Obstacles

I am back and blah-blah blogging for the second time this week=)

Yesterday, I received a phone call from my supervisor.  Her message was to let me know that my Yoga classes were being reduced from 3 to 2 per week.  I was instantly disappointed because I really love the group that has been established. I began to reflect on my performance as an instructor and how it would impact the Yogis at FSC. My classes have been substantially low compared to FSU but they have maintained a minimum of 5 enthusiastic participants.

Understandably, FSC is a small private college and needs to work hard in order to attract group fitness participants.  The abrupt mid-semester change is to see if they can get more participants. It is hard not to take the change personally. Fortunately, I think I am ready to explore other teaching realms in Lakeland and I look forward to meeting new Yogis and new people in the city of swans.

While teaching this fall semester I have run into the challenge of pleasing everyone. Of course, the impossible! Within the first couple of weeks, some students complained to my supervisor that my class was too challenging. Again, I took this personally but was super grateful for the supervisor's concern for the quality of the classes and their safety of the patrons. Yoga can be detrimental when alignment is ignore and students are going beyond their edge in a posture.

While teaching I place a huge emphasis on students taking the time to feel out the posture. Any sign of pain means you should back out of the posture. I focus on learning each student's name, physical make-up and walking around the room to assist each student with the posture. I also, really encourage students embrace a variety of modifications and to ask me for assistance- anytime and all the time!  At the end of the class I re-introduced myself and encourage the students to approach me with their concerns or simple conversation. Alas, I repeat the purpose of my job as a Yoga guide, which is to make Yoga accessible to everyone who comes to class. Yoga has the power to create an amazing community filled with so much positive energy. I love the interaction with the students and the feedback they provide. Like any instructor- we long to be better for each person listening to our voice.

In general, Yoga classes held in a fitness center are a challenge because everyone wants to try Yoga. Of course- everyone should try yoga! I just love it- fortunately, classes can be designed to suit individual differences. For example, someone trying Yoga for the first time shouldn't expect to go to a Yoga class and be able to do every posture, breath and meditation exercise. If you could do everything perfectly what would be the point of practicing and enjoying your own Yoga journey? There are so many ways to enjoy a yoga session that does not involve physical exertion. Watching and listening can been highly beneficial.

I have had the privilege of teaching a variety of students and have always considered myself to be extra caring when it comes to each person's needs for modification. After a mere 4.5 years of sharing and practicing I look forward to my adventures in Lakeland. I wonder where my next teaching opportunity with be?

Finally, my message to instructors and aspiring instructors is to follow your heart and take each bump in the road as a learning point. Yoga is an endless journey- it can be a piece in your whole world- your passage through life.  Find the light- something that my new Yoga instructor, Rickie Hart, keeps encouraging!

yours gingerly,

Whitney

Something New

First of all- I would like to thank Ms. Aker for encouraging me to keep writing in my blog. Even if no one is interested in reading my writing I really enjoy the personal reflection and life record keeping.

Like others- Moving to a new location and accepting change can seem like an impossible challenge. Where do you find your first friend and locate a place of like-minded peers. Where will I find a place to practice and teach Yoga?

Present Life Outline:

My current role in Lakeland, FL is as a volunteer assistant coach for the Cross-country and track team at Florida Southern College. I am also working for the Wellness Centre and teaching Yoga to the students. Florida Southern is a Frank Lloyd Wright campus and it was ranked number 9 on the most beautiful campuses in the USA.

Cross-country practice is every morning at 5:30 a.m. Over the first set of weeks I found the morning wake-up a challenge- it is starting to get easier.  Setting my alarm clock for 4:30 a.m. did not make me feel warm and fuzzy all over. Some mornings I found myself arriving late because I had failed to move upon the alarm. I am getting better at waking up early and I kinda love the early morning routine. Bed is no later than 10:00 p.m. and I usually feel well rested after I get moving in the morning. The darkness just makes it hard to budge out of bed.

The Cross-country team has two assistant coaches and the other assistant coach is basically- awesome. She is my first official friend in Lakeland, Coach Beaver=)  Great gal who loves to adventure everywhere- especially in thrift stores.  She can always find the treasure.

Teaching Yoga on the Florida Southern campus is quite a bit different from the Florida State campus but I have a regular group of Yogis whom I adore:)  Classes are much small, so I am still longing for the packed classes full of energy back in Tallahassee.  Miss you guys! Coach Beaver comes whenever she is not working at the Holiday Inn and she really helps add to the classes energy.  It is nice to have familiar faces in class- they help calm my nerves and make guiding postures easier. Our Yoga/ fitness room overlooks Lake Hollingsworth and it is a gorgeous view! I can even adjust the rooms temperature which is a huge plus!

My new home is nestled in South Lakeland with my fiance, Cooper. We have been working hard to live in a small space with limited storage.  Under our bed is the main storage space. Our rent is cheap and the place is well kept. I am looking forward to a cockroach-free year!   We do have tennis courts, lakes filled with gators and some beautiful pools.  I have been working on my tennis skills however my focus is really off.  It is so hard to focus during a racket sport and Cooper is trying to guide me in the 'right' direction. Everything is feeling more like home and the streets are much more familiar.

As far as my personal yoga practice goes I have found a wonderful Yoga studio, Satya (Truth) Yoga.  My instructor, Rickie Hart, is a former dancer from NYC. She has an Engineering degree, is a Chi Gong master, and has studied with numerous Yogis. Her physiological background has been highly informative and I am learning so much about my own physical restrictions. My restrictions have become my guides to better alignment and muscle movement. I love her guidance and I love her patience. She teaches on average 4 classes a day and takes Sundays off. Her energy is boundless.

Off to Cross Country practice and teaching Yoga!

Peace.