JUST ENOUGH TIME
Yesterday -- a great day, filled with great students and good friends.
Started with Gentle Yoga. A small group, so easier to work with people more individually and give them a brief journey to their threshold (diksha) and a couple steps beyond. When we finished with baby kapinjalasana, each person was happy in their own way. One, because her balance is compromised by an awful disease, yet she held the pose. Another, stretching her limits and learning more of what power she possesses. And another, exclaiming disbelief that she would ever do something like THAT -- at age 60+, no less!
And, what did I learn? That we, as yoga teachers, sometimes discount the skill or strength just waiting to be released. When we look at a person, we often look just at the surface, make a judgment and minimize their ability to move into some of the poses we teach. Wrong!
Granted, it might take more effort on our part -- after all, a body that has not been exposed to this type of movement, will need guidance and probably will resist a bit. One reason I will usually ask for the apex pose to be done twice; the second time around is so much better.
I read an interesting post written by a yoga student (we are all students, but this person is not a teacher - yet). Her point -- that yoga teachers ought to stop 'inviting' students to do things; rather, yoga teachers ought to guide and instruct. Ever notice when we practice with JF, there are few - if any - choices? And, if we wander from his path we are often called back with a soft rebuke? He considers himself our guide (as do I), and he is responsible for taking us (me) to a pose in the safest, most effective manner. If I decide to add in a 'little extra' to the pose, his work may be for naught. I learned that lesson early - not quite sure how; but, I've seen it repeated and repeated (and, I try to forewarn people of this when they first study with him -- "don't show him all you can do, just do what he asks with integrity and full effort").
So, back to the blog I read -- this woman attends many yoga classes, many styles, many different teachers. She is finding a trend in teaching towards 'inviting' or allowing students to 'choose' their next move. Here is what I think she might be hearing: "I invite you to take down dog, or - if you choose - move into child's pose.". Not a bad instruction, just not very motivating or challenging. And, I understand where she is coming from; since I'm from the same ilk -- I want to be told, told again, and told again -- then, when I get it, I want to notice. This was a blog linked by Hugger Mugger on their Facebook page -- if you want to read it; read the comments also -- 90% agreed with her and there were a LOT of comments. In particular, a comment about letting the students enjoy a pose without the chatter. Whoa! That means I need to be quiet -- that's tough. But, when I do it (be quiet), I see some incredible openings -- you can actually see poses open like flower blossoms. Or, I also think of it as "listen to the music between the notes".
Enough of that, got to get busy. First, tho, here is a picture of my grandson, Jack, on his 4th birthday. The boots he is showing off are ones Grandma Leslie sent him (always the practical grandma). SO CUTE !!!
May you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving !