Last month, I was featured in this article. A sister yoga teacher and blogger wrote a piece for Yoga Journal online about teaching in a gym versus a yoga studio. I currently teach in both studios and one gym, and over the last 10 years, I’ve taught in a lot of situations! I’ve gotten to know the pros and cons of working in different environments, and so reflecting on this for an article was interesting and fun for me!
First of all, I’ve taught (and practiced) in a lot of crazy places. For example, once I remember I was taking a class at a yoga conference (which is *really* expensive, fyi) and we were in Savasana (see yesterday’s post to understand how important Savasana is!). Dark room, quiet music, resting after a vigorous practice, and then…. POW! Bright lights going off repeatedly! Snaps, clicks, shutters sounding. Two professional photographers had been let in to photograph us, without us knowing! It was quite disturbing and not at all peaceful, and just kept going and going for more than a minute. Half of us ended up walking out (my only time ever walking out of a class).
And of course, I’ve taught in some pretty crazy scenarios as well – places that were freezing, places that were dirty or loud, places where there wasn’t enough room for everyone who attended. I feel….very adaptable 🙂
It’s true what the article says – being flexible as a teacher is important – and not just in your hamstrings! Going with the flow, having a sense of humor, and helping everyone else go with the flow with your cheery attitude, really does help. I try to remember that most of the students in a yoga class have made some big sacrifices in time, money, and effort to get to class. I don’t want to let them down, no matter what! Some of my best class moments have been in less than ideal circumstances, so I know that attitude really counts 🙂
All this being said, I’m so grateful that there are beatiful yoga studios to teach and practice in. It’s really nice to have a dedicated space that was designed for yoga, and is filled with yoga energy everyday. Of course, the one gym I still work at (Healthworks for Women) is really good about supporting yoga as well, so I’m not complaining.
Enjoy your practice today, wherever it may be!
Barrett
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Nice writing style.I came across your article from Google and enjoyed reading it. Have you been writing for long?Not long ago I recently started a blog myself and its been a fascinating process. I’ve met some great friends since then although it can be boring at times! Oh well, much appreciated for your article!
I don’t find the writing boring, but I admit, if you look through my writing over the last year, it has gone in fits and spurts! I am sometimes not inspired. I do the Yoga Odyssey twice a year, and it sucks a lot of my writing creativity up.
But like yoga, writing is a practice, and I’m getting better at it 🙂 I’m hoping to write more consistently in 2010!
I like your idea for your blog – I may check out some of the DVDs on your recommendation! If you want to check out the Yoga Odyssey, my online program, I’d love your opinion as a reviewer – let me know!
The story of the photographers is a good one and something other instructors can learn from. Never let people in to the room, especailly photographers, durring the final rest period. It could have detrimental effects on the participants of the class.