INTEGRITY

Ever had a word keep popping into your head - either through your own thoughts or other peoples' comments / writings? That is happening this week with this word - integrity. In fact, reminders have been present all along, I just forget once in a while.

Because it keeps 'popping' up, I went back to my 'handy dandy' computer dictionary/thesaurus and found this definition: The state of being honest and morally upright; whole and undivided. In the thesaurus, alternative words were: good character, ethical, unified, strength, solidity.

As to where it keeps 'popping' up for me:

• In my yoga practice - I've been told I practice with integrity; I'm thinking the speakers of that comment meant I practice with strength, fullness and stability. I do as much as I can with my best effort, and I wait and watch and marvel at others who may have a more full expression of poses that are challenging to me (murdita).
• As I enter this new phase (no longer a studio owner) - I have to shift gears to think and dream about what is next. Part of that process caused me to enter into an agreement with The Handel Group, and part of their contract with me is that I do the work asked with integrity -- I'm thinking that means I am going to have to be honest with myself and others as I move through the process. Most importantly and perhaps most difficult - to be honest with myself.
• This morning, I looked at my blog list and saw Scott's name (BTW, Scott doesn't post every day, so I check this one about once a week.). Wouldn't you know, his most recent post topic was targeting integrity, as in "You cannot afford for even a moment to be out of integrity." He goes on "Be wary of your wayward mind and its incessant and insistent thoughts that your inner dramas are more important than what is going on right in front of your eyes." I like that -- 'inner dramas'; a nice way to describe thoughts that are having a field day for me right now -- perhaps the good part of owning the studio was that I had little time to think about 'inner dramas'. Now that I'm aware (Scott reminded me), I am also aware of the negative energy they are capable of bringing my way; so - be careful and stay awake (stay aware of what is 'drama' and what is truly my own story).

Now, I am back to thinking about 'planting a seed' of intention for the new year. Last year, my seed was 'clarity'; I believe this coming year's seed is meant to be 'integrity'.

Step me back 25 years to when we (my husband and I) used a tool from Lou Holtz (not sure if he practices any yoga) -- his 3 guidelines that he used coaching players on the Notre Dame team:

1. Do what's right. You know if something is right or not; it is that gut feeling that comes up as we're about to do something difficult or challenging or wrong. In India and Asia, the belly is the seat of wisdom; I need to listen to it.
2. Do the best you can. Simple and relatable, especially as I've done more work with John and Anusara®. The word 'purna' - fullness - can be applied here.
3. Treat other people as you'd like to be treated. Simple, as well. Challenging at times; especially when I am unhappy with myself or a situation. Easiest thing then -- strike out! (and, that doesn't mean baseball). Take out my frustration with verbal barbs, sarcastic comments, etc. Scott's advice "come back to your heart as fast as you can and be earnest in your endeavors and dealings with others"

O.K. -- pep talk complete. Seed planted. This - by the way - can also be considered a 'tip'. And, if you need more, read Scott's post (click on the link to the right under 'list of favorites'

Today's plan:

• Gentle Yoga at 10 am (guess what I'm talking about today - purna, as in giving it your best effort no matter where your poses are in relation to others or where your ego thinks you should be.)
• Meeting at 2 pm to discuss a volunteer class
• Some last minute stocking stuffers, and one big gift to find / purchase

Have a fun Friday,

THURSDAY MORNING

I just finished reading two comments on Tuesday's post and I have to agree -- I DO ROCK! Not one to make flourishing, wild statements about myself, so this is a departure for me.

By the time I pushed up to Urdhva Dhanurasana, I was about ready to give up. To say, 'forget it, it isn't going to happen', and then - even worse - the next step might have been, 'why am I putting myself through all this, anyway?'

Interesting that, just about the 'give up' time (at least for me), Grace steps in and offers a bit of a boost (or lift). And, then I have good friends to step in and offer their comments and support. Both Tiffany and BJ have played roles in my progress to UD; therefore, they get my thanks - for the shout-out and for their guidance over the years.

Yesterday's Gentle Yoga class was GREAT! If you haven't been paying attention, The Yoga Center (formerly owned by me and sold last week; a good thing) began receiving a 3-week renovation requiring we relocate classes 2 blocks away to a conference room. Talk about a way to potentially decimate classes -- but not the Gentle Yoga group! They turned out, almost in force -- and, since we do expect some downturn in numbers because of the holidays, this turnout was wonderful.

In the room were five regulars and three new-to-me students -- one who really wanted/needed a more active class (BTW, this is a challenge -- how to handle someone doing more advanced variations, in a group not there yet. My solution -- yesterday, I just let her do her stuff and focused on the rest in attendance.) The other two are new to yoga, as well as being a bit stiff and becoming re-acquainted with their bodies.

Gentle Yoga, in my book, is a class of celebration. Yesterday, I saw these things to celebrate, to name a few:

• 8 people, some with significant limitations, braving some snow and a new location to get their yoga in.
• A beautiful French quote by a long-time attendee of this class (can't remember exact definition; something like - we can't accomplish the journey if we don't take the first step - whoaaa!).
• A first for one student -- no blanket under the knees. Why? Not sure, except that perhaps she is energizing her arms and core more as she becomes more conditioned to the practice, and taking pressure off the knees (?).
• Heart opening, all around the room (we also, in this class, call this 'mud-flap posturing' - thanks to Suzanne); whatever works!
• A compliment for all present (from one of the new-to-this-class students) -- the welcoming and fun nature of everyone attending this class makes it all the easier to do and enjoy the work!
• Beautiful, expressive toes, postures and smiles all around the room.

Today's schedule:

• Some housework
• Pilates at 1pm with Cindy
• My semi-private with the 'more-stiff-than-many' couple? We're taking a break til 2011 due to family visits and travel.
• 4 pm YogaHour with ME! THIS WEEK'S UD ROCKSTAR!

Hope you have a great Thursday,

DOING - NOW DEMO'ING - URDHVA DHANURASANA

As many know, urdhva dhanurasana (wheel pose or full backbend) eluded me in my yoga practice for the first 12 years. It wasn't until this September 2010, when I discovered the importance of skull loop/hyoid bone/taking the head back in this pose, that it became a pose I could consistently move into.

Until then, I had placed myself in position, done all I thought was correct, then pushed with every muscle fiber of my arms -- to no avail. I was going nowhere. Why? Because I wasn't using my head (literally). Once I took my head back, using skull loop and the hyoid bone, my shoulder blades became involved and helped to lift me away from the floor. So, my friends, I learned it isn't a pressing up altogether, it's a combination of factors -- one of the most important for consistency, being the 'lift' from the shoulder blades. (ALSO, I am sure every one of my teachers had told me about the head; it's just that I didn't 'hear' it until 3 months ago.)

Now, urdhva dhanurasana - for me - is in the refinement stages (which may last another 12 or more years).

Last night, I attended Tiffany Wood's class in Park City. She gave us fair warning at the start of class -- we were moving towards backbends; all the while focusing on the breath and it's impact on our ability to be grounded in our poses. A new concept for me -- my breath, its movement into the pelvis, and - voila - a more open urdhva!?!?!?.

We moved slowly through our poses -- long holds and slow movement do NOT mean an easy class. If anything, I think it's easier to move quickly, allowing momentum to carry me through poses. In a class like this, moving slowly and mindfully is challenging and sweat-producing. We opened shoulders, lengthened quadricep muscles, worked the rest of the body as we paid attention to the grounding our breath can help us achieve.

Then came the backbend -- first a bridge pose, then urdhva on our own, then a demo. What lucky person was smack dab in the middle of the room, primed for visibility? You guessed it - me. I've been asked to demo this pose once before in the same studio -- JF in the seat of the teacher. That was a couple years ago, when the pose was much less reliable. Result? I did it - barely - and then only because of the power of grace, I'm sure of it. Last night, after Tiffany paid me a very gracious and flattering compliment, I placed hands, waited, lifted hips, waited, moved to top of head, waited, then pushed up. With a little encouragement from Tiff, the arms got straighter and the heart moved, but not before she asked me to soften through the pelvis - to breathe. More opening.

Two more backbends on our own (that makes 4 in a row), each time focusing on maintaining a soft quality to the pelvis. As I did the 4th, I was aware that I had moved further into the pose than any time before - actually holding it long enough to pump the heart away from the hips several times, opening the pose up a bit.

Interesting that this pose, as difficult as it's been for me, now serves as a great learning tool. Each time I am asked or choose to push up, I notice more. Not big things, little things. Things like I can hold it a bit longer each time; my arms are straighter; I can wait and move into the pose more slowly, instead of a big umph up into the pose, as I've been doing in the past several months (notice all the times I wrote 'waited' in my demo description; there was a reason for that); and the power of two places I'd never thought of for backbending -- my head and my soft pelvis. Wow!

Today's Plan:

• Wayne's class, 9:30 am, at The Yoga Center Interim Space - 2101 Murray Holladay Rd.
• Noon Pilates with Cindy
• More yoga -- Sheldon's 7:15 pm class -- same place as Wayne's

Kickin' it up a notch! Have a great Tuesday

AND, HOW'D IT GO?

Not bad, not bad at all. Each time I think about it (the 3 hours), I marvel that I could fill the time. I'd worried that 90 or 120 minutes in, I would be done -- through with the plan -- and, now what do we do? Didn't happen. Filled the time, I had fun, and I am hopeful students did, as well.

As we started, my nervousness was gone (in fact, I didn't struggle with much nervousness all day, yesterday). There probably was some 'underground' stuff going on, since - as I looked down at my notes - I noticed I had 2 pair of reading glasses ready. Usually, I forget them altogether!

I had typed out my thoughts, and my plan, and some words. This is what I would do for any class I teach. It's helpful, though I rarely follow it verbatim. Fact is, I don't look at it all that much while teaching. The process of thinking it through, typing it out, revising it, then printing and reviewing it - all that usually does the trick.

Why words? I want alternative words to use, for example - this workshop was called 'embrace yourself'. I'd like a list of words to use besides 'embrace'; words that mean the same or similar, but I would not want to say embrace over and over during a class. Then, I create another list of words that mean the opposite (i.e. 'release' or 'let go').

And, why this second list? Because it is helpful to be able to give people instructions using the opposite or other side of your theme. For example: I can say "hug muscles to bone as you move into trichonasana" (kind of boring), or I could say "Trichonasana needs full support; release muscle energy from the legs and you deplete your power source, so hold steady - feed the pose with the energy of the legs." (better). And, I used the opposite of 'hug' or 'hold' when I used the word 'release'. Like that.

Now what? Well today's schedule is:

• Yoga with Sheldon, 8 am at the Yoga Center
• Trip to the airport
• Wrap some gifts for mailing

Hope you have a peaceful Sunday,

WHAT CAN GO WRONG?

Many things -- but, I choose to NOT think about them this morning. Just acknowledge them and move forward.

What am I talking about? The workshop, of course. I spent time last night journalling and planning a course, an agenda -- need to print it, review it, massage it. Then, of course, the universe may change it with whoever it sends into the space this afternoon. We'll see and I will be grateful for everyone who chooses to attend.

Yesterday was a nice day -- taught Gentle Yoga in the a.m. Many times, I have written that my Gentle Yoga classes are based on the definition of 'gentle: gradually increasing, as in "gentle slope". And, yesterday - with a smaller group - we were able to take a journey into otherwise untrodden territory (specifically, bakasana - crane/crow pose).

During this 'trip', I closely watched those in attendance -- First, how did they handle malasana? Just fine. Second, were they able to hug legs to midline, elbows resisting? Ditto, on the fine. Third, could they place hands on mat as in down dog, keeping knees in contact with upper arms? Yup. That's all the farther I planned to take this group, but they were doing so well, I asked for more -- look forward, lean forward, move feet away from floor. Two lift-offs in the room! One, a new-to-me student, had never lifted off before. Love it when that happens in one of my classes!

And, one of the best parts? No one, not a person, said "I can't do that". Oh, their eyes were a bit bugged out as we moved towards the pose, but they did all I asked without complaint and appeared happy for it. Good stuff!

In the afternoon, I had my first real contact with Molly at The Handel Group. I did this after reading Bernie Birney's blog posts, and a memory of Elena Brower's work with them. I have a plan to begin working with them, specifically one of their coaches based on the west coast (Laguna Beach, no less). Starting small -- this is kind of scary; might find out stuff I really don't want to know (or acknowledge) about myself. But it may prove to be a very valuable investment. Based on what I've been reading of other peoples' experiences, keep fingers crossed.

Today?

• 7:30 Private
• 9:00 Level 1 at The Yoga Center
• 1:00 pm - Workshop Time !!!

Enjoy Saturday,

NOTES & PLANNING

It's been a big week for me. Seven years have come to a close (a pleasant one), and I am now - as of this past Monday - officially no longer owner of The Yoga Center.

I purchased the studio in 2003, as it was slowly sinking - low attendance; low energy, etc., etc., etc. My husband was the catalyst - he knew I had practiced at this studio for several years and that I had mentioned what I would do if I owned the space. We began discussions only to walk away when it seemed there were others, more qualified, waiting to purchase it. Those did not materialize, and I stepped back in when previous owners contacted me with a deal hard to refuse and a "you buy it, or we close it" statement to back up their intention.

Still a student, and never having owned a business before, this was a big step for me (though a small, relatively speaking, transaction). Lawyer, banker, accountant, instructors, manager -- all had to be contacted and asked for input; instructors and manager, invited to remain. It was then a 'go'. Sadhant (manager) stayed for six months, then I was on my own. The rest is kind of history. Moderate, but steady growth in student population. Development of a great team of instructors - all dedicated, hard-working and skilled in their craft. And, I moved out of my comfort zone and into the role as 'instructor', as well as owner/manager.

Now, it passes to Sheldon & Lyndsey, who have new energy and will re-invigorate the space through that energy and a bit of renovation. Good stuff. No regrets. Looking forward to the next phase.

The rest of my week? Peaceful - taught several classes, taught a couple semi-privates, and had a wonderful private session with Adam. I marvel at the knowledge of that man and wonder if I ever will be able to look at a person suffering from some minor back discomfort (me); put them in uttanasana, discern that one side of their lumbar is a bit elevated, then put the person through the paces to determine what might be the cause (hamstring?, psoas?), give them a recipe of work to do, and send them on their way to feeling better!!! Another best part? I actually did some of the 'recipe' on my own yesterday, not to mention my back feels much better!

Interestingly, I had my first-ever comment that the Anusara® chant made someone uncomfortable. Unfortunately, that person attended a class where the chant has become part of our routine, and I didn't spend time explaining or defining it. That might have helped defray the discomfort.

Sundari once told me she had success explaining to students that they ought to think of it as the 'cheer' we hear at high school and college football games; bringing us onto the mat; getting us ready for a wonderful practice. I have used that, at times.

Most often, tho, I ask people to think of it as an acknowledgment of themselves -- if it weren't for some 'inner teacher', they wouldn't be in class - doing yoga - improving their lives. And, that teacher is always there, always beautiful, always ready to teach us -- if we will just listen.

Then, as I was looking through notes, I came across this entry from an Intensive with JF:

"Why do we chant? To come back to cohesion with one another. To remind ourselves of the good within us and within others."

Another good reason -- there are probably a ton of good reasons and definitions out there. The key, I believe, to my students embracing the chant is how I present it. That includes looking at the audience; and try to determine their receptiveness to chanting something in an unknown language, for which the definition is laced with philosophic meaning. What do I mean? The definition is fine - if your mind works like that; if your mind embraces philosophy. I still read the formal definition and wonder - what, exactly does that mean? Because, literally, some days things are clearer than on other days -- that's the way my brain works.

So, when I look at the people I am teaching, I have a to do a bit of mental calculations -- for this group, how will the chant be received? I choose, in most cases, to keep it simple -- to go back to the 'inner teacher' definition. Most students understand that - it relates to their own intuition.

Just my thoughts on the chant. Would love to hear about other experiences.

Here's another notation from the same training that I will find useful: "What happens when we 'center'? We remember that this is a path of both effort and grace." I am always looking for new ways to explain what becomes routine to me, as an instructor. I am sure people wonder what the purpose of sitting for a few moments at the start of a practice serves. After all, why not just 'get in there and move'?

About planning (in the title of this post) -- that relates to the workshop tomorrow. Excited, a bit nervous, but - once I have a plan, I'm sure it will flow just fine.

Today?

• Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center
• 3 pm EST call with The Handel Group (as excited and nervous about this as the workshop!?!?!?!?)
• Plan, plan, plan

Have a GREAT Friday,

PLANNING

Well, it will happen -- my workshop. I'd secretly hoped for some kind of intervention that would cause or necessitate it's cancellation; didn't happen. Why would I wish this? It's my first workshop. My first time dipping my toe into the pool, and I'm a bit nervous.

Those of you who have done workshops might understand. If you don't teach, understand that nerves are always present -- what will I teach? who will attend? will more than a few attend? will I be able to fill 3 hours with information? and on and on like that.

I made an effort to assure there were no conflicting events; I know that some did similarly; -delete-, -delete-, -delete-. Could write more, won't. Won't go there.

Enough.

It's Thursday and I have an appointment with Molly from the Handel Group tomorrow afternoon. Molly is a 'life coach'. Life coaches are new to me. So, one of my first discussion points might be -- tell me what you do, how you work. Then, we'll see where it goes. I'm excited - that's both good and not-so-good; because, sometimes my expectations are bigger than the results. Also, I'm sure this will involve much questioning - not of her, but of me (myself asking me questions like 'what do I want?'). I've never been very good at this kind of stuff, so we'll see. And, Molly may just be my 'introductory' contact for all this; there may be someone she refers me to, once she has a chance to untangle my needs/desires.

So, back to the nerves part. I struggled with nerves all my life -- most often when trying to speak in front of a group. One signal to me that I had found my place in teaching yoga - the nervousness was gone. I could stand in front of a group of 8, 15, 150 even, people and talk/teach yoga with none of the breathlessness that had plagued me in my earlier life. I may be nervous before a class, but that nervousness passes once the first 'om' is uttered. Amazing!

Still working on my new website -- so much fun to do this just for me! I found a few more pics of myself, but still need more (another photo shoot?). We'll see. I think I can publish without the added pics, then add them later as I accumulate more.

The news of the studio sale has hit Facebook - so much fun to watch. And, I am truly excited to watch the transformation of the studio happen.

Today's plans?

• Send a few personal invites to the workshop (it's payback time for a few)
• Pilates at 1 pm
• Semi-Private with the "stiffer-than-most" or "less-flexible-than-many" couple at 2:30 pm
• YogaHour at 4 pm; I'm teaching.

Enjoy your Thursday,

BUILDING A WEBSITE

Who me? Yes, me! I took advantage of Apple's one-to-one training program last night, trucked on down to the Apple store, and spent an hour with very knowledgeable gentleman. My introduction to building a website, plus a good start on one. The fact that this lesson started at 8 pm, is a sign of my motivation -- rarely do I venture out after dark, unless it's a special occasion with 'the husband'. That's not because of fear or caution; that's because I get up so darn early, I am usually too tired to do much else once dinner is accomplished.

With the sale of the studio, I am now an independent contractor. I will teach for the studio, and I will look to cultivate more private and semi-private clients in the area -- hopefully, using the studio for these sessions. Difference? I'll have to pay rent; not much, but rent nevertheless.

As an independent contractor, there are several markers I must meet -- business license, personal liability insurance, business cards, website -- all things that will indicate to the State that I am promoting and building my client base, not relying on the studio to do that for me. This is not a new theory for me; I have long thought that - if we are going to be in the business of teaching yoga - we ought to conduct ourselves as a business. So, here goes . . .

One lacking feature for my website -- pictures! Remember I had a photoshoot many months ago? Well, that was the catalyst for losing a few pounds; probably won't use those photos. That means I better start having someone take some pics of me doing yoga without those extra pounds! The pictures of me with my grandchildren or standing in front of some travel-related piece of architecture are not going to 'sell' me as a yoga instructor/therapist.

I'll be going into the studio in a little bit to teach Gentle Yoga -- hopefully, I can retrieve some photos off the studio computer and use them, as well. I also remembered that all my Excel files that document my trainings are still on that studio computer -- better retrieve those, as well. Would HATE to have to re-create that source of information. Selling a business is kind of like moving; lots of stuff to change, discontinue, forward info on, etc. Hopefully, it will be done in the next few weeks and my life will move into a more normal-for-the-future pattern.

Today's schedule:

• Gentle Yoga, 10 am at The Yoga Center "Be there or be square."
• A private with Adam
• Meeting to go over 'running the studio' with new owners. They may be surprised at how simply I did it for 7 years -- certainly nothing fancy about my management skills.

Hope your Wednesday is a good one,

TUESDAY

Up early (what's new?), and at a loss for a blog post title; so will just go with the obvious -- it's Tuesday.

Yesterday began as planned - I did write the e-mail; then, received a call from an instructor having car trouble. I live close to the studio (the one I used to own), so people call me when in a 'pickle'. She explained she'd be late, if she could get there at all -- I offered to sub. Since it was just 15 minutes until class was to start, I threw on clothes, brushed my hair, rinsed off my face (no make-up for this class), and hopped in the car. Pulled up to find 5 people patiently waiting outside the door and more walking in from the parking lot.

Subbing can be an interesting task, but - this morning - perhaps because I felt freer after the sale or maybe it was because of the spur-of-the-moment request, I was able to walk in, tell everyone why I was there (instead of their favorite instructor), and begin class. My voice, I noticed, was strong and I 'kicked it up a notch'. Best part -- no planning. Once in a while, I believe, this is a good thing - to just walk in and teach; no plan; no intentions for students; no expectations of myself except to give them a good experience (I hope).

After that, I ran errands, did some grocery shopping, and went home. A nice, productive day. The unfortunate part? I didn't make it to Tiffany's class. Bummer! Maybe Wednesday. Last night might have been a bit dangerous, anyway -- The Shop is re-opening their retail space with lots of new stuff; clothing that we haven't had access to before. (SLC, by the way, is not the shopping mecca you might think -- especially for yoga clothes.)

Today is a busier day:

• Class with Wayne
• Pilates at noon
• 2:30 semi-private with the less-than-flexible (or stiffer-than-most) couple
• Help get Yoga Center newsletter out

Enjoy your Tuesday,

AND, A NEW PHASE BEGINS

Last night, I officially turned over the 'keys' to The Yoga Center to Sheldon & Lyndsey Marie. We had a great meeting at the studio -- with wonderful food; thank you, everyone. And, all but two instructors were in attendance -- considering there are now 14 teaching at the studio, that was impressive.

And, to look around the circle at all those faces; faces that I've known for years and some faces new to me, I saw good friends and very accomplished yoga teachers -- all dedicated to their craft and their students. Good stuff!

I sent an e-mail to all the instructors earlier in the week, reminding them of the meeting and telling them that this change is for the good -- new energy, refurbished studio, updated and more effective record keeping; all good things. The best part -- a goal to keep disruption to a minimum for the students who have come to consider the studio their 'sanctuary'; their place to practice yoga (even if it isn't the only place they practice yoga). "Change is inevitable; growth is optional." -- remember that.

I began to write this post as a description of the 'new phase' for me; I realize it will be a 'new phase' for instructors and students, as well.

Yesterday morning, I followed my plan and attended Sheldon's class. The moment I sat on my mat, an inward smile made its way into my head. I looked out the window and up at the mountains and said 'thank you'. Thank you that this has worked out so well -- and, thank you that I can now practice, teach and study without the added responsibility of running a studio. FYI, running the studio was never a burden for me -- oh, I had bad days on occasion; but, one of the reasons I did it for so long, was that the next day I would return to the studio with a solution or just in a better mood. Those bad days never lasted more than a day. A sign, to me, that I was in the right place doing the right thing. And, this transition has been similar -- never angst, worry, disruption; just a calm progression to last night's finale'.

This morning, I'm sitting here thinking of the things that need to be done; aware that it's not my responsibility, but also aware that I was asked to help in the next few weeks of transition. So, I'll send an e-mail, make a phone call, and follow instructions. Big change!

In my last few posts, I reviewed and evaluated (from my own experience) suggestions from JF for teaching. This morning, I read Christina's blog - she's done similarly; there's some good advice in there for us, if we're teaching or hoping to teach Anusara yoga.

So (parrot word), what happens now? Create a personal website, business cards, settle some final details (shift insurance, shift utilities - all things you do when you move), and plan for Saturday's workshop, "Embrace Yourself" - a time of recognition, reflection, and rejuvenation. First workshop, a bit nervous -- we'll see. I don't plan to take this 'show' on the road, now that I no longer own a studio, but I think expanding my threshold to include a local workshop now and then is a good thing.

Today's schedule:

• Write that e-mail I talked about
• Christmas decorations
• Tiffany's class, perhaps

Have a good Monday,

ABOUT SMALL CLASSES

Over the years, I've heard teachers lament the small classes we sometimes wind up teaching as in, 'what's wrong with what I'm offering; why aren't my classes larger; am I wasting my time'. Once they're done, we agree that we ought to view a primary purpose of teaching yoga as simply giving our best to whoever happens to be in the room -- be it 4 students or 40.

Yesterday morning, I taught just such a class -- small (but mighty). As I planned the class (at 4am, no less), I remembered Adam's words: 'kick it up a notch'.

Before I proceed, I'll elaborate on that. I worry that people walk into my class, see me, and form an opinion -- something like, "she's a bit older, I wonder what this class will be like, slow - maybe". Then, I fear, I meet their low expectation. I know I'm a good teacher; I know I can teach up to what some would like. I also know I get lost in the details; back to that 'too much information'. I love the fine tuning, and many students don't want to be fine-tuned. They just want to move. That's not a negative - it's a fact, and I need to find the balance between moving and fine tuning. A balance that will make us all happy.

My goal in planning yesterday was to teach a good class, yet 'kick it up a notch'. And, I did it -- to the surprise of the students in the room -- one heard to comment: "that was a work-out!" (I was secretly smiling as I heard that).

That comment led to further discussion with the rest of the group about the benefits of a smaller class -- one commenting that she had been practicing (at another location) for a couple years, and - perhaps because classes are large - she had never been asked to do some of the fine tuning I asked for. (Go back to my photo story of a couple blog posts ago -- proof positive.)

Why write about this? There is much to be learned from small classes -- I learn more about my students - their personalities, their physical abilities (or limitations), I learn about my comfort level with fewer than 5 in the room, I am asked to teach more precisely - no glossing over because there are just too many people in the room to serve everyone (I might even be asked a question for which I don't know or have the answer -- that's a bit embarrassing, but - as JF advises - I will admit 'I don't know, but I'll find out' -- then I follow through.).

"Small classes are a blessing, a place to learn" == my quote? No, one from a 2007 therapeutics training with JF in Santa Fe. My case, exactly! And, in going back through notes looking for that quote, I saw tons of information that I knew, but I hadn't thought of for a while. A case for reviewing notes once in a while!

My thoughts are running rampant this morning -- must be a bit of excitement over the transition this weekend holds. I have loved owning a studio. It has offered me a forum for teaching and developing my own skills, without having to worry about 'where will I teach'. It has honed my skills and my sensitivity to students' needs and desires. It has not, however, given me the key to scheduling -- that remains a mystery. As in, what class will work best at what time? That, I think, is where the right instructor can make or break it. But, I won't have to worry too much about that now -- I just will keep 'kicking it up a notch', while fine tuning -- the balance, remember?

My day?

• Sheldon's class at 8am at The Yoga Center
• Instructor meeting at 6 pm at The Yoga Center
• Inbetween? We'll see.

Hope you have a nice and relaxing Sunday,

ANSWER...

ANSWER QUESTIONS AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL (Don't give too much information, you might overwhelm students.)

#7 - JF's Suggestions for Teaching

Yesterday, I think I said a bit about this one. I am known to offer all kinds of information. In one of my first teacher trainings (Desiree), she asked us to tell students 'why' -- why we do things this or that way. Well, I took that one to heart. I told people 'why' ad nauseum. Too much of a good thing is too much (no matter how good it is).

And, that's all I have to say about that. (Forrest Gump)

Today is a big day for me. I will enter a weekend of transition from studio owner to yoga instructor. Over the past few weeks, I've been in discussions with my friends, Sheldon & Lyndsey, to purchase the studio (a good thing).

After all, it's been 7 years. 7 years of steady growth, good instructors, quality yoga. And, Sheldon & Lyndsey will continue that. Additionally, they have the energy (and a lot of friends) to refurbish the space -- finally putting in those bamboo floors I always coveted, and raising the ceilings (which students will LOVE). And, doors into the practice room -- who knew !?!?!

It will be a bit of a juggling act through December - but, classes will remain the same - just shifting to another space for a few weeks. Then, come January, a grand re-opening. We'll keep everyone informed on where and what to expect.

Good and exciting stuff!

As things progress, I'll keep you posted. If you are a student of the studio, rest assured there are no big shifts (other than the remodeling and a bit of updating in recordkeeping) happening. Sheldon & Lyndsey will handle things differently than I did, but who wouldn't? And, in dealing with them, I see their vision for the studio remains much the same as mine has been.

So, see you all next week in classes; no change except that my title will be 'instructor' instead of 'owner'.

Today:

• Private in about one hour
• Level 1 at 9 am at The Yoga Center
• Spend time with 'the husband' (if he reads this, I may get scowled at -- not sure if I'd like being called 'the wife' -- but, it's all in good fun)

Hope you have a great Saturday,

DON'T ANSWER THE . . .

Don't answer the question that hasn't been asked.

#6 - JF's suggestions for teaching

I remember the first time I heard this suggestion from John. It was Miami, my first teacher training with John, 200? (the exact year I can't remember). When he said it, I remember it was like a thunderbolt.

Why? Because I often offer too much information, an opinion, or a solution, before I've ever been asked -- or, at least, I used to.

And, for a while after the Miami training, I continued with this habit of answering before being asked, until I saw and realized the impact. It many times sends people away, rather than bringing them closer. What did I see? I had a woman in class several years ago who limped. Before she could get out of class and out of the studio, I approached her to talk about the limp and what we might do to 'change' it. Never saw her again. Need another example? The young dancer who came to class and to who I offered unsolicited advice about her legs that rotated in (kneecaps almost facing one another). We worked with a block, I showed her how to begin to change this pattern in her body. Never saw her again, either. There may be other reasons these people didn't come back -- maybe they just didn't enjoy my class, or my bubbling personality. I like to think it's because I broke this 'golden' rule and offered too much without being asked.

There have been other examples (at least two additional ones come to mind, but I won't go into those). Suffice it to say, by having these examples in my life, I learned the lesson -- despite the fact I had been forewarned.

Today, I will answer questions galore. I won't, however, bombard the person with a ton of information - just the answer to the question; if they want more, they will ask. And, I even open the door to more questions a crack, like "if you need/want more information, just check in with me".

Yesterday, on an impulse, I posted my Bhartrihari quote (look to the right on this blog) on Facebook, because I love it. My husband asked (on Facebook, no less), for my opinion of Bhartrihari's last sentence "..such a difficult vow, which is as sharp as the edge of a sword." Stymied for a moment, I answered (privately) and this morning I've re-read the Discipline in Speaking chapter of The Yoga of Discipline. I may have a better answer now -- that it is very easy to do as Bhartrihari describes 'good people' do, but to slip into a negative or - worse - an implied negative comment. Like "Sissy is so nice, she'd be even cuter if she'd fix her hair." We have now slipped off the 'good people' truck and onto that sword blade.

For both situations (not answering unless asked and offering speech about someone or something), the operative word might be 'pause'. Sometimes, if we just pause for a moment, the urge to offer all our information and knowledge will pass; and - better - we will contemplate any potentially hurtful comments we were about to offer.

Hope all this makes sense. It did as I wrote it, now to re-read.

Today?

• Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center
• Paperwork
• Dinner out with 'the husband' (love to read Bernie Birney's blogs, where she refers to 'the husband' -- makes me smile and laugh)

Hope you have a great Friday,

WHEN TEACHING ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL . . .

"When teaching a group or individual, and give an instruction, allow time for the student(s) to carry out the instruction. Don't just walk away and on to the next instruction; make sure they do what you have asked them to do."

#5 - JF's suggestions on teaching

If you are to travel back in this blog a ways, you will find this same suggestion relayed to me from Christina Sell. It's a good one. Not always easy, tho.

It (JF's suggestion) requires that we go back to #4, that 'quiet is not a bad thing' piece of advice. And, to elaborate on Christina's advice, her statement went like this: 'if you don't care whether they do it or not, don't ask them for it'. Simple as that.

Example: If I ask students for a 'full stretch', and I look around the room and see bent elbows and limp fingers, I will ask the group again. If all but one or two respond, then a personal visit is needed (as in, I go to that person or persons) and softly ask them to extend a bit more. When/if that doesn't get the desired result, I will physically adjust (or - in some cases - it just isn't within their range, and then I usually get the explanation).

It's more work, more observation, but the poses -- Wow!

If I don't ask students to carry out my instructions, habits set in; and not good ones. They become lax because I am not 'teaching' them otherwise. I am reading the book "Cutting For Stone" now, and came across this sentence which - to me - spells out just what I'm talking about. It goes: "practice doesn't make perfect if you repeat a bad practice".

And, I saw proof in a recent photo of a class in parsvakonasana. Students in pose with elbow on front knee. Lots of limp arms, heads drooping towards floor, necks resting on shoulders. There was one student in the center of the room - a student known to me (he does take classes with me, but I'm not his primary teacher). He clearly has been asked and has the desire to do the best pose available to him -- there was nothing in the pic that indicated anything but full, beautiful effort on his part. So nice to see. And, for me (maybe for him), to offer that fuller expression makes the pose easier!?!?!?

Enough on this -- I could carry on and carry on, but I think I (and everyone reading) get the point already.

Another cold day in SLC. What's on the schedule?

• A bit of housecleaning
• Pilates at 1
• Semi-private at 2:30 at The Yoga Center
• I'm teaching YogaHour at 4 pm

Hope your Thursday is a great day!

GIVE YOUR STUDENTS ...

"Give your students time to breathe in a pose. Quiet is not a bad thing."

#4 in my notes from the JF Intensive, 2009 in Tucson.

Students might not agree -- especially if it's a challenging pose, or one they do not enjoy. Being asked to stay in a pose while the instructor walks the room, or simply stands looking at general forms and foundations, is many times challenging in its own right.

I remember the first time, tho, that I was able to notice taking two calm breaths while in Trichonasana. Amazing, I thought. Here I am, in this - for me - challenging pose, and I am breathing; calmly breathing. Had the instructor not given me that time to notice, to appreciate, I may still be wondering why we put ourselves in those situations / those poses. Now I know, that - for me - the act of holding the pose, then being able to breathe, is an act of creating beauty and awareness (chit ananda).

As much as quiet is a hard thing to receive; for me, it is a challenge to give. As an instructor, I remember wanting to fill every moment with dialogue. I thought that was my job, to talk, to tell them what the alignment principles were, how to get there, what benefits they might receive, how they could hurt themselves by rushing, little stories, etc., etc., etc. It's hard to offer silence. And, even now, when I do, sometimes I think "I should be talking", then I remember -- 'quiet is not a bad thing'.

So, it's a practice for me as well as for my students -- getting used to silence; being able to offer silence. Certainly not a 'bad' thing.

Dogs are staring me down, as I hurriedly write this. It's well past time for their walk (tho they have been outside). Habits! So, on with the snow pants, boots, parka, hat, gloves; grab bags (even in snow I am a good, responsible dog owner - I pick up after my pets); and get out there.

Today?

• Gentle Yoga at 10 am at The Yoga Center
• My own private with Adam (more handstand work)
• Shop for one Christmas gift

Hope your Wednesday is a good one,

WHERE DID I LEAVE OFF?

Took the day to relax (some more), shovel snow, walk dogs, read -- no blog writing. Here's a photo that made my day:

My son and his sons (Jack, Carson & Brady, l-r) wishing me a Happy Day. Everyone's still in pajamas or ready for school (Derek took the day off to help after a busy Thanksgiving weekend -- what a husband/father!), so it must have been early morning. And, from the looks of it, Jack is developing his own independent personality -- a little bit of rebellion / I'll do it 'my way' showing through.

Now, where did I leave off?

First, tho, a comment -- the word 'so' must be cast out of my vocabulary. I watched a video of a recent class last night. Not bad - I didn't really tell people 'why' enough - but, on the whole a decent class. The word 'so' was peppered throughout. I thought I had solved that == but, no, it's still there; my parrot word.

Now, I left off on John's suggestions at "Keep your teaching as more of a dialogue, rather than a monologue".

Based on the video I watched, I've got that one covered. I'm teaching, yet I did notice I paused and asked for feedback. I was also listening for and acknowledging comments and groans. In this class, the apex pose was revolved trichonasana - not the easiest of poses and one that demands a bit of precision and an approach that is more thoughtful. I chose to enter the pose from an unusual spot - prasarita padottonasana (now, that got some comment -- pro and con), walk hands to one side, turn feet, place hand on floor, open. The 'open' is where people get overzealous -- everyone wants to take that arm up right away. Rather, this pose (revolved trichonasana) benefits from a more measured approach -- we create the stance (foundation), we lengthen, we go back to the foundation, we then - with upper hand on the hip - begin to twist open. Once shoulders are stacked, upper directly above lower, then the hand-on-hip can open to the fuller expression. I realize it's hard for some people to wait, tho -- it just feels so much better if they do.

Place yourself in a class - dialogue vs. monologue? What's your preference? I like moments in class where the instructor pauses long enough to receive a question or feedback. There don't have to be a ton of them (moments), just a few.

I suppose I also must factor in body language. If I am giving a monologue, my arms may be crossed, or hands clasped behind my back, and I may be pacing back and forth. I doubt I am looking at what's going on in my student's poses. Why? I'm pretty involved in what I'm saying - I haven't left any space for dialogue, observation, adjustment, compliments.

The video I watched was the one where students totally blew me away with their poses. Each one, from the most practiced to the newer-to-yoga gave me every ounce of their effort. It won't be a video I turn in - I learned a few things from it, tho. It is a class that I will treasure.

Today's plan:

• Wayne's Class
• Pilates
• Paperwork

Stay warm today, wherever you are. Here (SLC) it is COLD !!!

ACKNOWLEDGE EVERYONE, EVEN . . .

In keeping with my plan, the next suggestion from JF regarding teaching goes like this:

"Acknowledge everyone, even the most capable (you may tend to overlook these people because you don't think they need your help)."

As I teach, I notice that this does happen -- I do work more with the person who is less experienced - and, in some cases, I don't acknowledge the rest of the class. I saw living proof the day I reviewed a video: Two new students in the room; the others have been coming to my class for quite a while. My attention was riveted on the two new ones. Oh, I moved around the room, but always went right back to those two to offer verbal or physical adjustments; leaving the rest to fend for themselves. After all, they (the rest) knew what to do. However, in looking at the video, a couple of the rest would have benefited from my attention. Mantra for Leslie: 'serve everyone'.

Assuming people know what to do may be correct and they may not even need to be adjusted or corrected, but everyone wants to be acknowledged.

Even I, as I participate in a class, enjoy the occasional correction or comment of welcome or approval (even if it's whispered). Don't need to shout it to the room, just the act of letting me know they know I'm there is good enough.

Now, JF, is another matter. If I move through a practice with him, without comment, I've learned that's almost acknowledgment enough - sort of like, I did everything o.k. -- whew! Or, if he walks by and places a hand lightly on my shoulder -- that's even better. With 100+ people in the room, it's hard to work with that many and let everyone know they are being noticed. So, my expectations of being acknowledged change.

Going back to my teaching -- put another teacher in one of my classes, and I will probably move right past that person, as well. After all -- don't want to offend a fellow instructor by adjusting or suggesting they change something about their practice. Wrong! So, I continue to work on that one.

And I don't have to directly compliment everyone in the room. There are other ways to acknowledge the more acomplished practitioner without being overly complimentary or doting. I'll try to list some:

• As the class proceeds, use the more adept practitioner for demo'ing
• Once, I was introduced at the beginning of a class I was visiting in another city. Now, that really made my day -- to be introduced by a Certified instructor as another Anusara Teacher gave me a boost and affected my work throughout that class (and for a long time after).
• Comment on a modification used by the more experienced. In the class yesterday, the instructor commented something like this "now, Terry is very experienced and flexible, yet notice she's using blocks to fully experience this pose". A compliment built in to a suggestion we all give the blocks a try.
• Or, if the class is large, a simple pat on the back and a whispered 'welcome', will do the trick. Then, as class continues, smile - make eye contact - thumbs up - whatever.

I don't need to do much to let people know I know they're there and they're doing good work. It is easy, tho, as I mentioned above, to focus only on the newer or new-to-me student.

Ahhh, another ball to juggle.

So, today? It's a weekend off - more R&R; maybe a walk with the dogs.

Have a great Sunday,

WHEN TEACHING A CLASS, . . .

Yesterday, I posted some guidelines taken from a 2009 training with John Friend that I attended in Tucson. As I re-read the post this morning, I decided that deciphering each one for today and the next 6 days, would be good blog 'topic' material.

It will also be challenging for me to do -- to really think about what he said, explain what it means to me and my teaching, and hope to offer some valuable insights to you (especially, if the one I'm working on is one you've been trying to work on, as well).

As Christina says (there, I'm back to Christina), teaching Anusara® yoga is something like juggling. There are a lot of balls (or tasks) involved -- each important and each needs to stay in the air; to be present in our teaching. These are just 7 more. Add these to the UPA's, the loops, the theme, heart quality, apex pose, individual student dispositions and physical conditions, my energy, (there's one or more I'm forgetting), and - VOILA! - you have an Anusara® or Anusara-Inspired™ yoga class.

Now, as to "When teaching a class, feel the overall energy but don't overlook those with special limitations.", here goes.

What does this mean to me? That I must be prepared for whoever decides to attend my Level 1 or Gentle Yoga classes. That, when teaching, I not only am going to offer a good class for the student familiar with yoga and my teaching, but also a valuable experience to the person who is new or who has a physical limitation.

What does that mean -- modifications where needed. Or not. But, if not, I must be prepared to offer well thought-out instructions on how to do what I'm asking. Nothing worse than being asked to move to vrksasana and have not a clue what it is you are being asked to do.

If you read back a few posts, you'll find just such a situation -- students in a class, excited to have accomplished a new pose, and then sharing with me that many times, rather than teach them poses, teachers will take the easier route and offer them alternative, manageable poses. Their view of why this happens? Instructors 'assume' they are not capable of doing something (or at least a modification), so rather than teach it, they punt. I suppose when you have 40 students in the room, that happens; but, with less than 10 in the room, there is no excuse for not breaking the pose down for everyone (that's my personal opinion).

And, Leslie, how do you propose we do that? Well, often times, I ask everyone to do the 'breaking down' version first. Everyone does the modification, if I know there is someone in the room who will be challenged by the pose. As we start the pose, I assure students that there will be a second go-round, and that once we move through it the modified way, we will go to the next stage (or fuller expression). Then, when it's time for the fuller expression, I ask everyone to reflect on the first go-round, then decide how much further they take the pose.

By stepping back a bit, the more familiar students may learn something that had escaped them before. And, they still get to do the fuller expression, with their bodies a bit more warmed up.

For me, the challenge is not 'including' everyone; the challenge is challenging everyone - working with that overall energy. I will tend to teach more precisely, more slowly (there, I've said it), and my work will be to 'kick it up a notch'. To balance precision with liveliness and fire. That's my challenge.

Today?

• More R&R
• Yoga

Have a nice Saturday,

PLANT A SEED - NOW

Many of my readers also visit Christina Sell's blog. We both offer good, albeit different, kinds of information written in different styles. And, that's a good thing -- just like my teaching, I must develop my own voice in my blog.

However, that doesn't mean I can't 'borrow' a good idea. In yesterday's post, Christina talked about her intention for 2010 and how that has worked beneficially for her. She mentioned that this is the time to think about and plant the seeds of intention for 2011 (for more definitive info., please go to her blog -- the link is to the right of this).

I'm going to do it -- I rarely do resolutions (as in never); but a seed of intention that I perhaps will nurture through the year -- I can do that.

As I explain to students, setting an intention for my practice, in the beginning, was mind-boggling for me. Like, what do they want me to do? Should I 'intend' to save the world? Should I 'intend' to only eat vegetarian? I finally figured out that, for me (and it is an individual thing), something simple would suffice. So, if I am asked to set an intention, I start small, with something accomplishable -- like, 'I will try to find that spot in each pose where I can take one or two calm breaths'.

I'll do that for 2011. Keep it simple - last year, my intention was to be clear with people in my communications. This, as a result of Scott's revelation that my throat cakra was a bit skewed. He 'fixed it', and I decided that clearer communication moving forward needed to be a result. And? Well, each time I communicate with someone, I think of that intention -- that I want to be 'clear'. Not a huge thing, an accomplishable thing, that I may not do perfectly every time, but I certainly have embraced and nurtured this goal through the year (even when I haven't been able to be 'clear' for whatever reason).

With the holiday, I almost forgot it's Friday. This hasn't exactly been notes, but I'll include the following from my training notes:

General notes on teaching (taken from my notes - JF's Teacher Intensive, Tucson, 2009:

• When teaching a class, feel the overall energy but don’t overlook those with special limitations.
• Acknowledge everyone, even the most capable (you may tend to overlook those people, because you think they don’t need your help)
• Keep your teaching as more of a dialogue, rather than a monologue
• Give your students time to breathe in the poses. Quiet is not a bad thing.
• When you teach any group or individual, and give an instruction, give the student time to follow the instruction – don’t just walk away and move on to the next move – make sure they do what you have asked them to.
• Don’t answer the question that hasn’t been asked
• Answer questions at the appropriate level (don’t give too much, you might overwhelm them)

You may already do all these things; if so, great. Or, there may be a pearl in here that you find of value.

Today? R&R

Have a nice Friday,

JUST ENOUGH TIME

Found just enough time to post a short one. House is pretty ready, just me to get ready for the day; and plenty of time for that.

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 !