I’ve resumed instructing yoga as Step 1 of returning to my dream (to open Crawl Space Yoga boutique). After a year-long absence, I made it my goal to get back to where I felt most like my purest self. I led two private lessons last Saturday. Free of charge as I polish my teaching skills. What my students don’t know is the incredible, widespread pain I am dealing with on a chronic basis. They don’t see this and I do not reveal it to them.
My first student’s lesson was choppy at best. Note to self for future clients, no pets and no children allowed during lessons. They are a huge distraction. I am completely incapable of dedicating the amount of attention I need to on my student when their children are tagging along for the ride. I love children, and animals…jut not when I am trying to impart extremely important details to maximize the benefits of a pose or move in/out of it safely.
My second student’s lesson was more fun for me than her! Having generated a sufficient amount of discouragement from daily headaches, stiffness, chronic pain and burning sinuses along with a less-than-productive private lesson earlier that day, I was ready to just ‘get it over with’. Completely anti-yogi, I am aware. Once I got there, and dove in to my work, I was swept up in a glorious, emerald wave of rejuvenation and joy. *this is the magic of yoga.
I wanted nothing more than to connect with my student and deliver her into an emerald wave also. I wanted her for find that glory, that refreshment in a foamy, crisp afternoon wave. I am always surprised at the variety of differences among body types. Legs, for example. Length. Knees knocked. Bow-legged. Pigeon-toed. So many different propensities and all must be accommodated. Can you swing your foot in between your hands? Do you have to drop to your knees and carry one foot up at a time?
I have so many limitations in my body. Working with beginners, I am reminded to be grateful that I am more advanced and capable then I give myself credit for.
