And, so it begins & continues . . .
Marketing, school, teaching classes, working with clients, reading.
Lots of things on my plate, so I’ll just inform you on my efforts in each of these areas (almost wrote ‘bore’ instead of ‘inform’, but I want you to read this. . . )
On marketing:
I sent my first newsletter out last week; some of you may have read it. What a challenge - read, re-read, test mail, modify/shorten, read, re-read - and on it went. Finally, I hit ‘send’ and it went out into the ether. Over a 60% open rate, and I even got some ‘clicks’ (those are the language of marketing that I am gradually learning). Feedback was good and I look forward to next month’s news. I am also creating a presence on Instagram (If you are on Instagram, check it out here).
On school:
I started by final Yoga Therapy class via zoom 2 weeks ago (3 hours each Thursday) through Loyola Marymount University (LMU). New teacher, familiar faces (we’ve gone through years of Yoga Therapy training together), lots of work to accomplish before this class ends in May (and, end of my training!). Then, on to Certification with IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists).
On teaching classes:
I am teaching 3 public classes each week. Two are aligned yoga (following Anusara guidelines); the third is YogaBasics (for all levels). Attendance is modest, considering Covid. We wear our masks until we are on our mats, HEPA fans in the room & doors left open, plus 6-foot distance between mats (which also explains modest attendance — can only get so many in a room with 6’ between mats). It is still good to see faces and watch people move. And, because I am restricted to my mat (as opposed to my usual style of walking the room), I am doing more yoga with these students. For my schedule, click here.
Working with clients:
My final Yoga Therapy class involves working with clients. In pre-Covid days, LMU worked with a clinic to create this experience for us. Now (during Covid), we are asked to work one-on-one with our own clients for a total of 60 hours. Our work will be overseen and evaluated by a mentor (to be assigned), and client identity will be protected (in line with HIPAA / privacy protection). I plan to work with 6-7 clients for 10 sessions at a nominal fee. These visits will be via zoom / FaceTime / in person, depending on client preference. If you’re interested, contact me by commenting on this post.
Reading:
I mentioned in my newsletter two books I’ve read recently: Science of Breath and Breath.
Science of Breath is written by two physicians and a yogi, with basically 4 sections - how breath works, the lungs, the nose, and yoga’s approach. Really opened my eyes and piqued my interest to our breath.
Breath is a recently-published book with some of the same information. The author has done a lot of historic research (how we evolved to be mouth breathers with small mouths, crooked teeth, snoring/sleep apnea), as well as current efforts to change (breathe through the nose, chew more, new devices to increase the size of mouths). All very interesting.
“To meditate with mindful breathing is to bring body and mind back to the present moment so that you do not miss your appointment with life. ”
And my next goal:
Get some pictures / images into this new blog format — another learning process.
Please comment, if you have thoughts or suggestions for this blog. Until the next post, be patient . . .
