Creatures of habit

[Kimberly]

In March, you were challenged to practice at a different time than your norm. For some of you, that may have been a challenge both in terms of how it felt in your body, as well as mind. For others — no big deal. Share how it felt to practice at a different time of day. Did it impact your energy level during or after class? How was your mind?

Then explore this topic as a teacher. How will teaching at 6 am differ than 7 pm? I can share that when I taught regularly at 6 am, it was a shock to me as folks tend to be pretty stoic in the morning and the energy is very different than noon or 6 pm. I found I had to adjust my own energy level as the class depended on me to provide the energy (I couldn’t build on theirs as is the norm later in the day). And when I teach at 7 pm and end at 8 pm, I am very mindful that it is late so even our closing breath is very tranquil. You don’t want to get folks all energized and up all night, no different than you don’t want folks leaving a 6 am class sleepy!

Give some thought to this topic and share your personal experience as well as how you will tackle this as a teacher. How will you gauge the energy of the room, as well as set the tone?

[regmarlew63]

I have been doing my practice regularly, for the last 5 years or so, at mid day. Last month, I attended and early morning class, and to boot on a Sunday. My typical routine on a Sunday morn would usually be very slow going, easy and sitting quietly alone. I was dreading the “getting up and going out of the house” requirement to attend. And, I have to admit, once I arrived I was pleasantly surprised. I felt as is the other students had a “quietness” about them. Even the room felt tranquil. It was a challenge to start using my muscles that early in the day, yet my mind felt less cluttered as I had yet to start doing all the little tasks that usually take up a normal day for me. It had a nice energy to it, as it was a more gentler class type, yet it livened me up in a slow way. I did enjoy it.
Another class I took was in the evening. I felt rushed in getting there. I had alot of things to tie up before heading out for the session and I felt very unfocused. Once I arrived, the setting centered me quickly. My muscles had been in motion the whole day, so I felt ready to go right off the bat. It was harder to not allow all the happenings of the day creep into my thoughts. And I felt like I needed to remember all that hadn’t been checked off my list for the day. Which kind of gave me a sense of get moving as soon as this class is over and back to work.
Even with the big differences (positive & negative) in time change of classes, yoga always brings me a sense of wellness. I always feel like I did good for me and now I am better for it. To myself and others. I like the awareness I have even if it may bring an awareness of being uncomfortable, I feel like there is always a lesson there.
As a teacher, I feel as if I would prefer mid day, or late morning. I would plan a class that would that would suit what the time of day usually means for the majority. If it were early morning, I would choose slower lead up into energizing poses as people are most rested at this point of day, and need to go out into the world with positive energy, and limber bodies. If it were evening, I would choose to style the class for stretching those areas of body that have carried the weight of their busy lives all day long, and be sure to send them out with a slower calmer energy where they feel more relaxed and ready to wind down into a more serene evening mood.

Regina Lewis

[KHuttsell]

I chose to practice during the mid morning on week days and Saturday mornings. For many, these may seem very typical times to practice – but for me they were the times that I tend to be typically tied up with work and children’s activities such as soccer.

For the weekday mid morning practice – I found I had a high energy level early in the morning as I prepared for work and helped the kids get to school. Then I needed to transition into a more low key energy level to enjoy the relaxing practice. Then following the practice – I had to become high energy again to tackle my day. Mentally I found this difficult and didn’t feel as connected to my practice.

Lessons learned for teaching mid morning on weekdays: The students attending during this time may have already been very active within their day or they could just be beginning their day. There may be a vast level of diversity in the room’s energy level. Be prepared to adjust the sequencing and modifications to accommodate multiple students concurrently.

The Saturday morning practice was an amazing way to start my weekend – however, the balancing act within my family commitments so I could attend class detracted somewhat from my enjoyment. However, I did notice such a positive, high level of energy in these classes. It seemed like students were excited for the down time of the weekend – and energized to start their day.

Lessons learned for teaching Saturday mornings: These classes should help students transition from a busy week into a more relaxing state for the weekend. However, with what typically seems like a strong energy level from the students – many of these classes could be structured as more challenging to address the high energy flow. Saturday morning classes also seem to bring new students to class since it is a timeframe that is accessible to most. Therefore, it is important to have sequences that will be able to support both the more advanced student along with the new yogi.

[lisaclick48]

Lisa Click –

I rarely do classes at the same time or have a sold routine besides my own personal practice at home. Even though, I do change my personal routine often. I grew up without much normalcy or structure. When I had my brain injury, I started doing things differently all the time which became normal for me. So, different days and times have been fine for me and I think it was nice to try different classes at different times. I think when I did a great yoga class at night, it could restart my energy level and I would have trouble getting to sleep even with a sleep aid. I felt good and no stress. My body if sore, I would take a salt bath and feel great in the morning. Attending yoga in the early mornings was great but I was exhausted by early evening so I would need to pace myself and get extra sleep if that became the norm for me.
I’m not sure what type of teacher I will be teaching in the early morning as I struggle sometimes to get the words out, but I may try it. I would need to really prepare and do my own personal practice first, so I would be on top of my game. I love slowing down so I envision teaching in the evening hours after my day job. I do want to teach on weekends and I wonder if the afternoon will speak to me most. I know students have busy lives, so I wonder what type of yoga I will end up passionate most about and what time and day will be ideal being in teaching mode. As I become a teacher who can read the energy in the room, I will be prepared to change the music or pace based on what the students need. It will be interesting to see how I grow as a teacher with ability to adapt quickly and provide the level of challenge to experienced students while taking care of new students too. I’m still trying to figure out my edge and my voice…I’m trying to trust the journey and not worry too much yet about these important pieces of me. I know it will all fall into place soon enough. I’m listening to my inner voice and taking time to learn as much as possible. I will always try to bring a fresh perspective and different class content to always keep the class fresh and myself fresh as a teacher. I will plan to attend more classes at different times at different places to continue my learning and exposure. I love sun salutations so I’m eager to see what my favorite sequencing of poses will become. I’m remaining very open and focused even though it’s not an easy thing to just accept the unknown…trying to walk into the fear and accept it and let that shit go…

[melross1]

I normally practice first thing in the morning. I did a later morning class and a later evening class. The morning class gave me a lot of energy for the day. The only problem with it, I had to take time off work to make it happen. I would love to find a class close to my work place where I could take an early lunch and practice and then go back to renew my energy for the day. The evening class was not challenging to get to, and I was able to get into the poses much deeper. I realized that I was awake later because I had so much energy from the later workout. While I enjoyed the later workout, I need my sleep.
As a yoga teacher, I think it will be interesting and challenging at times to see the different people and energy. As I walk into my 6am classes the energy is very different there are only a few people that are like me who are morning people. Most are there with the “lets get this over with” attitude. The 9am people seem to have a good amount of happy energy the kids are off to school, they’ve had their coffee, they are ready to get the day started. The evening people are getting their workout on after a long day at work and again have a mix of energy. Most of the evening people seem to still have a little energy. I have a go with the flow type of personality so I think I will make it work well any time of day.

[msinghal]

Growing up, Yoga was prescribed to me as a morning activity, and this is how I have practiced it all my life. My mind is less distracted, body is ready to warm up, and my stomach is empty, which I feel is essential to getting deeper into practice especially pranayama. On days that I practice in the morning, I feel my days go better than on days I cannot. Although I would never practice yoga at home in the evening, I have started going to yoga classes at a studio in the evening, but only if they end by 7 pm at the latest.

Even though I like practicing in the mornings, a very early morning is not one that I particularly like (my preference is anything after 7:30 AM). Hence, to challenge myself, I chose a 6 AM practice. For me, it was a struggle to get to it. Once there though, I was enamored by the tranquility of the practice.

The other time I picked to practice was a class that started at 7:30 PM. Since I like practicing on a light stomach, practicing at that time of the day threw off my dinner schedule and time with family completely. I dragged myself to the class. It was a basic flow, which suited that time of the day and the instructor had a calming effect too.

However, after trying these 2 times, I am even more certain that the time best suited to my personality is the morning (anywhere from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM), both for teaching and attending.

[LAD92761]

This exercise was great for me. I have always been a mid morning/late afternoon workout person. But when I met Kimberly, she taught me that people actually work out at 6am and challenged me to try it. I started first by going to a couple barre classes at 6am. I liked it! Then I started going to Anne’s 6am at BOY, I liked it! Then I’ve added on the Thursday 6am with Renee, I like it! Then last month I added on Modo Yoga 6am which meant I had to leave my house at 5:15am which I had to wake up at 4:45am and while I liked it once there, I found my energy level through the week was depleted because I wasn’t sleeping enough so I decided to go back to afternoon practice at studios that are a distance. So the conclusion for my schedule is that I love 6am classes that are close to home but if I have had a rough night of sleep (which I do from time to time) then my 6am practice is affected, my focus may not be totally on and balance poses for example are very difficult/frustrating.

With all of this said, for me as a teacher, I will not teach a 6am class. At this point in my life, I just can’t guarantee that I will sleep the night before and be on point to teach. But I will keep 6am for my practice, “me time”. As well as throughout the day and into evening.

I feel like from 9am to 7pm I’m at my most focused and best energy so I plan to base my time available to teach in that timeframe, including weekends.

[dooley]

I have always exercised in the morning at home. When I started doing yoga I continued to keep that routine. It has always been my way of starting the day. The one thing that did change was going to a studio. I would go to the studio during the day or evening but not in the early morning. I picked a 6am class. I wanted to see how different it was from doing my home practice. I enjoyed the class. The teacher was very good. She started out slow with a calming voice. The moves were slow to begin but after getting our bodies and mind awake the pace moved a little faster. I had great energy to continue my day.

It is important as a teacher to be aware of the time you are teaching your class. When doing an early morning class you have to plan your class with the idea that people are still not awake, so having your centering be based on a calming meditative state such a focusing on some deep breathing to relax the mind and body. Then you could awakening the body more with some stretching. The evening class could consist of the stretching and relaxing the mind too, especially if someone is coming from a stressful day. They would be able to unwind and prepare for a quiet evening when they get home. The day or afternoon class could be more geared toward keeping the body and mind energized or focused to complete the day.

I am willing to teach any time of the day.

[sally200]

My practice is usually 530-600p
at the studio, using it as a wind down to the day. I have practiced at other times, but prefer later day classes. A feeling of ending the day and letting go.

For this project, I decided on a 930a class, it would be like a break in the day, hit me when I have been going for 3 hours onto the day, have to stop, slow down. Not natural for me.

My monkey mind was constantly kicking in, it did wear off, but came right back. Struggled thru savasana, but focused on breathing to calm down. Caught between slowing down or ramping up. Also, changing clothes again.
When leaving the class, I really got why Kim asked this question. My energy and purpose were off balance.

As a teacher, I feel, I would enjoy the same as a student. Being there for those working folks that need a release, a place to leave the day behind and concentrate on themselves. Right now I feel that would be a good energy match.
Music, meditation, I just know How I appreciate my yoga bringing me balance at the end of the day.

There is no doubt after this experience a teacher has to be aware of the energy the bring to class, music, meditation, and where they feel the students heads will be at the time of the class.

[CindyHurst]

In March, I found a new yoga studio very close to my workplace. Although I have practiced yoga at all times of the day, I have never been so close to the office that I could attend a yoga class immediately after work. This is definitely a new dynamic for me. I quickly realized with the first class that the time I usually spend driving home is when I let go of my workday. Without that drive time, it was challenging for me to calm my Pitta-self for my yoga practice. My energy is pretty high in the early evening (which is good – the class is a strong practice) and my mind is still going 100 mph.

This really brought home to me the meaning of the quote, “Go from getting here to being here.” This is something I’ll keep in mind as a teacher. You won’t necessarily know what happened to a particular student just prior to coming to class. Were they running late, stuck in traffic? Did they just have a fight with a loved one? Was their workday horrible? What can I do to help them go from getting here to being here? With centering, can I help them to let go so they can be present with their practice? Can I teach them tools that they can use even when they don’t attend a yoga class?

I will be doing practice teaching at this studio, so I will have an opportunity to try to help some of my co-workers end their workday with a calming and peaceful practice.

[EmilyD]

Emily DeRee

I really like practicing around 9:30-10 am each day. I’ve never considered myself a morning person, so 6 am classes are a struggle for me, and getting to a class in the evening is hard with my kids schedules (it adds more stress than benefit). I did make myself get up for a few 6 am classes this month. It’s no surprise that it was hard to get out of bed, but I did like the way I felt starting my day with yoga. My head felt clearer as I was rushing around getting lunches packed and the kids out the door.

I took a few evening classes as well. What I’ve found is that I have to watch the time/style of class I take in the evening. Anything restorative of slow or gentle is fine. I took a vinyasa class at 6, however, and it really got me too energized for the end of the night. Even with a warm shower and cup of tea, I found it hard to unwind when it was time for bed. I ended up taking a melatonin before bed to compensate. It also added a little stress to my day trying to get an evening class in. I have to do a lot of carpools and schedule juggling, which is stressful. These may differ if I did my evening practice at home rather than the studio.

I can’t see myself successfully teaching a 6 am (or earlier, heaven forbid) class. It’s all I can do to get myself to a class half awake at that time of day. I would be really disappointed if when I showed up, the teacher’s energy level wa really low as well. I would feel cheated and it wouldn’t have that same energetic kick-start.

I’ve been paying closer attention to energy levels in the room when I arrive. It’s not always what I expect. For example, tonight I attended a 7 pm class. That’s really late for me, but the “regulars” there were laughing and joking and ready for what came. I liked how the teacher handled it – some joking and laughing during class, but an extra long restorative savasana at the end of class. It was a good mix.

I do love my music, so maybe I’ll have a few playlists in my back pocket and decide which to use based on the energy when I walk in the room. I’ll also have to be okay with slowing a class down and cutting some things if I need to match a slower energy in the room.

[betshellhaas]

My typical yoga schedule already consists of different times of day. Tuesday it’s a 5:30pm practice, Wednesday at 8:30am, Thursday at 11am and 6pm. That is when I normally take classes at Tapestry. When I first started doing yoga at 8:30am it was difficult for me. I felt very stiff, inflexible and struggled getting my mind off of those feelings. The main reason for that is I would wake up and go, without giving my body the chance to wake up. Now I wake up at least one hour before to just allow the blood to start flowing before yoga. This class also uplifts my mood and energy level for the day. Late morning practices are my favorite. I feel most ready, warmed up and flexible at that time. However, I have noticed I can be tired after this class. I also love evening classes, typically, either slower flowing or yin. It prepares my body and mind to wind down for the evening, switching from work mode to finding stillness.

Teaching a class at 6am will be very different than a class 7pm. In the morning class I would want to create a peaceful environment that encourages a gentle wake to the body/mind/spirit. Allowing natural light into the room with upbeat, gentle music. This is where you can really set the tone of the day so I would want it to start out very gentle and then increase to flowing. At 7pm I think it’s important for people to slow down because they have been on the go all day. I think it would be great to start with some slow flow and move to yin postures. Slowly preparing the mind to quiet down and focus on the moment. I think teaching a class around 11am would be perfect for more advanced, heat and muscle building practices. Your body has been awake for quit some time and you are in the middle of your day.

I think gauging the room is very intuitive for me. Tapestry has limited space but in reality I think this helps me as a teacher because I greet everyone at the door, making a connection with each individual in the room and can assess a little better at what I think the class needs as a whole. I think setting the tone is all about some of the first few things done in the class. So if you’re needing to calm everyone down, play a singing bowl. If you need to energize the room, crank the music and start on your feet. Music is definitely what I will be using to help set the mood. At Tapestry for an evening class, Tammy will light candles. I love this too because it brings in that calming effect, already setting the tone.

[Beth]

I practice in the evenings during the weekdays and in the mid-morning on weekends. This has been my routine for several years, and when I take classes outside of my home practice, they are usually at the same times. Taking an early class, before the work hours on weekdays was very difficult for me mentally. I will meditate in the mornings before work, I’ve had that habit off and on for a few years, helps reduce my stress. But lately my job isn’t as emotionally draining and I don’t feel as stressed.

I think when teaching, it will be very difficult for me in my 30s and 40s to teach early classes, as my work schedule will always keep me from having a lot of AM availability. I think my mind becomes locked on the work day and it’s hard to switch gears into a teaching mentality for yoga in the AM. I could see myself taking a class before work, but not teaching. I feed off the energy of others and can influence a group with my own energy, but I find that this is easier for me after 5PM. I think it makes sense to practice and teach yoga at the times that normally fit for you. If I wasn’t working full-time, I can see my times expanding. I would be willing to teach at different times on the weekends as well, but I really prefer the calming energy that comes from yoga practiced in the early evening. I find this is the gift I want to share with others.

I have been trying to observe energy levels in a yoga class as a student, and I am eager to see how my Karma teaching at OSU Newark gives me perspective on actually teaching at my ideal times.

[heatherfly]

My typical practice is first thing in the morning. I spend a little time practicing at home and sometimes attend a 5:30 or 6am class as a way to get me into my body in service of meditation. I feel more present after yoga so it’s like a kickstart to meditation practice. At times I’ll also do a mid morning practice with a different intention. That is usually geared toward the pursuit of a challenge or the pushing of myself for extra energy. In the last decade or so it’s never been an evening thing for me.

So my experiment was with evening. I found I rushed to get there and thought unkind things about having signed up for that class in the first place. Had to, at times literally, twitch out the excess and anxious energy to try to join the class in the quiet beginning postures. My mind never quite settled down during the course of the hour and I felt like I had to abruptly jump back into the productivity stream at the conclusion of savasana.

In the morning I don’t have particular feelings ABOUT going to a class. But in the evening I had definite feelings about it. Maybe at a different time in my life I will have a different relationship with the times of day. But for now I like mornings.

As a teacher I imagine teaching in the morning because I’d like to guide people through a practice that will plant them firmly in their bodies which will soften the rough edges and sharpen the dull focuses for the rest of the day. But I’d be aware of the beginning and ending. The morning may start off gentle and move toward strong. An evening class may start off quite strong and energetic to provide a softer landing, a guided landing into a calmer presence. If my evening classes had been able to meet my energy at the door I may have experienced them as being not just some island of enforced calm in the midst of a busy time of day, highlighting my frantic energy by opposing it. I might have experienced it as a help in recentering. So I think for evening classes I’d start standing.

[Author]

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