Another day off and opportunity to teach. I am enjoying pushing my limits and seeing what is possible. I started the journey of yoga teaching because I wanted a more challenging class. I found yoga in 2006 while living in Denver and consistently practiced it while living in Phoenix. My studio of choice, there, offered a heated vinyasa noon class. I fell in love with the yoga taught there. Physically challenging with innovative sequences and a killer play list. Yes, I am a snob to the music factor. I always perform better when the music is soulful, upbeat and rhythmic. I find that I love me some rap and r & b while flowing from posture to posture. Sort of like dancing but with breathing, focusing on holding postures and gaze. I moved to Santa Fe and the yoga there was more spiritual. More chanting was involved and expected. Some of the teachers offered good flows but I struggled to fully invest myself in that community.
After attending numerous subpar classes in my opinion, I convinced myself that I would be able to do a better job. Create a kick ass sequence that would appeal to people. It would be physically challenging and hard. I have attended a few of these classes and it is my jam. I prefer to not think or anticipate the next moves. I like to be surprised. I wanted to replicate and introduce the Arizona way to people in Santa Fe or now Denver. I could create a niche that is missing here.
I have been teaching for the last month and I am finding that I am wrong. Most people want mindfulness, adjustments and strengthening. They are not interested in a mind-bending sequence. I cannot generalize as I have taught a few students that have a strong background in yoga. A different sequence for them is appealing and they look forward to it. They have offered constructive criticism which I appreciate, too. Loosely, I create the sequence of how I intend to teach each individual experience. Recently, I have found that my way of busting out sun A's is not for everyone. It is a humbling experience and I am finding that I am learning more from it than I ever thought I would. I am expanding my teaching capabilities and it is rewarding. Today, I completely tried to teach a foreign way to me. I don't think it quite resonated but I see the benefits of attempting a new way to build heat in the body as opposed to crushing sun A's and sun B's. I prefer beginning a class this way. Immediately, I feel warm and ready to bend, twist, stretch my body. Or attempt inversions and bold twists. I need to be warm before stretching my hips or detoxing my organs. I cannot just break into one of those postures while cold. It is unsettling and difficult. There must be a balance that could integrate holding postures in the beginning and utilizing the vinyasa sequence to build heat and make the class flow in a thoughtful, challenging way.
I thought I was teaching Sara Jo today, too. Had written it in my planner and made space for it in my day. Considered a class that would focus more on strengthening and stabilizing. Then she went radio silent. Instead of waiting around for her to make contact, I attended a yin class. I thought it would be great research and development for teaching Sara. The gift of holding postures to release/break through the fascia tissue. It is definitely not my preference. Holding postures and relying on breath work and gravity to create ease is not my idea of a good time. My mind starts to wander and freak out. Especially if the posture is uncomfortable. I just want it to stop! Thankfully, today it wasn't terrible and she offered an extended corpse pose. I returned home and fell in to a deep sleep. I will take it.
I have been considering doing more yoga teaching and creating space in my life for it. I am inspired to be more present on my blog, too. Lately, I have been full of ideas and wanting to bring them to light. Shine bright and often, lol. I am heading to Minneapolis next week and think I will take that time to figure out how to put some ideas in to motion. It is time to do more for me! And share some of the knowledge I have found on this journey of yoga and life. I love connecting people and thrive when I have the opportunity to do that. I wrote a few notes this week to continue that trend and establish roots. I feel like fully being home in Denver.
I will conclude this for now. I feel like I am all over the place right now, lol. Enjoy your evening. May it be present, lovely and mindful~
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