What students tell you and ask you

I have been asked a lot of questions about a lot of creaks and groans in the past 4 weeks. I know how the doctor must feel hearing "I've got this little pain right in here, doc."

In some cases I could offer some insights - but I have also learned to say
1. "I'm not sure about that."
2. "If there is any pain, don't do it."
3. "Just back off a bit - don't try to go deep."

I have resisted the Pattahbi Jois, "practice and all is coming."

I emphasize at the beginning of class that there is a pose for everyone - but that we have to have to practice accepting the constraints of our bodies and notice how they change. I emphasize during practice that 'deep' for some people is not for others. I also ask the students to notice the changes in the way their bodies feel from beginning and through the practice. I think the classes are getting that message.

I'm glad that students have begun to request things and poses. Today a student (who is reading this blog!) said that he missed me suggesting that they dedicate their practice to someone else. I am glad he mentioned that - because it is one of my favorite things too. I will make sure to include that suggestion.

In the book "How Yoga Works," Saturday, the yoga teacher, the prisoner, the woman, tells us that "we cannot practice Yoga for ourselves, it is not enough. We must practice yoga for other people." Saturday always reminds her student to focus on what the yoga can do for others, and this is where we also learn the Tonglen meditation.

Namaste

Teaching as a practice

You know - all these little ideas are beginning to sink in now. It seems so basic - Teaching as a practice. It's obvious. But yet I am just relearning it. I was thinking "that class wasn't quite as good."

Not every class is better than the last - just like my own asana practice. Some are just "ok." But each adds something to my thinking. Each has something I noticed or tried. I'm definitely "noticing what I am noticing."

I reported a great class last Friday - and then on Monday - just OK. I thought of many things I might have done differently. I am sure learning a lot.

Next big "teaching paradigm shift" for me is that I volunteered to lead the practice for our teachers get-together in Chicago end of next week. It is perfect timing for me to get back to leading a more advanced practice. My students at work have been a great chance to really rethink more alignment cuing and careful attention to what the students are doing. This week I need to go through and outline a longer class for the teachers that I will be reuniting with.

The great timing is that I am moving toward doing an audition class for a local studio and I need to have a 75 minute class! I will try that out on my fellow teachers next week. I am also going to brush up the Tonglen meditation.

Hope to see you all there!

David