As a yoga instructor, I am blessed to meet so many amazing people. I am in the position to be with people when they are vulnerable ( like taking yoga for the first time), and it is humbling. I'd like to share 5 things I really want you to know but maybe aren't obvious.
1. I do notice you. I may not be able to compliment everyone by name but I do notice your effort and work in class. I notice how you are at the desk when you come in and how you are when you leave. I always like to say goodbye to you and I hope to see you next class. When you're not there, I notice that too.
2. Farts and sweat don't bother me. In terms of farts, It happens ALL the time...really. If I can, I will always to avoid making any comments whatsoever about it and if need be I'll try to make you feel better by making light of it. If you are sweating, I am not offended or afraid of it. At some point our sweat may drip in a pool together as I help you with a twist. No biggie!
3. I like to know more about you than just yoga stuff. As an instructor I often only see one aspect of people. I'd love to learn more about you; your career, your passions, your family-life, what you enjoy doing. While there is a level of formality, know that I'd love to have a greater appreciation for just who you are and what you're all about. Don't hesitate to chat for a moment if it's slow or tell me how your day really was when I ask.
4. I want you to use yoga props and modifications...especially when they are being offered and, in some cases, pushed under your rear by yours truly. They are your friends and I want you to be safe. Think of props as extensions of your arms, legs, etc. Sometimes I coach a whole sequence with props and then practitioners have to use them. Why can you be so stubborn about this? :) In terms of modifications, the most common one I notice is that practitioners will NOT come to their knees for high plank to low plank. Sometimes I end up calling a practitioner out by name or talking to them after class. This is not to embarrass them but to keep them safe. Think about both of these areas and commit to being more aware of how you might need to use these more in your class. If you're not sure, ask your instructor. Both will save you from injury and help you grow in your practice.
5. Know that your yoga poses don't define you as a person. Be neither proud or down on your asana (pose) practice. I don't care if you can do a headstand or not. I care that you are there, seeking to uncover your True Nature. While I may challenge you in your postures, I hope I challenge you even more to do the true hard work...the daily practice of awareness.
BONUS I know I said 5 but I couldn't help myself.
I learn more from you than I teach you. I cannot tell you how much you teach me week in and week out. You teach me not just as I lead class, but by what you share as humans, as part of our collective light. Because of you, I have to work hard to stay diligent in my studies and to be authentic in my life. Thank you for that.
I hope you remember some of these next time you are with me or your yoga instructor(s). Ask them if this stuff is true, share, smile and be yourself. -Cassandra
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