Monday, October 6, 2008

Yoga Teacher Training Extensions - Group Meeting

Marisa was absent on Sunday, so Monday night was the first time we met with her. I was feeling out of sorts. I realized it was the time of day that was throwing me. I had to quiet my mind from the day of work and commuting and I was having a lot of trouble. I couldn't focus on teaching. I forgot the names of body parts, the names of poses. I left like I had undergone a partial lobotomy, and somehow survived. I promised the group I'd be my better self next time.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Yoga Teacher Training Extensions - First Meeting

There was a lot of excited & nervous energy in the room. Marley V was the lead teacher trainer for Extensions, and today she was especially brilliant. She is in love with Extensions and all of its participants. She was glowing. I think that light penetrated the heart of every student and teacher trainer in the studio that morning.

The Extensions students were broken into smaller groups. Surprisingly, Kiara and I were both put into the same small group lead by Marisa V. Our group was well-balanced with vata and pita doshas.

Finally, the whole Extensions class taught round-robin style. I wasn't nervous, but I still don't feel comfortable in the seat of the teacher. Marley's feedback was that I need to dance between cuing and adjustments. I need levity and I know it.

Friday, October 3, 2008

CorePower Yoga Teacher Training Extentions

What is Extensions?
Extensions is a mentor program targeted at developing the teaching foundation created during teacher training, and growing into a fuller, richer, creative expression.

Extensions is a way keep on the track of being a dedicated student so I can teach from a place of authentic experience and connection. It means figuring out what I need to work on as a yogi and instructor in order to deliver a class that is true to where I'm at as a teacher and what I want to get across.

The program lasts seven weeks long. During the first three weeks, we meet with everyone in the program to go more in depth into assists, theme, music, voice, and intelligence of the sequence. During the next four weeks, we are put into a small groups of four or five with a mentor. During the last month of the program, we take we've learned and apply it in a real life setting. We are required to go to beginner's classes to assist. During the small groups weekly meetings, one person will teach a full class in a CPY studio to the group utilizing music, assists, theme, and voice. The mentor will observe the class and provide written feedback.

What am I thinking?
I am not sure if I am in the right place for Extensions. My dot-com job has been unstable. Spending money on additional yoga training doesn't seem like a financially responsible idea.

Well, it's either going to cost now, or it's going to cost later. I have the time before ski/snowboarding season, and I have the energy to commit. What am I waiting for?

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Serendipitous First Yoga Class @ 24 Hour Fitness

Since mid-August I've been wondering, what comes next? Got my answer! Last night, went to a yoga class at 24 Hour Fitness with my friend Kiara. The instructor was a no-show. I looked over at Kiara and she said, "You should teach this class." My mind was racing.... I thought about the "Enlighten Up!" movie that Harper and I watched the night before and its theme question, what does yoga mean to you? I thought about all the amazing things I learned in yoga training from my mentors. It dawned on me--I am a certified to do this! And then I realized my responsibility to share yoga, to teach. And so I did! 25-ish people got the yoga they showed up for, they were so thankful to me, and I got an INCREDIBLE gift.