The vacuuming is done, plus a bit of dusting and a re-stocking of paper goods.  Even though you could not see much dirt (thanks to a wise selection of carpet coloring/texture), it all feels much better.

So much better, in fact, that yesterday morning's class seemed to move right along, even after I told them our goal for the morning was Hanumanasana.   One tip from John (I may have heard this in Boston, also) was to tell the students where you are headed in class -- especially if it includes a pose that is challenging.

Why? Their work through the warming up and sequence prior to the pose will be more effort-ful.  As if they're thinking "If I'm going to be asked to do Hanumanasana, I better stretch these hamstrings.  I also pointed out that doing Hanumanasana involves warming up everything, not just hamstrings.

Then, I pulled one of John's 'tricks'.  Actually, it's not a trick so much as it is a really smart thing to do.  I'm clicking along in teaching the sequence, and get to ardha hanumanasana.  Common sense might say that 'after ardha hanumanasana comes Hanumanasana', right?  Well, another tip, that's what students expect, and they're a bit nervous about what's coming.  So, do a totally different, yet appropriate pose, in between the two.  Everyone relaxes a bit and then you go back to the apex.

It was a fun class. A couple newer-to-yoga and me surprised themselves.  No one made it all the way to the floor, but there were no disasters, either.  Fun.

Thinking of Scott Marmorstein and sending him energy and good thoughts for his recovery.  If readers are able to help financially, go to the Anusara Facebook page for info.

Hope you have a nice Sunday,