Teaching like I practice
Been feeling a change in my teaching in the last month or so. Had this revelation recently that I was not teaching the way I practice. I mean by that that I'm a really committed yogi who practices almost every day; and practices in a hard core yet playful way. I challenge myself and I adore going deeper in the poses. And yet somehow for some reason often when I teach class I let my sweetness take over and at times can become too accommodating to the students.
I read recently a post from Christina Sell's blog which really made an impact on me. She was talking about how strong John Friend is as a teacher and how whenever he teaches he never ever starts by telling the students to "modify" or to "take it easy." Rather when he teaches -and this has been my experience also studying intensely with him since 2003- he's always about going for it. I started to think how my favorite teacher Sianna Sherman -who is incredibly sensitive by the way- is also like that. Tiffany Fraser here in LA whom I adore, is also like that. And those are the teachers that I'm drawn to. The ones who help me go to the next level, all the while reminding me of the main purposes of why we practice this sacred, scientific art of yoga.
So lately I've been teaching just like I practice- longer holds, some standing poses, inversions, and then trying to get to poses in a deeper way. And always moving with breath, letting the outer body be soft while inside we get stronger and stronger.
I don't know if it's because I'm changing but students have been coming more to classes, they have been having breakthroughs and I feel are enjoying themselves more. And interestingly enough, several students who used to tell me quite often that they are "tired" before class miraculously have stopped saying that and in fact have become so committed.
Often I think that whenever we get "challenging" students, they are simply there for us as teachers to look at that aspect of ourselves and work on it. And when we work on that aspect, then those same students no longer challenge us. They were there as mirrors for us to look at that aspect. I even spoke about this whole thing with my therapist recently and she reminded me that most students want to be challenged even when they say that they are tired, and that they want to know that someone is in charge.
So I look forward to continue to teach like I practice, to continue to be of service to whoever is there in class and help them connect to their light and expand their idea of who they think they are. I look forward to continue to grow as a teacher. Lastly, to continue to remember what a joy it is to realize that I am not for everyone; that some people will like me, and some will not. What a relief to really know that and live that!
On a personal note, yesterday April 29th was my "anniversary." 22 years ago I almost died. I had a traumatic car accident, arrived to the hospital with no pulse, was given the last rites, and was not expected to live. Slowly I improved. I did fracture my spine in four different places as well as my pelvis, my arm, my ribs, lost my right kidney and about 3/4 of my blood. Every April 29th I pause and think back on that time when my life changed and I had to learn how to walk again. Yesterday I was practicing in the park and looked around at the beautiful spring day. What a blessing to be alive. Off to do some yoga!
I read the same post, and have stopped offering ways out. Students have commented that they feel 'safe', that they are learning, they feel better, etc. And, I feel better about my command in the seat of the teacher. I love reading you are experiencing similar reactions.
FYI, test went really well (in my mind). Thank you, again, for your note of support.
I'll appreciate April 29, knowing you are part of my life now.
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