Notes from the past week . . .

My week began last Sunday, when I taught the 9am all-levels yoga class at Living Yoga in Temecula.  The class went well, but it was during that class that I noticed a small spot on my lower leg.  Monday, I had a few more spots which were red, raised and painful to touch (???).  After a few uncomfortable days a diagnosis - erythema nodosum.  It's basically an inflammatory process, signaling something amiss in the body but also can be idiopathic (which means no apparent cause).  My labs have come back normal, so idiopathic?  The spots will remain for 4-6 weeks.  What fun!

But, on the lighter side -- I am not contagious, I'm just a bit 'lumpy' in the lower legs; good excuse to order some longer yoga pants to cover most of the spots. Thank you, Prana.

On the teaching side, I've been taking two courses with Christina Sell online.  One, Teaching the Raw Beginner, is a great reminder of what students new-to-yoga will need.  In addition to the webinar lectures (8 weeks' worth), I also have access to her online yoga classes (beginner series included).  Great tool and I get so much from her teaching.  So, each morning this week, my husband awakens to Christina's voice as I try to complete the course.

The second series is Alchemy of Flow & Form, taught by Christina and Gioconda Parker.  I hate to tell you how far behind I am with that one.  Each month they post lectures, practices, study guides.  THEY are at month 6 (I think); I am back at month 3.  Trying to finish the Beginner course, then will go back to Alchemy.  It's great -- I just think I got too ambitious with online study sign-ups.

And my personal teaching?  I have been using and heralding the use of props in our practice as I teach. Lately it's been the block.

Many classes I teach are attended by students newer to yoga.  A characteristic trait of these students is a lack of confidence in their abilities, specifically balance when separating legs or standing on one leg.

Let's look at a lunge.  I have always asked students to hug legs together in their lunges (high lunge or knee-down lunge).  What I described to them (notice past tense), was to pull back foot (or knee) towards front foot and front foot towards knee (or back foot) -- an isometric 'drawing in'.  Similar to trying to close a sticky pair of scissors.

Then, thanks to someone, it was pointed out that the 'hug' is also from side to side.  I knew that, but I was not communicating it to students -- I was sticking with the scissors instruction.  How does one teach a 'hug the midline' instruction while in a lunge, however?  Then, I remembered the blocks.

When I am in a teaching situation these days, I try to have students do a few moves at the start of class with a block between their thighs (gently embracing the block, not trying to crush it).  After a few moves, we take the block out and move on to other poses. My instructions from that point on, are -- even in lunges or standing poses -- to embrace the 'imaginary' block.  It works.  I can't explain it, but it works (for them AND me).  I look out at a steadier group when I offer these instructions, and - students tell me - they are able to use this tool and feel more stable.

I love this exploration!

Seems like more happened this week, but I guess not.  The new diagnosis seemed to consume my thought process.  The new teaching tool is an exciting one.  Oh -- one more very IMPORTANT happening -- Grand-Dude Carson turned 4 on Wednesday.  That day, I was not sure whether I was contagious or not, so I missed the dinner celebration.  I hear (and see via video) that it was a good one.  Sorry to have missed it.

I hope you have a great weekend,

A COUPLE WEEKS IN MY TEACHING (AND OTHER) LIFE

After my last post, I was flattered to receive a request for a group of teacher training students to be 'required' to read my writings as part of their curriculum.  I knew people read my blog; never dreamt it cast such a wide net!

This request also compels me to write a bit more often; perhaps, not as often as I used to, but more frequently.

Teaching has been an 'adventure' lately.  As in:

• Students with varying levels of ability in almost all my classes, which creates a challenge.  It's not a challenge I don't feel up to; however, it does require some 'thinking on my feet'.  As in, if I am going to teach a pose like vasisthasana, and know that I have more experienced students in the room -- how do I offer everyone that wonderful feeling of opening in the pose.  I begin with the knee-down variation, see how things are going; next stage would be to have both knees away from the floor (those who aren't feeling up to the challenge, remain in knee-down); then, we may move to the wall, and try the pose with our top leg in vrksasana (tree pose form).  So, it's a progression; taking into account who is in the room, and give everyone experience of the pose.

• I've offered to teach some weekend classes, also.  These classes, contrary to what I had been used to in Salt Lake, are rotated among teachers at the studio in Temecula.  So, every once in a while, it is my chance to teach people I have never seen before.  And, because it is a mixed-level or basic-intermediate, there is a good chance I'll have many levels of ability in the room.  My challenge?  To teach intelligently, but not try to 'fix' everyone.  So long as someone is not in 'danger' of tweaking a knee or otherwise hurting themselves.  Last week's class - a good example of everyone but one doing what I asked.  What did I do then?  Well, after repeating instructions for the first ¼ of the class, I just gave up.  She had experience, she wasn't going to hurt herself, she (also) was not truly experiencing the poses; but . . .  (I would describe myself as a 'control' person, especially when teaching; so, it is hard - for me - to just let it be.)

• A student requested a private, which went well.  That student then came to one of my Gentle classes.  Knowing that person's 'stuff', I kept it VERY gentle; only to have one of their hip flexors spasm. Pain, lack of ability to move (as in walk), created a sickening feeling in my stomach and a true sense of "I don't know what to do to help this person".  Gradually, the spasm released and the student made it home safely.  I went home and did a LOT of reading on hip flexors.  What movement was the person doing?  Simply moving out of a restorative pose to shift to the other side.  Made me realize it can happen anytime, anywhere, no matter how healthy they look.  

• My teaching has expanded more to Fallbrook these days.  I've sub-letted (on an hourly basis), a space in a martial arts center, along with some others who teach hip-hop, TRX, etc.  It's large and has hardwood floors.  I expanded my prop collection, bought a shelving unit for the adjacent storeroom, and put out a 'shingle'.  The classes, as do many of mine, have grown slowly.  Yesterday morning's group numbered 10 (the largest in the first 3 months of this venture).  It's fun to be close to home, to teach people who live in my community (or in nearby communities), and to get to know the people who are my neighbors.  

• Continuing with my studies with Christina Sell online.  I am currently enrolled in her and Gioconda Parker's "Alchemy Online Advanced TT", which - I believe - I've talked about before in this blog.  I am also enrolled in a shorter series, also taught by Christina, topic:  teaching beginners.  All good stuff.  

• My reading lately has been Doug Keller (always), as I've prepared for the workshop series coming to an end in July (titled "Top to Bottom", an adventure through the body, broken down into 3 individual workshops).  I've also been reading a book titled "Quiet" -- about introversion; I am enjoying reading about the qualities I have, especially since I've been criticized in the past for not being 'perky' enough.  And, a bit of fiction -- need some distraction from time-to-time.

• On a personal note, we have spent time working on yard and house.  We are planning a couple of trips, and we are enjoying Grand-Dudes and their antics.  

Hope you are having a great week, and be safe this July 4th!!!

TEACHER TRAINING COMPLETED - NOW WHAT? (a few thoughts on teaching and study)

As yoga instructors, perhaps we’ve all been there -- teacher training completed, maybe even an advanced training done; now what do we do?  

I was fortunate in that during my tenure as a student, I purchased a small yoga studio in a moderate-sized community.  It was then that I began a teacher training (after practicing for 4 years).  I then taught classes for the 7 years I owned and managed the studio.  Fortunately, I sold the studio before moving to another state.  

I say fortunate since many yoga studios ‘close’ rather than ‘sell’.   

Now that I have been practicing yoga for 16 years, and teaching for 13 of those years, I feel able to share some thoughts for the growing population of new teachers entering our ranks.  Here goes:  

1.  Study with as many teachers as you are able.

As a student and emerging teacher, I studied with varied instructors.  Part of what I hoped to learn is how to develop my own ‘voice’.  Huh?  What I mean by that is that each of us speaks and teaches in a unique way.  I never wanted to sound like my long-time instructor; so I made sure I studied with many people.  I still went back to the long-time teacher each week, but I was getting a dose of other peoples’ voices - their verbal styles and approaches to teaching.  

2.  Graduated or not, find a mentor.

Though I studied with many people, as I progressed I could see places I needed improvement.  One of those was my lack of assertiveness in the classes I taught; my ability to truly ‘take the seat’.  I tended to be the teacher who said “stretch your leg, if you will”, or “move to down dog, or child’s pose if that’s more pleasing”.  Instructions that were ‘nice’ and didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings, but also didn’t instill much confidence in me as a teacher, or in my students about their own abilities.  It was as if I might be discounting their abilities.  

Solution?  I found a teacher (one I had studied with several times) who I knew to be strong and motivating.  She is a no-nonsense type of instructor, but one who is able to offer modifications to students WITHOUT making them feel ‘less than’.  

I spent 12 months studying with said mentor on-line.  Each month, I received a lecture and practice guidelines which I dutifully noted and studied.  Result?  A more confident, more assertive, and more confidence-instilling attitude as I taught my classes.  

3.  Find your niche (and, realize what you are NOT good at).

Each of us is gifted with a set of skills students need.  Mine happens to be a skill in working with students who struggle with an injury or chronic illness, are older, or who haven’t moved for a while.  My classes are not necessarily soft and cuddly, tho labeled ‘gentle’.  My goal is always to help students become stronger and more flexible.  I teach so that students will be able to move into other classes or, should they remain with me, will not get bored.  

By the same token, over the early years I also came to know the types of classes that I am NOT best at teaching.  I can ‘kill’ a prenatal or restorative classes faster than you might imagine.  That’s hard to believe, I think, because I am a great gentle yoga teacher; but, put me in a room of young, pregnant women and I find myself at a loss for words.  In restorative classes, I’d like people to move a bit before settling in; I quickly found out that’s not their goal.  Today, I only teach those classes as a sub, and then only in a pinch.  

4.  Appreciate silence (yours).

As I began teaching, I was naturally nervous - filling all available spaces with my instructions or thoughts.  There was little silence in the room.  Then, one day an amazing thing happened.  I asked students to move into Ardha Chandrasana (half moon).  As I watched a student, I felt the verbal motor churning - ready to offer compliments, modifications and/or corrections; the need to fill empty space.  For some reason, I stopped and watched.  Her pose opened, much like a flower opening in the sunlight.  Had I interrupted her, who knows where or how the pose would have happened.  Fortunately for her (and me), I was silent and watching.  As she came out of the pose, all I could or would say was ‘beautiful’.  Lesson learned. To this day, I have students tell me they appreciate that I offer instruction but not 'banter'.

5.  Be patient.

Over the years, I’ve started a number of classes. I teach a bit differently that others, which means students are not readily attracted.  Word of mouth brings people in, slowly.  An example:  this year, my gentle yoga class (2pm on a Tuesday), which had limped along for 2 years serving 3-4 people, literally jumped to an average of 10-12.  It happens.  Give people time to get to know you, to hear about you, to learn your skills.  It will happen.  

And, one more thought -- keep studying.  One thing I notice about this practice is that it is always evolving.  Great teachers coming up with new ways to teach a pose, a new refinement.  Reading is a great tool -- either thru books or on-line (blogs, social media, etc.).  I've also invested in some on-line courses; and, over time, I've learned which instructors can 'hook' me; keep me interested and tuning in each week or month for the next installment.  Workshops with local instructors and/or visiting teachers offer variety and a chance to meet people.  Keep your eyes and ears open for these opportunities.  

Any questions?  Contact me.  

Enjoy your Wednesday and the Summer!

BITTERSWEET DAYS

The past two weeks have brought me some bittersweet moments.

First, is that Desiree has decided to stop the Wisdom Warrior classes at Yoga Del Mar due to her travel schedule for the rest of this year.  I am sad.  There is no better way to say it.  A mainstay and a highlight of my weeks is no more.  So, how does one 'look for the good' in this?

Well, I do have August (a retreat with Desiree and Andrew) to look forward to.  And, I am able to consider Desiree a friend.  She even sent me a note during the fires last week asking how we were doing; were the fires affecting us?  Made me smile.

Mentioning the fires, I must say that 'yes' we are o.k.  They surrounded us on 3 (of 4) sides, but were not close enough to create the need for evacuation.  I had the car loaded with needed paperwork and precious 'stuff'; the most precious - dogs and cat - were ready, if needed.  Howard was traveling, so he escaped the 2 major days of stress, came home to smoke and another fire on Camp Pendleton, which turned out to not be a threat to us.  So, we are o.k.  Gearing up, however, for a long, hot and dry summer.

Yesterday was the last class at the Fallbrook Library for 10 weeks.  That is a bittersweet moment, also.  30 people who have faithfully come to this class for many months (years?) are now without their mainstay.  Hopefully, they will come find me in other locations, and will return in mid-August when our 'Library vacation' ends.  This was not my choice; budget limitations and the Summer reading program for children pushed us out, but just for the summer.  We'll be back.

I now offer 7 classes each week -- 4 in Temecula and 3 in Fallbrook.  If you read this and are curious where -- go to my website, www.skilllfulyoga.com for that information.

This past Saturday, I offered the first of a 3-session workshop series titled "Head to Toe".  First session was on the feet, knees and hips, and - considering it was my first workshop in Fallbrook - it was very well attended.  We moved through significant facts about feet, then did some movement to create flexibility and increase movement; we did similarly for the knees and hips.  This is a LOT of information to offer in one 2-hour session (and, in the past, I have offered workshops on just the feet OR knees OR hips; not all at one time).  We got through it, tho, and a follow-up e-mail question to attendees tells me that they enjoyed it (many had never attended a workshop, so didn't know what to expect).  I look forward to June (Lower, Mid & Upper Back) and July (Shoulders, Arms & Neck).

My study with Doug Keller two weeks ago was really helpful in preparing for the workshop, and in my teaching in general.  Such a smart man!  I highly recommend a workshop with him, if you get the chance.

KITCHEN IS DONE !!!  (in case anyone was wondering).

Hope you have a great Tuesday,

A TESTIMONIAL (for me) AND ONE FOR DESIREE (from me)

"Dear Leslie,
I am SO blessed to have you as a teacher! You have given me the foundation for this  course. The teacher stresses all the same things as you; however we do JUMP!!!!"

I copied this salutation and 2 sentences from an e-mail I received this morning. It is written by a dedicated student who traveled to India earlier this week in order to attend a yoga retreat (emphasis on Iyengar Yoga).  And, as I write these sentences explaining who/what/why she wrote, I have a big smile on my face. 

First, tho, an explanation about jumping:  I am a not-so-good jumper; therefore, I do not normally include it in my classes (and I rarely demonstrate).  Hence her comment about "JUMP"-ing.  

But, back to the compliment.  She deserves much of the credit.  If she hadn't listened and embraced the teachings I pass on to her, she wouldn't be writing these complimentary words.  And, I say "pass on", because all that I teach comes from my teacher(s), from reading, from practicing, from study.  Little is 'original stuff', and the 'stuff' I think is original, I will eventually hear someone else say.  (So, maybe none of it is 'original'(?!?!?!))

Anyway, what a great way to begin the day.  

The comment is catalyst for this blog post. The blog is a means for sharing information -- and, once in a while, offer up a testimonial (for me and from me).  

Wisdom Warriors, with Desiree Rumbaugh, was a great practice yesterday. Fun, slow, mindful, fun, challenging, and fun.  Twists, forward folds, a few arm balances.  Emphasis on trying to maintain the curves in our back.  A challenge for me, one with a not-so-long spine that wants to curve into a rounded shape (if I would let it).  We 'refined' most of our poses by using a blanket.  

Desiree talked a bit about the resistance our students may have to using a blanket or any prop.  I offered the word I often use in class:  refine.  When we use a prop, it's not because we can't do the pose, it's to give us more space, move us closer to the final expression of a pose, to refine. 

So, as we twisted, folded, balanced, our blankets and a block were our friends, our co-workers in this practice.  Made many things more manageable, made awareness of movement in elusive body parts more available, just made things better.  Now, take away the blanket, block, whatever, and I find that I continue to feel those new-to-me sensations; at least until I need to be reminded, again.  

Good stuff.  

On a personal note, we are re-doing our kitchen.  Interesting meditative practice taking pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, junk out of the cabinets and drawers, and finding a somewhat organized temporary home for them.  Totally messes with your mind, if you let it.  

I mentioned meditation, since I watched a YouTube video of Sharon Salzburg (posted on Facebook by Scott Lewicki).  I had never heard of Sharon, but I enjoyed her down-to-earth take on meditation as I watched the video.  I went quickly to Amazon.com (my 'one-click' friend) and bought her book, "Real Happiness".  Such a clean, nuts-and-bolts, book about meditation.  I've added her ideas to my practice, and am now introducing meditation to skeptical students, with better answers than I had before.  Check her out.  

Teaching today.  Kitchen workers will come; poor dogs are locked out for the day; and Ben (our new cat) will be confined to his laundry room.  All so we can have a beautiful new kitchen in a week or so, I hope.  

Have a great Thursday!

URDHVA DHANURASANA (a backbend)

There are many poses that fall into the category of back bending in yoga.  One that I have struggled with over the years is Urdhva Dhanurasana or wheel pose (think lie on back, place hands and feet, and push belly up towards ceiling).  That's a pretty simplistic description of all that's happening in the pose, but - if you are not a yoga person - it may help.

I realized a few months ago that I avoid doing this pose (and handstand) because I have not been able to do them. Better to not do a pose than become embarrassed by my inability to do a pose, right?  Not sure that that's the way to move forward.  However, it's been my 'go-to' place lately -- don't do it; no problem (or is there?).

Over the years that I have written in this blog, and if you are a long-term reader of the blog, you have heard all this.  Maybe it's getting boring, or at the very least you are losing interest.  Well, here's another sojourn into the world of Leslie's UD (urdhva dhanurasana); and I won't guarantee it will be the last.

I signed up over the holidays to participate in Christina Sell's "Asana Junkies".  FYI, I enjoy anything Christina does -- such a smart yoga teacher and person.  Christina began this on-line practice work about a year ago.  Every 5-6 weeks, she's begun a new session.  The one I've been participating in focuses on backbends, and each week for 5 weeks, we've gotten:

1. Videos of 2 90-minute general sequences (one level 1, the other level 2-3)
2. Lecture
3. Strengthening and opening sequences for shoulders, upper back, legs
4. Snippets of video tips (this is available on her website all the time)
5. Encouragement
6. Connection to other practice participants through a Facebook page

I just finished the week 5 overview, which included some work to add to the general sequence, and video tips on how to make UD better and bigger.  

Have I been doing the work?  Yes.  Of the many online programs I've participated in, Christina's was the first - I took her first Mentoring Course.   I remember sitting in our family room in Salt Lake each week and waiting patiently for the computer to download the mentoring video.  Then I would watch and listen, taking copious notes.  EVERY WEEK FOR 12 SESSIONS.  I have to say, it was great.  And, one of the best parts is that I did do the work, I did sit down EVERY week, watch and write what I was being taught, AND incorporated it into my practice and teaching.  

So, when this session of Asana Junkies appeared, with the emphasis on improving backbends, I knew I wanted to do it and I knew I would do the work (history, my friends).  

The result:  I have been doing the work -- practicing the sequence and added strength/opening work.  Taking notes from the lecture and storing them for future reference.  I've even added some of the work to my teaching, much to the enjoyment of students.

Yesterday, in Wisdom Warriors, Geri Portnoy (who is filling in for Desiree while she is in Australia/New Zealand) asked us what we'd like to work on.  Everyone was silent, so I jumped in with a request for strength work towards UD.  Might as well do a little 'extra credit' work. 

Geri crafted a great 120-minute practice, on a moment's notice (impressive!). Emphasis was on strength and opening.  And, not just strength in arms, but she included shoulders, upper back, and legs.  Loved it.  Then came the moment of truth -- UD at the wall, using blocks to help us.  I'd love to be able to write that I placed my hands and pushed up.  I can't.  I can write that I placed my hands, pushed up some, Geri stepped in to help, and up I went -- 3 times.  The 3rd felt stronger and more controlled.  Plug in more was her advice when we finished, since her opinion is that I have the strength, just need to get my shoulders more over my wrists.  

So, there you have it -- my work over the past weeks.  The great byproduct of all this?  More open in shoulders, feeling stronger, feeling like there is hope!  

Now, on with the day.  Thursdays I teach 2 classes in Temecula; one at Living Yoga, then another at Yoga For Life.  

Hope your Thursday is a great one; and, Happy Valentine's Day !!!

ON YOGA ALLIANCE 'BASHING'

I try to stay neutral on topics political (even in yoga, there's 'political').  When I write in this blog, I avoid the words 'we' (as in 'we need to'), 'you' (as in 'you should . . .'), 'us' (as in 'it isn't good for us'), etc., etc. Why?  because this is a blog about MY experience, not our experience.

And, I am still a fan (or addict) of Facebook.  I belong to several groups, many are yoga-related.  Lately, it seems that the topic of choice for peoples' blogs and comments is Yoga Alliance (YA) - its purpose, benefits provided, the value of membership; many of these are negative.  It hit one of my 'hot' buttons last night, so I decided to go public, come out of the YA closet and share 'my' opinions/feelings/comments.

In each major group of professionals (doctors, lawyers, dentists, psychologists, etc.), there is an organization that oversees and, in many cases, mandates training to call oneself such a professional.

I joined Yoga Alliance when I began teaching yoga, because - coming out of the healthcare field - I was familiar with such organizations, and I do believe that credentials that speak to the quality/quantity of training are valuable.  I also wanted to be viewed as a professional, to demonstrate to students that I had completed a body of work to be able to have the initials "RYT" behind my name.

There are many school of training to become a yoga teacher.  I have personally heard of students trekking all the way to Costa Rica in order to take a teacher training (I believe the attraction of Costa Rica was the determining factor for that person; not the quality of the training.).  Their disappointment in the CR training was palpable, and I met them as they re-took their teacher training. (That's not to say that CR trainings are all bad; it's just to make the point that there needs to be some way of discerning which trainings are worth the money to enroll in, to travel to, and to pay for housing at; because, goodness knows, teacher trainings are NOT cheap.)

As a former studio owner (for 7 years), I saw that a valuable revenue stream for studios was the ability to offer teacher trainings. It is hard to survive the world of 'studio owner' while offering public classes alone.  Workshops, trainings, events make up a great percentage of income for successful studios. In my studio, I did not offer such trainings; not because I wouldn't have liked to, it just never happened. If I had offered such trainings, I would have registered for school status with Yoga Alliance.

My point is this:  to monitor the training being provided future teachers is a valuable piece of the matrix. Schools who provide teacher trainings ought to be accountable to someone.  The only 'someone' I see doing this is Yoga Alliance.  They're not perfect, but in the relative scheme of things, they are new to the game; the others have been at this a while.

One frequently-heard argument against them is 'they just take our money'.  Well, this is the case - I assure you - for all professional monitoring groups. They can't do their job and improve the outcomes (become better) without money.

When a student arrives in class, after reading biographies on a website, I'd like them to know that I not only received a Certification from the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga, but that that school submitted their credentials to and was granted license to designate their teacher training graduates with the RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) moniker.

Rather than complain or, worse, quit -- why not get in the game?  Work to make Yoga Alliance a good thing - an organization that filters training programs, eliminating the 'lunkers' while telling students and potential yoga teachers who the 'gems' are -- the schools who have jumped through the hoops and provided documentation to attain the RYS label.  Additionally, tell students who the teachers are that attended these schools and are proud to wear the label.  (I know, this sentence contains an implied 'you'.  But, I need to say it.)  

Enough.

Hope you all have a great Friday!