ON FEEDBACK

It's been two weeks of significant teaching feedback for me.

First, there was my video class. A good opportunity for me, teaching a group of well-schooled yoga students in a beautiful studio. Feedback to self: not the video to send in. I knew this before I ever watched it. Why? There was just a 'not right' feeling about how I taught the class. A few unsettling things happened at the start of class; I placed myself in an awkward spot (thinking it would be the best spot); and I knew I hadn't served everyone from my highest capability.

I pondered this for 6 days, delayed watching the video. Sundari came to town, offered to watch it with me; which we did on Sunday. We laughed, I grimaced, puzzled looks crossed her face on a few occasions. In the end, her assessment was the same as mine -- not the video to submit. Good teaching, for me, however, as she reviewed the positives and the not-so-positives. She also was generous enough to offer pointers to improve the next one.

Tuesday, we drove into Carlsbad for my 10:30 class, which Sundari planned to attend. Small class; in fact, only one person arrived. New to the studio, about my age, worried she wasn't dressed 'right', and - she admitted - a bit discouraged with her level of physical activity lately. She also noted that she had tried yoga several times, only to leave with a sore neck. We talked. She stayed. Sundari, the new student and I began the class.

When finished, student expressed appreciation and said she'd be back. Her reaction to the class was positive, I saw awareness blossom as she tried a few new things, and she exclaimed on more than one occasion that she had not received the level of explanation before that I had given her -- good stuff.

Sundari and I went to lunch. During that short lunch, I got more than I bargained for (perhaps, to be honest, even wanted). A gift, Sundari began -- this student was a gift. She will teach me so much about my teaching and I need to embrace that. (I agree.) She went on to explain how she might have worked with this student -- pointing out helpful things and not-so-helpful things for a student struggling with a flat neck and a heel spur. I may have heard it before, but had forgotten that there is a connection between the two -- people who have flat necks may develop heel spurs. The feedback was a bit sobering -- not that I did anything really wrong, but that she saw I could have done so much more!. Her role at lunch was to cheerlead and not by telling me how great I had done (false praise), but by telling me how much more I could do. At one point, she said: 'you need to take off the leash, get out of your head, get on your mat, feel your body, then teach from what you have learned from your time on the mat by yourself, feeling the impact of the practice on your body'. Ouch, in a good way.

On to Temecula, where I teach an afternoon Therapeutics/Gentle Class. 4 in the room - 2 with neck issues, one with a need to relax, and Sundari. I was under the gun, so to speak. Remembering what Sundari had said at lunch, I approached the class differently. As she had done for Saturday's workshop, we began in savasana, then went to the wall for shoulder and leg work, returned to the mat for some standing and balance poses. Emphasis - legs and muscular energy; from that extending up through the crown of the head. To the floor, a few twists. Then, using a folded blanket, we moved through two pranayama exercises (don't like that word - exercise, but lacking any other right now). Savasana.

Tea and discussion with one of the students after class. Then the drive home. Anticipating feedback. "Better", she said, "better."

I was relieved, and it felt good to change it up a bit; to look at these students with a fresh eye, and to teach them from the perspective of what would help them, not just from a template of what people expect. Different, and better.

Ahhh, feedback -- gotta receive and accept it; gotta love it; it is a good thing.

Next video opportunity? Next week. All positive vibes will be welcome!

Hope you have a great Wednesday.

SMILING

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

Nice. Love it. Even posted my love for this quote on Facebook. It reminded me of my students yesterday.

My one-hour class at the Fallbrook Library is clicking right along. I had 9 the first week; 4 of those returned the second week; the other 4 returned yesterday (third week). I view this as a good sign -- everyone (except one) returning for another class -- just not at the same time. Still a positive. I'm on the schedule for the Fall in this same time slot -- looking for more and more as word gets out.

My alignment emphasis in yesterday's Library class was muscular energy (some of the sequence borrowed from Noah's 60-minute class on YogaGlo - same emphasis). With 4 in the room, it's easy to keep track of what everyone is doing, offer enhancements, even get down next to a student and do a pose where there is a language barrier. One student in particular, no language barrier, kept smiling and laughing softly.

I could take this one of two ways. The old Leslie might have been offended -- assuming she was laughing at my verbiage or, worse, my teaching. The new Leslie looks at this as a compliment. I choose to believe that she was truly enjoying the class, happy to be in the room, moving her body, with people who have a like-minded desire. That's what I choose to believe and I'm sticking to it! Because I believe it to be true. That's why I smile and laugh in a yoga class. Because I am happy to be there.

Oh sure, the first few minutes my muscles might ache, I wonder why I bothered, I worry I'm too 'something' to be there. But, as I move, these negative thoughts go away, and I'm left to move without thinking too much. Afterwards, I feel good. Glad I stuck it out. Proud of myself, even.

When my 4 students lifted their hips in eka hasta bhujasana, there were smiles around the room. No matter how high the hips went (or, even if they got off the ground), simply making the effort brought a level of joy into the room. I wonder when or if any of them had ever tried to get their leg on top of their shoulder!?!?! Fun stuff. I smiled, too.

Today? Teaching in Carlsbad, 10:30 am, Intro to Anusara Class; then to Temecula for my 2pm Therapeutic/Gentle Class.

Hope your Tuesday is great!

SUNDARI IN FALLBROOK

Friday, my good friend and mentor - Sundari - arrived in Fallbrook.

Actually, she arrived in San Diego, took the Coaster (a commuter train that runs up the coastline) to Oceanside, where I picked her up. It is so good to see her after several months (and, that was a brief 2 hours). This is planned to be a longer visit.

What have (will) we done (do)? Well, yesterday afternoon was spent at Living Yoga in Temecula, where Sundari offered a 4-hour mini-workshop on therapeutics to us (fellow instructors and students). I was blanketed in remembrance as she began to speak -- such a voice, such great verbiage. I can strive to speak like that, not identically, but still so inspiringly. Then, there were the cues she offered -- memories of classes/times past. The overall tempo of the session was soft (not easy, but soft); using our breath and our inner voice to access the desired movement.

We began with the pelvis, hips and thighs -- Sundari skillfully took us through the anatomy and into the importance of thighs back, seated in hip socket. After this portion, I now have a new tool that offers me a clear sense of inner spiral of the back leg in poses like parsvakonasana, pidgeon, etc. AND, of outer spiral of the front leg. Great psoas work, healthy psoas work. When done, I was almost able to straighten my leg (with hand to foot) in supta padangusthasana AND keep the leg on the floor rooted and strong. Progress in a pose I thought may always require a strap; maybe not (YES!).

Moving on, shoulders, upper back, neck. All good work and valuable to me, posture-wise, and as I work with students.

How was this work received by those attending. One example: Andrea (studio owner), attended and noted in the beginning that she needed to leave at 4:30 (30 minutes early). At 4:45, she was still in the room and Sundari generously reminded her that her departure time had passed. The response? "I know; I don't want to leave." Nice.

Then, each person had questions after the end of our session; we left Temecula at 6 (it was still almost 100 degrees there), drove back to Fallbrook and enjoyed a bit (maybe a lot) of Mexican food on the patio of a local restaurant.

Today? Watching the video together -- will get her input before sending it to Sarah, my Certification reviewer. I am not averse to doing another one if this is not the right video. Then a drive to the beach, where we plan to walk and enjoy the ocean. Maybe lunch somewhere.

Hope your Sunday is a great one!

MOTIVATION

My therapeutic / gentle yoga class is a great forum to experience motivation and it can also be a place to watch a quick decline in motivation. My job just got tougher as the teacher. Huh?

Yesterday's class included 4 students -- H (fibromyalgia), A (recovering from car accident injuries, including a broken neck), C (recently hurt her back, bulging disc, L4-5), and M (similar back issue, but not so recent).

Students arrive in class appearing motivated and ready to work on their 'issues'. Often, tho, when faced with movement, movement that might create discomfort (fear working its magic), their motivation fizzles. Imagine a candle struggling to light, but being overwhelmed by the wax at the base of the wick -- sputtering, needing a bit of coaxing, like that -- this is my analogy to struggling motivation, at this stage.

I think this is especially true for students with back issues -- the pain can/is so severe that to risk re-injuring or re-creating that pain is a prospect they will avoid at all costs. I don't blame them - I have hurt my back and I know how much it hurt; fortunately, mine lasted only 2-3 days (yoga's benefits?). And, my experience in yoga made me well-prepared to return to my practice with a full toolbox of ideas/things to do to further strengthen the core and avoid future 'stuff'. The students coming to this class are often new to yoga, haven't seen the magic happen with a dedicated practice, and are - sometimes - so fearful they will give up at the least little muscle tug in the back.

Yesterday, I worried this was happening for one student -- she began enthusiastically, realized her arms were sore and tired (her explanation: lack of activity because of the back injury), a couple times I heard the comment - 'I better stop now, or I won't come back'. At that point, I began to slow the movement for everyone; we switched gears to restorative mode and I set everyone up in some enjoyable supported poses. The next 30 minutes, students simply focused on their breath, allowing the bolsters, blankets and blocks to support their bodies.

Class over, everyone appeared relaxed and refreshed. I heard everyone say 'see you next week'. I hope so.

Hope you have a great Wednesday,

IT'S A WRAP . . . (I hope)

The video class happened. I had many fears and misgivings about this one; which was a new experience for me -- previously, video'ing didn't make me nervous (I didn't like watching the finished product, however.). What was I nervous about? Here's a short list:

1. My 3-4pm class at the Fallbrook Library would, for some reason, hold me up and I'd get stuck in the Fallbrook traffic (which for a small town can be daunting, especially between 4-6pm)

2. I would escape Fallbrook, only to get to I-15 and see a parking lot. This does happen, not a lot (knock on wood), but it does. Alternate routes are few and feel even slower.

3. I would forget all my well-laid and scripted plans.

4. No one would come to the class.

5. Mid-way through the video, I'd make a HUGE mistake, throw up my arms, have a mini hissy fit, and turn the camera off.

Well, fortunately, none of this happened. I discovered a new route out of Fallbrook - still traffic, but not so heavy. I-15 was moving right along. I didn't forget the sequence, but did improvise the script. 12 people were in class. No HUGE mistakes; a couple missteps, none that would require a 'hissy fit'.

I am not saying that it is a wonderful video. That is yet to be determined -- I have to watch it. My least favorite part, the part where I initially look only at myself, my posture, how I look (vanity). There may be some 'gaffs' in there that will eliminate this video from the running. I hope not. But, I won't know until I watch it (maybe later today).

What I can say about it is that I did carry the theme and alignment emphasis throughout the class. I did look at foundations, enhancing where needed. I laughed a bit (students too, tho quietly). I got one demo in - not sure I was in the best spot of the room, and I forgot to ask them to gather round -- just asked them to watch from their mats. The most remarkable element of the class -- not one chaturanga dandasana. This was a Basic level class, tho many were skilled practitioners; just taught the poses (surya's) without the vinyasa element (chaturanga dandasana, cobra, down dog, second side).

What was my theme? Shradda (trust). I changed up my opening comments to telling students how grateful I was that Ashley had enough trust in me to graciously allow me to teach her class. Wow! Some days themes just fit right in. My heart quality was confidence -- when we trust, we are more confident. My alignment emphasis was shoulder loop. My apex pose was Ustrasana (camel).

It was fun. If I have to do it over, I think I'll feel less nervous -- this hiatus between the previous video and this one has not helped. I really need the camera in the room, reminding me.

Hope your Tuesday is GREAT!

READY, SET, VIDEO!

Yes, my second video will be created tomorrow. Am I nervous? Am I worried? Am I whatever? Not really. And, not sure why.

I have video'd a lot -- this is a tip for those of you fearing the video process. It really does get easier the more you do, so video a LOT; even if you do nothing with those videos but erase them. Watch some, tho; this takes practice, as well -- hard to look at ourselves without looking at outfit, posture, mannerisms. It takes a while to just be comfortable watching with an objective eye.

Video'ing for Certification in Anusara® yoga teaching is a BIG deal. It's the final bridge to a long, long stream of work and study. My Certification reviewer has reviewed my plan for the class -- theme, heart quality, apex, alignment focus -- has given me the 'go'. So, I'll 'go'. Tomorrow.

Ashley, who regularly teaches at 5pm on Mondays, has graciously turned over her classroom to me for this video opportunity. Not really an 'invitation' class, but a well-schooled group of people who love Ashley, yet are willing to allow me into the room for this chance to teach them, all the while the video camera will be running.

My plan to supplement my preparation -- write out a list of words (thesaurus comes in VERY handy at these times), so I don't repeat the same instructions/feelings over and over ad nauseum. I also will go back to my reviewer's notes from the one video she has seen and read them again -- I know what she wanted me to improve; I may pick up other 'pearls', previously un-noticed by me. I will do one more run-thru of the entire class -- practicing it myself, guiding myself through the sequence. Still not entirely comfortable with this -- talking to myself (out loud, no less), as I practice, alone. Perhaps it's o.k. to ask a question of myself as I do this? Really role play the experience. This may be the one time it is all right to answer when I'm talking to myself.

I hope to do all this early in the day, today. Then, I will try NOT to think about it too much; at least, until tomorrow afternoon.

Mental note to self: take the camera and all needed paraphernalia.

Wish me luck!

THE SPECTRUM OF GENTLE/THERAPEUTIC YOGA

First, let me say, it was a great day for me yesterday -- both of my classes were well attended and my teaching felt confident and energetic.

This is in contrast to Monday, when my practice had a bit of a 'struggle-edge' to it (huh?). I am hopeful this corresponds to the fact that I am recovering from the surprise cold I've been dealing with -- two weeks ago, a mild sore throat; then, sore throat followed by the cough; then, into hiding (the cold); until my plane landed in Spokane for my visit with my parents -- then all 'heck' broke lose -- sneezing, nose running, stuffy for 3 days -- so pleasant!

On the mend, I went to class Monday, but felt 'weary' -- no oomph in my get-along, if you know what I mean. I did feel better at the end of the class I participated in, but I was not pleased with my energy level.

Now, to the topic referenced in the title.

My Tuesday afternoon class is attended by students struggling with 'stuff', and is titled "Therapeutic/Gentle Yoga". Whoever shows, gets a practice that I modify to whatever they are dealing with and - hopefully - gives them some insight to finding stability, more movement, less discomfort, etc. I believe I have a knack for working with this population; and I am very aware and thankful of the information passed to me from my teachers (too many to mention here), and also to the Principles of Alignment that I believe work magic.

Yesterday was no different - 3 students in the room (not a problem if this class is small; in fact, it is probably a good thing). The spectrum of physical abilities and knowledge was what I marvel at this morning. K, with a bit of back pain (and who has been in before with regards to his hamstrings - remember '5 Minutes'?); H, suffering from generalized fibromyalgia (meaning it affects the whole body); and D, with a problematic shoulder. While each had a valid reason for being in the class, each also possesses a different level of yoga expertise. This, in itself, could be daunting.

I dove in; laughing at my jokes (very important), trying to offer variations that would challenge, but not over-challenge, observing the outcome - asking for feedback (because otherwise, people tend to be very quiet during yoga class, and - in this setting - feedback is critical; I need to know if they are feeling what I am conveying and also what the result of that is - does it feel good, or hurt, or feel manageable, like that). So, the class becomes a conversation and - hopefully - no one is too shy to share -- which, in this group, was not a problem.

Three people, two of whom had met in passing at other classes, thrown together in my class to work on different issues; all with different levels of yoga expertise. Interesting! And. Fun. Loved. It.

Have a great Wednesday!