[EmilyD]

I feel like this book was full of “ah-ha” moments for me. There were some things, like the fact that I clench my jaw a lot, that I have been becoming more aware of as I practice yoga. When I am stressed or anxious, I carry it in my jaw. I know I need to take a step back if I wake up with sore teeth from too much grinding and clenching through the night. Through yoga, I have started to notice when it creeps in. I force myself to take a deep breath or stretch my jaw to combat it.

Other things, like a possible connection between my lipedema and fear of the future OR the connection between my current feelings/actions being so connected to the way I was raised were earth-shattering. I know I’m going to have to re-read this book to start really digesting it, but I am looking forward to the kids going back to school so I have a little more time to start digging into the past to see what I can uncover about myself.

The other thing that really stood out for me was the idea of how I react to past memories. I have some issues I am carrying around with me. I feel angry and upset when they come up, even though they happened 10, 20 or 30 years ago. The way I treat the people from the memeories is impacted on a daily basis. I need to find a way to let the memories and hurt go. I need to reframe what happened, accept that I am who I am, and be okay with it.

If I incorporate this into my teaching, it will be a very, very basic inclusion. Most likely, I will use personal examples (like my jaw) and connect it to how yoga has helped me. Yoga has taught me breathing techniques, body scanning, among other things. They are all tools in my toolbox to pull out when I am nervous, worried, and anxious. Yoga is an opportunity for individuals to get to know their bodies and reactions better. A class with the focus would be perfect during common stressful times – back to school, Thanksgiving, and the holiays.

[EmilyD]

5/17/2018: Fiserv, 60 minutes, unknown participants, Stretch-style class
This was a challenge for me. It was different people coming in and out, no centering, and the YTT students just went pose by pose rather than structuring a whole class. But I loved interacting with the people that stopped by to participate.

6/4/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
6/7/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
6/11/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
6/14/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
6/18/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
6/21/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
6/25/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
6/28/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
7/2/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
7/5/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
7/12/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
7/16/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class
7/19/2018: KMS, 30 minutes, approximately 30 students, Stretch class

I loved my time at Karrer with the football team. I wasn’t sure how the boys were going to do adding yoga to their summer training, but as we went through the weeks, I think they actually grew to enjoy it. I had the full support of the coaching staff, which helped me a lot. I was introduced as coach DeRee. Most of the kids were really willing to try what I put out there for them, and by the end of our six weeks, they could actually be still in savasana for at least 90 seconds. I found a book that had short meditations for athletes, which was a lifesaver.

The hardest things for planning this class were:
1. 30 minutes flies by. It’s hard to get in adequate centering, warm-up, and cool down with the actual class in the middle.
2. These were all new to yoga students and the group varied from class to class. Not only did I have to demo everything every time, I had to cue to breath with each move, and be very clear with my instructions to get the kids into the poses. This is good practice for me, but mentally exhausting.
3. There were a few boys that did not want to be there and were a bit of a distraction.
4. Anything out of the norm was too much for this group – I put them on the wall for two classes and we were forced outside for one. The were the toughest classes I taught to them.
5. You can’t predict what is going to happen – there were poses I thought would really challenge them that didn’t, and postures I thought would be easy that weren’t.

7/3/2018 Balancing Owl 60 13 Slow Flow
7/10/2018 Balancing Owl 60 6 Slow Flow
7/14/2018 Balancing Owl 40 13 Slow Flow

I had one class on free yoga day and two hour long sessions with my friends at the Balancing Owl Studio. The studio setting has been more of a challenge for me. I find that my nerves make me cue too quickly. I need to find a way to calm my body and mind before classes in the studio so I can be calm for my students. Laurie and Ann didn’t notice my nerves, but I could feel them on the inside. Because of the way my studio time was structured, I didn’t have much time to settle into the room or center myself in the studio before my students started arriving.

I am still working on how much content to have available for a 60 minute class. I always have a few extras in my margins to add in, but I’d rather cut than add on the fly. I think I’d like to work on making my transitions more smooth – perhaps more vinyasas throughout class to refocus, reset, and reconnect with breath.

I want to find a way to relax during savasana without worrying I’ll allow class to go too long. It’s actually the most stressful part of the class for me. Ironic, right?

I still haven’t messed too much with playlists. I like music in the background, but for now, I’ve found a few yoga themed playlists and a few classical playlists that work well in the background. Music will come.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 9 months ago by EmilyD.

[EmilyD]

Building on our time together focused on Ayurveda, what realizations did you have about your daily habits? Personal practice? Any changes you’ll be making? How will this knowledge help you as a teacher?

Some thoughts on my daily habits:
– lunch is NEVER my biggest meal of the day
– I snack too much
– I have too much caffine in the afternoon
– I need to eat “lighter” foods.
– I stay up too late and sleep too late and take too many naps
– My digestion is pretty strong
– Warm water with lemon really does help me avoid over-eating at breakfast
– Tongue scraping still makes me feel like I’m going to gag, but it does reveal how I’ve been feeding myself

Thoughts on personal practice:
– I am pretty good about getting some kind of activity in five days a week. I need more “physical” activities to make myself sweat. I need to find some vinyasa or higher level classes to make me sweat while I get my yoga in.
– I will be more consistent if I have a friend to get me going. We are on vacation this week, and my brother and sister in-law convinced me to go run with them in the morning. While I can’t keep up with them, it got me out the door. Once I get started, I always finish.
– I need more meditation in my life. It will help my Vata come back in check.

Changes I plan to make:
– Once we’re back from vacation, I want to try to follow the schedule and kapha foods list for a week or so and see how I feel. I have bene searching for a way to help me lose/maintain weight my entire life. I have had issues with lipedema, swelling, and heartburn for most of my life, and now, my cholesterol is creeping up. This way of eating just makes sense. I wish I had stumbled on it sooner.
– I am going to try to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. Maybe not 4:30…although I did naturally wake up at that time the first two days of vacation.
– I want to continue doing a mono-diet “cleanse” between seasons to help me make the transition.

How will it help me as a teacher:
– This is a little bit trickier for me. I see Ayurveda as a lifestyle for myself. I can share stories of how it has changed me. I can plant seeds. But this is new to me, so sharing advice or thoughts on the topic is not something I will be able to do.

[EmilyD]

1) My Dosha – depnds on the test. Definitely Kapha. Some tests say Kapha-Pitta (Kapha body, Pitta mind)
2) It does. I keep reading and thinking, “Hey, that’s me!” I don’t have much Vata, so when Vata is high, I rellay feel it.
3) First, I really want to learn how to eat for my Dosha. When there are two doshas, how do you do it? I don’t know why the terminology for pacifying is confusing to me, but it’s not sinking in. And does the season affect food choices because it’s the season, or because the season can put your doshas out of your typical balance. Second, if you only pick a few of the things suggested (like tongue scraping or sleep/wake times), which are the most important or impactful.

[EmilyD]

I love that Colleen starts basic and then adds “IF” students want. She places a lot of emphasis on “IF” and “MAYBE”, as well as cuing props instead of making them optional. I love this approach. I think it’s important in any class and not just curvy. People should feel like it’s okay to be where they are that day. Colleen makes that possible.

I also liked that she reference poses not being Instagram perfect. We were working on tree this morning and her emphasis was on strengthening and stabilizing the hip – not putting your foot clear up at the top of your leg or putting your arms in the air at the end. It was about getting to the pose safe and not fast.

Poses were held, but not as long as a hatha class. Cues focused on what muscles to use to be able to stay in the pose. I was about being strong. I really love how she cued Warrior II. I felt good in it, which isn’t always the case. I need to be reminded sometimes.

I think using this language is a great way to get to know your students and their abilities. My first Karma class at the studio was on July 3rd, and I took the opportunity at the start of class taking about freedom – from stereotypes, from Instagram perfect images, from doing exactly what your neighbor is doing. I thought it was important because the class was truly all levels (from brand new to yoga to a hot/power yoga junkie). Based on the fact that I looked out while they were doing extended side angle and saw a ton of variations, it was worth the reminder and the effort to cue add-ons instead of modifications to make it easier.

[EmilyD]

1. Teaching classes for Vets with PTSD is not going to be my calling. I just don’t know what I don’t know. It never crossed my mind about placement of doors and windows or that chanting at the end of class might cause discomfort someone in this group. I want to leave this to someone who really gets it.
2. When teaching weekend warriors, we should consider that maybe they DON’T need another workout. I always assumed I go to strong poses that have stretch – Warrior II. It may make more sense for a class of weekend warriors to be filled with yin poses – still challenging, but with the benefit of slowing down and stretching.
3. In classes with a population over 45, we should be talking more about self-care. I’m almost in this group…so why have I never made this connection? People in this age group – especially women – take care of everyone else befor they even consider taking care of themselves. If they are taking the time to come to a yoga class, that is huge. Help them find some space to relax…encourage them to take a moment to find peace each day.
4. You never ask a woman if she’s pregnant. I dont’ think I would have anyway, but I’m stealing the phrase, “Is there anything going on in your body theat I should be aware of?”
5. Corporate yoga is it’s own beast. I can’t imagine students coming to class without changing. I can imagine them coming to class looking at their watches and worrying about the time. I love the phrasing: “I’ll get you out on time” and “I’ll watch the clock for you.” It would be awesome to feel like I was able to help a group of stressed employees relax. Even if it is just for a few minutes.

I am drawn to kids – 10+. We live in a world where they need to calm the mind. There is so much stress for them at schools, with tests, in sports, with friends, social media. The list goes on and on. I wish someone had given me some tools to help calm my mind and relax my body before I became an adult. It would have had such an impact on me. I’m just getting ready to start week three of six of working with middle school athletes, and it makes me so happy when one of two things happen:
1. The see me in the hall before our class and seem excited to see me (well…as excited as a 12 year-old boy gets)
2. They really relax in savasana. There’s a happy sigh at the end. The seem relaxed as they come back into the space.

[EmilyD]

I have really been trying to be in my own practice when I attend a class. Going through teacher training has made this difficult. However, I have been allowing myself to focus on one thing I really liked from the classes I attend and consider putting them into my teaching. I have also been pushing myself to try classes that are outside of my “happy place” – hot yoga anyone? It’s a challenge to put myself there, but even thought I don’t love it, I try to get something out of the class. It’s the things I pick up in those situations – words or phrases that help me get through it – that I think will help me the most in the future.

I think my choice of Karma classes has limited my ability to find my voice. I am looking forward to challenging myself on free yoga day, as well as a few night classes in July. To this point, I am doing a strictly strech type class in a school setting. It is short class with basic instructions. No fancy poses – just stretching muscles for atheletes. I do include a meditation and savasana, but I don’t feel like I’ve had a chance to really talk about some of the spiritual things that have resonated with me during our training. I love phrases like, “shine your heart to the sky” or talking about the feeling of energy in our body.

[EmilyD]

I found that the best way for me to plan out a class is in a Word outline. I can print it, run through it, time it, makes notes, and then go back and makes edits easily. I always start with a printed copy of Laurie’s class outline as it keeps me moving through the class without getting overwhelmed. I always over plan, knowing I can cut based on timing. With a group of kids that have never done yoga, I never know how far I’ll get.

So far, I have only taught 30 minute Karma classes with the KMS football team. They are indoors, which is a huge relief. A secondary challenge is that we do not have props or real mats (we use gym mats and it’s working alright). I have to be careful what I plan to do knowing I won’t have blocks or straps to help support them. And, it is hard to plan a short class – you really can’t do much! I do a short centering meditation, short warm up, 3 sun A, a small group of themed/focus area postures, and then savasana. I look forward to trying to plan a longer class, for students who have even a small exposure to yoga. I am looking forward to adding music.

My themes thus far have been very loose. I pick an area to really focus the stretch, and go from there. It’s usually about 5 poses in this section, so I’ve been trying to really get bang for my buck when I do this.

And I really enjoy the practice part of planning. I usually run through it on my own, then with my daughter. My kids are young and I feel like it’s good cuing practice to get them through it. I can see where my language needs to be clearer, what poses need more time, and what might be challenging.

[EmilyD]

I haven’t taught yet…so I’m still waiting for the “what ifs” to hit…but here are thoughts on classes I’ve experienced as a student.

The setting really does have a big impact for me. I need to feel safe – both physically and emotionally for a good practice. I’m doing my karma teaching outside, so I worry a little that it won’t have that same “feel”, but I keep reminding myself that I’ll be working with young athletes who are used to focusing with all of the noises and traffic going on around them. I think it will be ok for that population.

Temperature is so personal! I like to practice in the mid-70s. Hot classes do things to my head – it gets to me and I find myself focusing on my discomfort rather than the practice I came to do. And it makes me dizzy. I do not see myself teaching in that setting any time soon – if ever! I think heat outside will be different – as you get a breeze and the fresh air is moving around you.

As for setting up, I think I am going to travel with my own speaker. I don’t want to have to stress about getting technology to work for me. It’s so hit or miss! And I need to be ready to ask people to move around in class a little. I’ve been to classes recently where one or two people put their mats down in an inconvient spot and made it hard for others to fit into a class.

And music, while I love it, can’t be too loud. I attended a class yesterday and the music was so loud it was distracting. It was there to hit noises from other parts of the studio. It was so loud that the instructor had to use a mic.

Please share your tips – I’ll take any advice I can get!

[EmilyD]

I always thought meditation was getting to a place where my mind is totally still. I always thought it had to be in a quiet, dark, lonely place to be successful. For years, I’ve said I can’t meditate for those reasons. My mind is very busy. The only time it is “still” is when I’m sleeping, and even then I have vivid dreams. And, I have trouble carving time out of the day with three kids. But, I took Laurie’s Yin Meditation class in addition to our Sunday meditation and breathing class and came away with a different perspective. Now, I think meditation is a chance to find one’s deeper self. It’s okay for thoughts to come and go. Those thoughts can tell me more about who I am…what am I worrying about, decisions I need to make, challenges I need to face. With Yin mediation, I’ll find “pockets of peace”, and with practice, the thoughts will be less and less. I like meditation that way. I don’t feel like such a failure when I can’t do it “the right way.” I can do it anywhere – as long as I am in the moment, truly focusing on the experience, and being completely present. One can use a mantra, mala beads, a focal point (like a mandala or candle)…whatever it takes to find some quiet and peace for one’s soul.

It is not sitting on a meditation cushion, staring blankly into space, with nothing on my mind. I guess it can be, but it’s not the only way. There is no one right or wrong. It can vary greatly for each individual – just like an asana looks different for each person’s body.

I think meditation helps us get ready for mindfulness. Mindfulness is defined as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.” Through different methods of meditation, we dig deeper into who we are. We become aware of feelings. With practice, it leads us to being mindful more frequently in every day situations.

[EmilyD]

I’m responding post race, but I’m doing my Karma Yoga in an outside setting so the things that have been on my mind are now answered. The biggest challenges I will face are making my voice heard and finding level ground. We experienced both of these at the race.

For the voice, I do not plan to use a microphone, so I will have to find a way to make my voice carry with the group. And while I love music, I am going to omit it for my outside classes because it will be even harder for the kids to hear me. I plan to put the kids in a semi-circle around me so that they will all be a little closer, and I’ll have to walk around to make sure they are getting cues and suggestions as we go. Luckily, I won’t have to compete with the PA system!

The second challenge is location. We had to chose between working on a hill or concrete. The hill was a challenge because it’s hard to keep your balance, even as an experienced yogi. The concrete was hard because we didn’t have mats to protect our knees and hands. I will be working with a team at the middle school, so the ground won’t be hilly. I’m hoping that we will be on the field, which will be even more level.

I am also concerned about the weather. Wet grass is not the best situation for yoga. I need to work with the coach to see if there is an alternative space we can use to keep the kids safe. Or, I’ll have to come with a back-up plan that has poses with less slippery tendancies (for example, skip warrior and do more with low lunge).

[EmilyD]

Over the last five months, I’ve learned that many of my life struggles are rooted in my third chakra. I struggle with self-confidence and have a difficult time making decisions. My lack of confidence leaves me nervous, and sometimes anxious to the point where I freeze. I catch myself pushing off things that I am afraid of, telling myself I just need to learn “a little more” to be better and feel safer as I proceed. This fear of failure can be paralyzing.

Knowing this about myself will help me as I start teaching. First, I am not going to be able to just jump right in and have each class be completely different. I need to get some classes under my belt so I feel comfortable and realize that I can do it. As I gain the confidence that comes with practice, I will be able to branch out more.

I know that I will need a “cheat-sheet” of my plan as I go into class. while I may deviate or omit from the plan, I need it there so I don’t worry so much about forgetting where I want to go.

And finally, I have to be kind to myself. I am a perfectionist at heart. I will never be perfect. Yoga is a journey…a life-long journey. I need to keep going, take some unepected paths, and never stop watching, listening, and learning.

[EmilyD]

This is an interesting question, and one I’ve never really thought about in depth. I started attending classes regularly about a year ago. I had never really thought about breathing before that, and I even remember having a conversation at a Weight Watchers meeting early last summer about how I couldn’t meditate or focus on breathing because my mind wouldn’t slow down.

Fast forward to last fall…my kids were making me crazy one afternoon and I unconsciously took a very deep breath and let it out. Then I did it again. My kids asked if I was mad, and I responded no, but I was trying to breath deeply so I didn’t get mad. That was my aha moment. I can’t remember which teacher influenced it the most, or which class had the biggest impact…I just know that somewhere from May to September my thinking switched without me realizing it. I suddenly started tapping into my breathing to calm my body without realizing it.

There are a few moments I remember from breathing in class that stand out:
1. three part breath: we did this as a group in a kripalu video. The instructor had us lay down and proceeded to really explained it – she had us focus on the movement of our abdomen, ribs, and collarbones. It was calming and empowering. I loved it.
2. alternate nostril breathing: I really disliked this as I tried it the first time. My fingers cramped. It took a lot of focus. But when I finished, I could really feel a difference in my ability to breath – my airways were clearer and so was my mind.
3. breath of fire: I never knew breathing could be an ab workout. 🙂

How will I incorporate this into my teaching? I feel like my answer is always the same – honesty. We ask students to breath at the beginning of every class. Why are we doing it? Will it really have an impact on our daily lives? We are doing it to train our brain. To give us one more tool in the tool box of life. The importance may not happen today, or tomorrow, or next week. But with practice, one day we will use it in our daily lives without realizing it. It will feel good. We will be surprised. We will want to do it again and again.

[EmilyD]

As I discuss inversions, I am thinking of the challenging ones in our book like crow, side crow, shoulder stand, headstand, etc. I know forward fold and supported bridge and such are inversions, but they are quite gentle and i would say that most students don’t think about them being an inversion.

Whether or not to include inversions (the full versions) in a class starts with the description. Maybe a level two class, but most likely a level three. Beginning, level one, pre-natal, and restorative, in my opinion, should not include inversions. The second consideration is the studio. I know I usually practice at BOY and can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been cued into an inversion in class. I’ve been going to Kasa for a few weeks now, and there are at least two teachers that cue them regularly.

As a teacher, it is so important to really get a feel for your students and their abilities before trying to cue an inversion in class. It really takes a lot of strength and confidence. Personally, I would find it very difficult to cue an inversion that I couldn’t practice at home first. For example, I can’t hold crow for more than a second or two, but I know how to get into it and could practice cuing it based on how it feels. I’m not close to a headstand. I won’t be cuing that in class any time soon.

I am trying to find my balance of yoga and other work outs. I pulled my free weights out the other day and want to try to find time to get back to them. Between that, trying new studios, and continuing practice, I hope to build the strength I need to get into more inversions.

If I do teach them, I am going to be going back to my notes from our class with Colleen. She gave us many “modified” versions of inversions that are just as effective and are good stepping stones for the full version. For example, supported legs up the wall as a way to work into shoulder stand. Or crow laying down. Or gate into modified half moon. All are great starter poses and give a teacher some knowledge into what their students can do.

[EmilyD]

Emily

Anatomy freaks me out. I couldn’t dissect a frog in high school. Blood makes me pass out. Yet, here I am studying it. And I have to say that the book was not as overwhelming as I expected, and Anne’s excitement on the topic is contagious.

The biggest area where I feel I am lacking is retention. I can see myself making some kind of cheat sheet or notecards to cover the things I think I will reference in class most frequently. I also predict I’ll have little reminders or terms jotted in the margins of my class plans. I think it will be a challenge initially trying to decide what terms to use and when to omit them and just use other descriptors.

Reading the suggested article made me feel better because I went into April with the intent to understand the basics. I know that I am not going to know all of the mucles, joints, ligaments, etc as I start my teaching. It just isn’t possible. That being said, I will continue to study them as I draft plans and pick muscle groups to work on in class. My karma yoga is a great place to start this. I am working with a middle school football team. We are going to focus on poses to stretch shoulders, hips, and hamstrings. I can review those areas as I layout my plan for the kids each week.

Anatomy will impact me as a teacher because it’s my job to keep students safe. I have to understand the basics well enough to cue or make adjustments for students. As I teach, I’m sure I’ll leave class with questions and things to look up to reinforce how I cue.

And I love this idea from Meenal: Analyzing the pains and aches people generally complain about and then finding the answers just like Ann had us practice during class. Possibly even checking with Ann if I got it right.

[Author]

Posts