accept, carry out instructions; they don't forget.
Kudos to the Library Class!
Today? Teaching in Carlsbad - 10:30am; then to Temecula to teach at 2pm and again at 4:30. Busy day, lots of driving, fueled by memories of happy toes, active feet.
Hope your Tuesday is a good one,
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