Recently, I took a new role as a Yoga instructor at another studio. I took over the class because the old Yoga instructor moved to another city. Also, I wanted to teach another group of people. Monday night has become my new night to instruct and guide students through an introduction to Vinyasa class.
The group has been practicing together for years. New students come and go but their still remains a solid group of people. The class has at least 20 yogis each week and I love seeing the familiar faces return each Monday.
After teaching Yoga at the studio for 5 weeks, I finally feel confident with my abilities. My first class was the biggest challenge. I was nervous to teach in a new space and kept thinking about how everyone would react to my style and delivery. I wanted to make sure that the music was appropriate, that my voice projected clearly and that everyone could enjoy the Vinyasa experience. The students were aware of the change and were inviting.
Change is not always an easy thing and some are seldom willing to change. I was in the final 20 minutes of class when a student let me know how they felt about my instruction. I was giving directions for a different stretch in the pigeon posture when the student released her frustrations. The student said that he/she had no idea what I was guiding he/she into and wanted to let me know that he/she needed time to adjust because I was new. The student's body demonstrated that he/she was not open to my conversation or guidance. Instead of giving up, I re-approached him/her again and took him/her through the gentle steps. The student found the pose and immediately said "I do not feel anything". Just as I was about to explain the stretch further another student chirped in and said, "the stretch is subtle". The troubled student accepted the explanation and finished the class.
Two weeks later the same frustrated student came back to class. I maintained an open mind and was ready to try again. The student made sure to place his/her mat in front of mine and had a ball. I loved hearing the laughter and hearing it resonate off her mat and throughout the room. The students outburst was unexpected on my first day but I am glad that he/she has returned.
This week the class seemed to be in balance and I think I have gotten over the new teacher challenge. Each day is always a new experience. Learning one day at a time.
yours gingerly : )
namaste Yoga people xx
