Public Speaking

The art of public speaking has always been a personal challenge.  I will never forget my grade seven French speech.  I chose to talk about what my dog does when no one is home.  I did not chose a mature subject matter and I was embarrassed from the start.  I think we all know what our dogs do when we are not home, but I thought I would make up a story.  It was super silly.

Speeches are a big part of grade school.  I never liked them but tried my hardest to be creative and embrace maturity.   Kaitlin, my good friend, was fortunate to witness my memorable tween event, the French speech in Madame Gadbois' class.  Picture this, I am standing in front of my class, ready to finish my speech, and I burst into tears.  My teacher did not know what to do when I broke into tears.  I had so many tears in my eyes that I could not see my audience.  She had me immediately sit down, and on the third day of presenting, I was able to finish the speech.  During my final presentation, I presented my last paragraph with a gentle rainstorm down my face.

My nervous public speaking energy rooted from my lack of confidence and understanding of the situation.  I was happy in my own world of Dizzy Design jumpers (over-sized, one-piece, cotton outfit, decorated with puffy painted pictures of me dancing), a Mayan Craft headband, and the lack of upper undergarments.  I did not feel like an outcast; I knew that I was a little different and super quiet. 

Today, I practice public speaking on a daily basis and I love it.  Instructing Yoga has improved my self confidence and allowed for me to overcome my fears of public speaking.  I have not reach Obama's ultimate stage, but I enjoy sharing my insights during practice.  Every new space that I teach in provides a challenge but I have yet to shed tears.

Every once in a while I find myself stumbling over my words.  Some how, I seem to find a way to overcome my nervous energy.  Last week I could not remember how to say anything.  I kept mixing up the difference between your hands and feet.  I could barely separate words so that my instructions were easily understood.  After a week of stuttering, today I spoke clearly.  My words were heard and my public speaking was renewed. No tears, no fears!

namaste yogis!

WG xx

Yoga in every conversation

Recently, my conversations seem to always include the topic of Yoga.  It is one of my main passions but it is not my only interest.  


For instance, while out for a friends Birthday celebration I kept finding myself talking about Yoga.  I told a friend, in midst of our conversation, that I was not to talk about Yoga for an entire hour.  Ten minutes later, the topic of Yoga  was back in business. I did not even realize that I was talking about Yoga, again.  Yoga is taking over my life=)  


On a side note, I could very well be having a conversation about Yoga with myself.  I might think people want to hear about breathing and asanas, but really they are not even listening.  Needless to say, it is time to avoid the conversation completely.  I need to have certain questions that prompt the topic but if they do not ask I do not bring up the subject.  A simple question regarding my day or form of employment will not be prompts.  I am currently a student and I can default by saying that I go to school full-time. 


Yoga is an easy topic of discussion and people seem to be genuinely interested.  It is not political and it is meant to be a peaceful activity.  It is not like Yoga is a private topic but it does not need to bombard conversations.


How does one spread Yoga without talking about it?


Lazy Sunday,


WG


 -xx-

Big Yoga Classes

Today, I taught three different Yoga classes.  In one day, 130 people in Tallahassee, FL walked into my class. Teaching huge Yoga classes are not something I could physically do on a daily basis, but I had a blast. 

The day was an inspiration.  Three giant yoga classes are activities that encourage me to continue to guide students, and provide classes for large groups of people.  Teaching a class of 70 people is difficult but I love the energy it produces and I want to share Yoga with everyone.  In our limited space students were willing to make room for everyone.  The sharing of space was wonderful and I was proud to be a part of this energy.  Everyone deserves an opportunity to practice. 

Students were not afraid to talk to me after session.  Slowly, the Yoga community seems to be finding connection and recognizing that we are all equal.   A huge class did not turn students away from me or make us separate.  I would assume that we were one of the only 70+ Yoga classes held today in Tallahasse, FL.  Next week I look forward to guiding another giant Yoga class.



Today, my class was filled with students coming from a variety of experiences.  Teaching a huge class is hard to reach every student but I believe that the Yogic energy shared is just as valuable.    Even though it was a full room of Yogis, they stayed to listen to my Yoga suggestions for 75 minutes of their day.  Students listened and moved with my directions. 

namaste

WG : ) (huge smile!)

Yoga Flows

Life is in constant motion. New experiences, inspirations and emotions help to keep our lives in motion.  All of these factors are what help to create my Yoga experience each day.  As a young Yoga instructor, I am constantly growing and changing my practice.  My perspective on meditation, vinyasa and pranayam continues to evolve.  The Yoga mat no longer limits my practice.  During each class the Yoga pieces are delivered in a different manner because no Yoga class can be exactly the same (breathing, postures, sequencing, lighting, practitioners, etc...).  Yoga flows naturally and teaching styles continue to grow.

Each school semester seems to bring forth a new type of flow in my life and in my instruction.  The flow brings new style to the practice.  Teaching University students encourages me to stay creative and have fun with the new Yoga practitioners.  Guiding a group of Yogis who are of similar age and attending the same school is an amazing experience.  Common ground is already established before class begins.

Yoga is like a buffet- students and teachers can always mix up the postures in order to create a new flow.  The flow sometimes reveals itself before you even acknowledge the movement.

After four years of practicing and guiding Yogis I continue to notice the changes in my style.   Yoga has yet to present me with a limit.  Yoga should not feel like you are restricted or forced to go in any direction.  Following the flows (body, mind + spirit) will guide you to your next Yoga experience.  Enjoy the journey and share your own flow.  Remember, Yogis Choice.

namaste

heart,

WG

A little Yoga goes a long way!

January 2010 is almost over and the practice of Yoga is thriving, even in Tallahassee, FL. I cannot believe how many students have entered my class and wanted to experience Yoga. The Yoga studios are creating an overwhelming amount of good energy.

There are so many individuals walking into the Yoga world. The energy and inspiration from each soul is helping me see the true power of the practice. I believe that the Yoga community is a powerful group of people. It has the power to spread peace and love across the country, now when we need it more than ever. The power of group practice and energy is immeasurable. Some days I can barely sleep because of my excitement and belief in Yoga.

Individuals who swore they would never experience Yoga are slowly walking through different doors and learning new things about themselves. The group of individuals practicing Yoga learn to share everything they have to create equality amongst themselves. Doors are being re-opened and we are learning to express ourselves without reservation.

For the love of Yoga and the strength of our hearts. Have a wild day and jump out of your box.

namaste.

yours gingerly,

WG ;) (Just learned how to write a winky face).

Yoga Every day

For 2010, I want to enjoy the practice of Yoga every single day. I am going to try my best to practice as much as I teach Yoga because I love the balance practicing Yoga brings to my life. I am going to practice for at least 30 minutes a day.

Guiding people through a great practice is amazing but if I cannot relate to the postures or understand how they work with my body it is hard to describe sensations to the students. Practicing allows for you to learn new techniques and explore new areas of Yoga. In general, Yoga is a forum for sharing information about your body and other experiences. Information gathered during practice helps the instructor expand his or her sharing forum.

Yesterday, I was able to practice in two Yoga classes. I went to a Hot Yoga class in the morning and enjoyed an intermediate vinyasa in the evening. My first class helped me focus on relaxing in a super Hot room and my second class showed me deep openings in my upper back and shoulders. Both experiences were wonderful and next class I plan to meet someone new because it is nice to know your Yoga community. When I am not teaching I get shy and nervous. It is time to expand my horizons because Yoga should not create any boundaries.

namaste

An Open Heart

Recently, I have been getting in touch with my heart. I have discovered upper body rounding and hunching. I teach and/or practice Yoga daily. I know the importance of posture and alignment. As a graduate of etiquette school and a former dancer, I cannot begin to count the amount of times I was reminded to maintain my posture. Lately my upper body has been ignored. My shoulders and neck have become exceptionally tight. These signs are telling me that it is time to work through my body and listen.

In effort to combat my discomfort and physical restrictions I have assessed my lifestyle. I ride my bike to work and school daily. The weight placed on my wrists travels up my arms and creates tightness in my shoulders. Leaning over my bike handles has caused me to round forward and change the muscle formation in my upper body. After looking at my biking position and my Yoga asanas. I noticed my upward-facing dog was not as open and that there was more pressure in the heal of my hands. I also noticed that I could correct my asanas to strengthen muscles between my shoulder blades. I started bringing my shoulder blades together during decasana and upward-facing dog. My chest has slowly opened and my back's increasing strength has helped to open my chest. Along with working on my upper back strength I continued to draw through my lower abdominal region in order to avoid low back sway.

The upper chest opening has helped me to change my biking posture and encourage my students to open their bodies. The change in upper body alignment has made a significant difference on my vynyasa practice and enhanced my balance. The confidence that comes from an open chest or heart posture is invaluable. Upper body posture has brought a new light to my practice and life. It is always important to continue to re-assess your body's alignment and posture. Things get forgotten and we can get into routines that change our bodies without notice. Namaste