PREPARATION
I've been up since 3:40 this morning -- my best preparation time. Quiet time before husband and dogs join me; a good time for me to read, study, meditate, plan.
Saturday mornings are a new class for me, and a bit of a challenge. My first real 'stepping out' or into the limelight (if you can call Saturday mornings 'the limelight'). They should, however, be one of the larger classes of the week. Hence, the challenge -- can I grow the class? will my presence and my teaching skills pull students in AND keep them? Scary to find out the answers.
So, preparation - as with all classes - is needed to meet the challenge.
I have a 3-ring notebook (affectionately called my lifeline), in which I store notes from past workshops and trainings. My method for notes: try to write as much as effectively possible during the training or workshop, then transcribe asap, read copiously, place in notebook, re-read. The information will percolate in; if not immediately, then after one or a few readings.
I also include in this notebook copies of evaluations (Certified Instructor feedback from class observations), my own pertinent notes picked up along the way, and notes shared with me by students who also attended the same trainings/workshops as I.
I've skimmed through the book, now for some journalling -- what will be my theme, my heart quality, my apex pose, my alignment principle(s) to emphasize, my sequence, related anecdotes. Journalling is a valuable tool -- when I do it well, classes develop and are taught with much less effort.
Noticed the trend here -- TOOLS.
Have a great weekend.
Saturday mornings are a new class for me, and a bit of a challenge. My first real 'stepping out' or into the limelight (if you can call Saturday mornings 'the limelight'). They should, however, be one of the larger classes of the week. Hence, the challenge -- can I grow the class? will my presence and my teaching skills pull students in AND keep them? Scary to find out the answers.
So, preparation - as with all classes - is needed to meet the challenge.
I have a 3-ring notebook (affectionately called my lifeline), in which I store notes from past workshops and trainings. My method for notes: try to write as much as effectively possible during the training or workshop, then transcribe asap, read copiously, place in notebook, re-read. The information will percolate in; if not immediately, then after one or a few readings.
I also include in this notebook copies of evaluations (Certified Instructor feedback from class observations), my own pertinent notes picked up along the way, and notes shared with me by students who also attended the same trainings/workshops as I.
I've skimmed through the book, now for some journalling -- what will be my theme, my heart quality, my apex pose, my alignment principle(s) to emphasize, my sequence, related anecdotes. Journalling is a valuable tool -- when I do it well, classes develop and are taught with much less effort.
Noticed the trend here -- TOOLS.
Have a great weekend.
HEAR NO EVIL . . .
While I'm on the topic of 'alternative' populations, one that presented itself this Winter is a group of deaf women at our of our local Community Centers for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
I had no knowledge of ASL (American Sign Language), and - to be truthful - had always felt a bit intimidated by this population. I've read and heard that that's not an unusual feeling for the hearing, since - as a group - the deaf will naturally stick together (they can't communicate easily with the hearing, remember). What I'm finding is that, while it is difficult to communicate as I learn to sign, they are a fun group - always laughing and looking for the laughable things in life -- a good fit for Anusara™.
Teaching this group adds another tool to my rapidly expanding toolbag of teaching skills -- SILENCE. Why talk -- they can't hear me!!!
Just as the forbidden touch has enriched my toolbag, so does this skill at silence. Both give me time to watch, to allow the poses to open without my touching or blabbing on about benefits, minutiae, etc.
Give it a try -- if your students are safe, don't rush in to adjust them; as they hold a pose (even Tadasana), let silence help occasionally. Simply watch the poses expand, open, SING.
As I said, another skill in my toolbag.
Have a great day!
I had no knowledge of ASL (American Sign Language), and - to be truthful - had always felt a bit intimidated by this population. I've read and heard that that's not an unusual feeling for the hearing, since - as a group - the deaf will naturally stick together (they can't communicate easily with the hearing, remember). What I'm finding is that, while it is difficult to communicate as I learn to sign, they are a fun group - always laughing and looking for the laughable things in life -- a good fit for Anusara™.
Teaching this group adds another tool to my rapidly expanding toolbag of teaching skills -- SILENCE. Why talk -- they can't hear me!!!
Just as the forbidden touch has enriched my toolbag, so does this skill at silence. Both give me time to watch, to allow the poses to open without my touching or blabbing on about benefits, minutiae, etc.
Give it a try -- if your students are safe, don't rush in to adjust them; as they hold a pose (even Tadasana), let silence help occasionally. Simply watch the poses expand, open, SING.
As I said, another skill in my toolbag.
Have a great day!
TEACHING 'ALTERNATIVE' POPULATIONS
As part of my first teacher training curriculum, we were asked to volunteer teach for a minimum of 20 hours.
5 years later (and, who knows how many hours), I am still teaching a class at the Salt Lake County Jail each week (I share this class with another instructor, which makes it much less stressful -- just getting INTO the jail can be filled with stress sometimes). This is a small class; we can fit just 7 in the anteroom of each pod.
Why am I still teaching it? It is one of the more rewarding classes I teach.
When I started, Jail personnel encouraged us to teach the male prisoners (women are too manipulative in that setting). The men are cooperative and appreciative, and - we've discovered - some of them really get it.
For example, the prisoner (huge and covered with tattoos) who questioned my sequencing one day; pointing out that if I reversed the order of poses, their balance and opening would be better(!!!). Guess he 'got it'.
Anyway, what is my point? This experience has given me a new slant on teaching. Part of my restriction in the Jail is that I cannot under ANY circumstances touch the prisoners. In a 'regular' class, my tendancy is to want to physically adjust (maybe, too much). In Jail, that is not possible, so my adjustments must be verbal. If a pose (i.e. handstand) requires assistance, then I recruit another prisoner to do the assisting. This requirement has improved my verbal instruction and is a great skill to have in my arsenal of teaching tools.
In my public classes, it has also taught me to stand back, look at the whole student, watch the development of the pose and - so long as no 'danger' is apparent - maybe not physically adjust until the pose has grown from the student's own effort.
Got to go answer a 'Facebook' friend request -- what is the purpose of Facebook, anyway? I'm staying low-key until I figure it out.
Take care,
5 years later (and, who knows how many hours), I am still teaching a class at the Salt Lake County Jail each week (I share this class with another instructor, which makes it much less stressful -- just getting INTO the jail can be filled with stress sometimes). This is a small class; we can fit just 7 in the anteroom of each pod.
Why am I still teaching it? It is one of the more rewarding classes I teach.
When I started, Jail personnel encouraged us to teach the male prisoners (women are too manipulative in that setting). The men are cooperative and appreciative, and - we've discovered - some of them really get it.
For example, the prisoner (huge and covered with tattoos) who questioned my sequencing one day; pointing out that if I reversed the order of poses, their balance and opening would be better(!!!). Guess he 'got it'.
Anyway, what is my point? This experience has given me a new slant on teaching. Part of my restriction in the Jail is that I cannot under ANY circumstances touch the prisoners. In a 'regular' class, my tendancy is to want to physically adjust (maybe, too much). In Jail, that is not possible, so my adjustments must be verbal. If a pose (i.e. handstand) requires assistance, then I recruit another prisoner to do the assisting. This requirement has improved my verbal instruction and is a great skill to have in my arsenal of teaching tools.
In my public classes, it has also taught me to stand back, look at the whole student, watch the development of the pose and - so long as no 'danger' is apparent - maybe not physically adjust until the pose has grown from the student's own effort.
Got to go answer a 'Facebook' friend request -- what is the purpose of Facebook, anyway? I'm staying low-key until I figure it out.
Take care,
DISCOURAGED?
"Let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed."- Abraham Lincoln
In these current political times, not only is this quote pc (politically correct) because of President Obama's reverance for Lincoln; it will ALWAYS be appropriate as we move through our trainings, evaluations, or just as we sit and think about our future.
We have made the decision to become Anusara-Inspired™ yoga instructors. For most of us that means our next goal will be to apply for Anusara™ Certification. That sets us on a path fraught with potential pitfalls, discouraging moments, and times when we just don't know what to do next -- even tho it's all on the website.
One of my frequent emotions is feeling alone in all this. (Surrounded by a kula, and feeling alone, you ask?) Perhaps that happens because I protect my knowledge -- almost like, if I share it - I lose my advantage. There, I've said it -- competition has entered the process.
Shouldn't be that way, you're thinking. I agree. But, I don't think I'm alone. We're human, we have that capacity in our make-up. The important thing to remember is that we've started on this path to help other people learn and enjoy yoga. My goals should always be to promote the welfare of the student. If that means sharing info., referring a student to another instructor, promoting a workshop at another studio, helping another studio owner, attending classes at another studio -- so be it. I do most of that, but I have my weak, protective (selfish) moments. I'm human.
I'd be interested in thoughts.
Enjoy your day,
p.s. Two more urdhva dhanurasana's today!
In these current political times, not only is this quote pc (politically correct) because of President Obama's reverance for Lincoln; it will ALWAYS be appropriate as we move through our trainings, evaluations, or just as we sit and think about our future.
We have made the decision to become Anusara-Inspired™ yoga instructors. For most of us that means our next goal will be to apply for Anusara™ Certification. That sets us on a path fraught with potential pitfalls, discouraging moments, and times when we just don't know what to do next -- even tho it's all on the website.
One of my frequent emotions is feeling alone in all this. (Surrounded by a kula, and feeling alone, you ask?) Perhaps that happens because I protect my knowledge -- almost like, if I share it - I lose my advantage. There, I've said it -- competition has entered the process.
Shouldn't be that way, you're thinking. I agree. But, I don't think I'm alone. We're human, we have that capacity in our make-up. The important thing to remember is that we've started on this path to help other people learn and enjoy yoga. My goals should always be to promote the welfare of the student. If that means sharing info., referring a student to another instructor, promoting a workshop at another studio, helping another studio owner, attending classes at another studio -- so be it. I do most of that, but I have my weak, protective (selfish) moments. I'm human.
I'd be interested in thoughts.
Enjoy your day,
p.s. Two more urdhva dhanurasana's today!
PUSHING UP
One of the poses that presents a real challenge for me is urdhva dhanurasana (UD). (Remember, I was a golfer!)
Until the Level II Teacher Training in Boston (10/2008), I had done very few by myself and those were weak at best (bent arms, head 2-3 inches from floor). Something about being with John, tho, brings out a level of strength in me that I don't experience in any other settings. I was able (there) to push up with his help; then, the next day by myself - bent arms, but still up.
Since that training, I've resolved to include UD more often in my practice. Working with Adam Ballenger, Wayne Belles and (yesterday) Matt Newman, that pose is now a more regular part of my practice.
I mentioned yesterday, in particular, since Matt asked me to demo the pose (using his ankles). Ahh, the sweet smell of success -- straight arms and all. Granted it was using ankles, but each time we (or our students) experience a pose using props, our bodies get a feel for what that experience is; setting the stage for future breakthroughs.
At the end of Matt's class, it was hard to contain my excitement through savasana. The thought that I needed to try UD by myself kept recurring. As savasana ended, and the class closed, I debated -- should I try? or should I avoid potential failure? I slowly gathered and put away props (waiting for everyone to leave the room, so that - if I decided to try - no one would see the result -- you could say I can be pessimistic, at times).
I decided to give it a try. Just to help, I put my hips on a block (a little headstart) - set my feet and hands, pushed to the top of my head, re-set my shoulders, pressed into the floor and went up. Elbows still bent a bit, but oh so much straighter than ever before. THEN, I DID IT AGAIN!
UD may just become one of my favorite poses.
Take care!
Until the Level II Teacher Training in Boston (10/2008), I had done very few by myself and those were weak at best (bent arms, head 2-3 inches from floor). Something about being with John, tho, brings out a level of strength in me that I don't experience in any other settings. I was able (there) to push up with his help; then, the next day by myself - bent arms, but still up.
Since that training, I've resolved to include UD more often in my practice. Working with Adam Ballenger, Wayne Belles and (yesterday) Matt Newman, that pose is now a more regular part of my practice.
I mentioned yesterday, in particular, since Matt asked me to demo the pose (using his ankles). Ahh, the sweet smell of success -- straight arms and all. Granted it was using ankles, but each time we (or our students) experience a pose using props, our bodies get a feel for what that experience is; setting the stage for future breakthroughs.
At the end of Matt's class, it was hard to contain my excitement through savasana. The thought that I needed to try UD by myself kept recurring. As savasana ended, and the class closed, I debated -- should I try? or should I avoid potential failure? I slowly gathered and put away props (waiting for everyone to leave the room, so that - if I decided to try - no one would see the result -- you could say I can be pessimistic, at times).
I decided to give it a try. Just to help, I put my hips on a block (a little headstart) - set my feet and hands, pushed to the top of my head, re-set my shoulders, pressed into the floor and went up. Elbows still bent a bit, but oh so much straighter than ever before. THEN, I DID IT AGAIN!
UD may just become one of my favorite poses.
Take care!
PERFECT OFFERING
Each time I read or think of these lyrics (since, by now, they are part of my memory bank), it reminds me of the Sanskrit word 'purna' (full, complete, perfect), and its application to our effort, rather than the end result.
The line - 'there's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in' - is a wonderful trigger for me to remember that in each pose, each practice, we have so much to learn. For most of us have a lot of 'cracks' (we're all still learning, right?). Along with those cracks come opportunities!
Opportunities to continue our practice
Opportunities to laugh
Opportunities to experience success and setbacks
Opportunities to cry
Opportunities to keep working and striving towards that diksha (threshhold)
And, don't forget, all those opportunities that will spring up OFF the mat
The lyrics remind me that I can learn from my setbacks, I can learn from my deficits and my strengths as I practice, I can ALWAYS learn.
Enjoy President's Day,
The line - 'there's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in' - is a wonderful trigger for me to remember that in each pose, each practice, we have so much to learn. For most of us have a lot of 'cracks' (we're all still learning, right?). Along with those cracks come opportunities!
Opportunities to continue our practice
Opportunities to laugh
Opportunities to experience success and setbacks
Opportunities to cry
Opportunities to keep working and striving towards that diksha (threshhold)
And, don't forget, all those opportunities that will spring up OFF the mat
The lyrics remind me that I can learn from my setbacks, I can learn from my deficits and my strengths as I practice, I can ALWAYS learn.
Enjoy President's Day,
DIKSHA
Diksha is one of my favorite themes to use in class. Probably because I've experienced, tested, and crossed so many thresholds in the 10 years I've practiced yoga.
I compare it to 'letting off the brakes' -- for example, when you're driving a car down a steep incline after a fresh snowfall. If you brake too much, you slide; if you brake too little, who knows what you'll encounter at the bottom of the hill. You have to 'let off the brakes' enough to keep the tires rolling (NOT sliding), yet be comfortable that you will safely arrive at your destination.
Sound like your practice? (Sound like students you teach?) Too afraid to kick up, or too confident - just enough to be dangerous to ourselves or others in our path. Either way, our practice is compromised.
Diksha can be used to describe the process we are in now -- Anusara-Inspired™, training and working to apply for Certification. When is the right time to apply?
Luckily we have mentors; Certified instructors who take very seriously their role, assuring that we are ready before sending us into the Lions' den of tests, videos, feedback -- a whole new 'diksha' to experience.
Are your training hours accomplished? Have you read the required books? Do your teaching, meditation and asana hours match or exceed the required hours? (All requirement information is on the Certification Requirements page of the Anusara™ website.)
If you can answer 'done' to each of the requirements on the website, and don't already have one -- it's time to get yourself a mentor. A mentor is a Certified Ansuara™ instructor who will watch you teach, and - if/when appropriate - endorse your application to Anusara.
When you select a mentor, select a Certified instructor you know, who knows you, and whom you have easy access to. This mentor will sign your application for Certification (not to be confused with the mentor you will be assigned by Anusara once your application is accepted). It is important to remember that some instructors are just so busy, they do not have the time to handle your questions and concerns as quickly as you would hope. Be sure to discuss their time availability to work with you.
Also, plan to reimburse your mentor for the time they spend watching you teach, giving you feedback, and discussing your questions and concerns. The amount you pay is whatever you and your mentor agree upon.
Ahhh . . . . another threshhold to cross!
I compare it to 'letting off the brakes' -- for example, when you're driving a car down a steep incline after a fresh snowfall. If you brake too much, you slide; if you brake too little, who knows what you'll encounter at the bottom of the hill. You have to 'let off the brakes' enough to keep the tires rolling (NOT sliding), yet be comfortable that you will safely arrive at your destination.
Sound like your practice? (Sound like students you teach?) Too afraid to kick up, or too confident - just enough to be dangerous to ourselves or others in our path. Either way, our practice is compromised.
Diksha can be used to describe the process we are in now -- Anusara-Inspired™, training and working to apply for Certification. When is the right time to apply?
Luckily we have mentors; Certified instructors who take very seriously their role, assuring that we are ready before sending us into the Lions' den of tests, videos, feedback -- a whole new 'diksha' to experience.
Are your training hours accomplished? Have you read the required books? Do your teaching, meditation and asana hours match or exceed the required hours? (All requirement information is on the Certification Requirements page of the Anusara™ website.)
If you can answer 'done' to each of the requirements on the website, and don't already have one -- it's time to get yourself a mentor. A mentor is a Certified Ansuara™ instructor who will watch you teach, and - if/when appropriate - endorse your application to Anusara.
When you select a mentor, select a Certified instructor you know, who knows you, and whom you have easy access to. This mentor will sign your application for Certification (not to be confused with the mentor you will be assigned by Anusara once your application is accepted). It is important to remember that some instructors are just so busy, they do not have the time to handle your questions and concerns as quickly as you would hope. Be sure to discuss their time availability to work with you.
Also, plan to reimburse your mentor for the time they spend watching you teach, giving you feedback, and discussing your questions and concerns. The amount you pay is whatever you and your mentor agree upon.
Ahhh . . . . another threshhold to cross!
WHERE DO I START???
As a late-blooming yogi, Anusara™ entered my life 10 years ago when I started public classes at The Yoga Center (interestingly, the studio I now own) with Marlene Lambert. Marlene introduced me to the concept of "Grace", which to me - at that time - meant moving gracefully. As a golfer and runner, 'grace' (in any form) had never been part of my vocabulary.
4-5 classes a week and 5 years later, I began attending public classes with Adam Ballenger and experienced Inner Harmony with John Friend (!) . The rest is history ...
Since that first experience with John in 2004, my free time has been spent attending workshops, trainings, traveling to Costa Rica for his inaugural retreat there, pushing myself into any Anusara™ studio or class I could find while traveling. As a 'shy' person, traveling to and attending an Anusara™ workshop, training or class has, at times, been intimidating and scary -- but, always, a rewarding growth experience.
This blog is intended to communicate with and learn from other Anusara-Inspired™ yoga instructors. First, if any of you know how to get the trademark symbol into this blog, please let me know!
As to "Grace", one of the most eloquent descriptions for "Opening to Grace" came to me from Karen at Garden Street Yoga -- check out her blog, Nov. 24, "No Excuses" entry. As a long-time reader of hers and Christina's blogs (also linked), this is the first one that, as I read it, took me to tears -- and, not just one tear, it opened a floodgate. After reading, do you even wonder why I am an avid fan of her blog?!?!?
Take care.
4-5 classes a week and 5 years later, I began attending public classes with Adam Ballenger and experienced Inner Harmony with John Friend (!) . The rest is history ...
Since that first experience with John in 2004, my free time has been spent attending workshops, trainings, traveling to Costa Rica for his inaugural retreat there, pushing myself into any Anusara™ studio or class I could find while traveling. As a 'shy' person, traveling to and attending an Anusara™ workshop, training or class has, at times, been intimidating and scary -- but, always, a rewarding growth experience.
This blog is intended to communicate with and learn from other Anusara-Inspired™ yoga instructors. First, if any of you know how to get the trademark symbol into this blog, please let me know!
As to "Grace", one of the most eloquent descriptions for "Opening to Grace" came to me from Karen at Garden Street Yoga -- check out her blog, Nov. 24, "No Excuses" entry. As a long-time reader of hers and Christina's blogs (also linked), this is the first one that, as I read it, took me to tears -- and, not just one tear, it opened a floodgate. After reading, do you even wonder why I am an avid fan of her blog?!?!?
Take care.