First Day

Where do I even start? I have so much running through my head from yesterday’s training I am finding it hard to put words to it all. I know I can say my first day was everything I had hoped for – a supportive group, each member with their own wisdom, all the while being led by an immensely knowledgeable and approachable teacher. It was truly awesome; to assume I would learn at least one thing from every member of this program would be an understatement.

I know I can say I was drained last night! My very sweet husband wanted to go out to dinner and celebrate my first day and all I wanted to do was lie on the couch, listening to my kids retell their “day o’ dad”. This came as a bit of a shock to all of us, as a night to get out of cooking and cleaning up I typically welcome with open arms. Yet, I just had this feeling of both physical and mental fatigue – as if I had just ran my heart out and then took the time to scrutinize every element of my exhausting run afterwards.

I know I can say planning a class has taken on a new significance for me. I have always held a general outline in my head whenever I have taught a class before, but I never realized the many elements that actually need to be taken into consideration when planning. There are several things I already account for whether or not they have been conscious decisions: length of the class; group size; if I’ll be demonstrating poses; if I’ll be assisting others; if the lights will be on or off; the type of music I will be using; the temperature of the room; how long I plan to hold postures; and, if I will be open to student input and suggestions. However, I also found many of the other participants’ suggestions helpful: if I will be combining my yoga classes as part of another group exercise program, such as walking and yoga; if I will be making use of particular smells, such as incense; if I will be chanting; and, if I will have a theme to my session, such as a class focusing on hip openers, back bends or arm balances.

What is more, I know as a result of yesterday I can say I was more conscious when teaching yogini1 this morning. I definitely took the time to put together a more concrete plan to guide my brave beginner yogini. I can also say with certainty that I really strayed from that concrete plan when it came to specific poses and sequencing. It truly seems as though, the more people I teach, the further the mantra that every body is different is reinforced. It’s obvious that a beginner will have limitations in comparison to a more advanced yogini, but it’s also important to remember that a single beginner will likely differ in ability from another beginner. With varying levels of flexibility and strength it seems an outline is all I can continue to go into a class with at this point. I want to ensure a more intimate practice that allows for emphasis where students need it, and doesn’t necessarily focus in the direction I thought students might want to go in that day.

Most importantly, I know I can say “expect the unexpected” could never be more appropriate for me at this point, and I love it!

~The divine in me salutes the divine in you, Namaste~