Classes were smaller today and lots of fun. As often happens the class I had planned was not the class I taught. There were a few brand new and somewhat new faces, which called for some modification.
Talking points revolved around Process = a series of natural changes by which something passes from one condition to another. We used binds to explore using our clasped hands (or straps) as resistance to help open our bodies, and talked about the idea of a flower inside a bud pushing against the resistance of it's edges and eventually opening into a beautiful expression of itself, and how freeing that must feel, all that space created from the inside out.
We did lots of shoulder opening with and without straps and many of the students had not experienced binds, so there was lots of WOW , that was fun & I didn't think I could do that. Good stuff! I love teaching and watching students get glimpses of the potential within themselves!
No not the class I had planned, and to be honest I was a little disappointed not to teach the original class. But it turned out so great...you just can't beat that true beginners mind...I really shouldn't be projecting ahead of time how things will work out...just stay in the moment and let the class or whatever bloom or not when it's ready....that's what I learned in Yoga class today...I thought I knew that .......I guess, it's all part of the process...
The class I plan is hardly ever the class I teach! I may give up planning!!!
ReplyDeleteI loved the way you expressed the pose as opening like a bud. I will keep that in mind as I teach my classes. I know what you mean about planning a lesson, entering the class and seeing new faces, and then modifying the lesson to meet the needs of the neophyte as well as the yogi.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel & Sue, Thank you so much for your comments! I LOVE, LOVE comments! So I was truly disappointed & frustrated when I went to publish them, they both went away???? where? I don't know? I changed blog backgrounds yesterday, maybe that had something to do with it? Please stop by again.
ReplyDeleteMany Thanks!
Duh! There they are, computer savy I am not!
ReplyDeleteIt was an awesome class Nan. You are my very favorite yoga instructor. You challenge me in a way that excites me. I never leave your class discouraged. I think that's because of your infectious attitude about life. You're my role model. Love you! Michelle
ReplyDeleteMichelle....Thank you so very much for your kind words, You always make my HEART SMILE!
ReplyDeleteNan - I read this post last night and meant to comment but I as so wiped out from the week; today, I was volunteering at the DC Buddhafest and I ended up in conversation with a yoga teacher who was talking about recently being more flexible regarding her methods based on the needs of her students (she was trained in a particular discipline) - and it reminded me of this post :) true yoga, after all, is the awareness that can see and address what is here NOW.
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Anahita, I always enjoy your comments, they are as insightful as your posts! Many Thanks, Nan
ReplyDeleteNan, i have SO missed you and your classes; reading your blog has kept me feeling in touch. This is my last week of work so you'll be seeing me again soon! So much craziness (mostly the good kind) has been going on that I absolutely CRAVE your class ;)
ReplyDeleteSee ya soon!
Brandy
YEAH BRANDY!!!so good to hear you'll be back soon, I can't wait to catch up...I've so missed your smiling face...I was going through summer clothes and came across your artwork....LOVE them!
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