[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

[regmarlew63]

I have been given assists in class. And most of my assists came from a teacher I was very familiar with and felt extremely comfortable with. But, I have had both experiences with some assists being extremely helpful and some assists not so helpful, and even sometimes leaving me with some pain afterward. Which, I know is NEVER the goal.
I see where an assist could be an insightful tool, bringing awareness to something the student may not have even realized they were doing. Which in turn would not only prevent a potential injury, but also help to get a more meaningful and beneficial experience from their practice. In the times where an assist was needed on me, not only did I reap the benefits mentioned above, but it also gave me an “AHA” moment as I realized “wow, this feels so much better”.
As a teacher I would also want to bring that comfort level to my student, making them feel natural with any touch, and that touch would help them recognize their form and the difference from being in an improper form versus proper form.
Even though I may know the student for a long time, or have even taught them for a very long time, I would still be sure that they felt at ease and okay with me helping bring awareness to their posture. I would hope to be observant that some students are just not anatomically made to do certain movement. And I would not want them to feel inadequate in any way. With that, it falls on me to make sure they know it is something to accept and to work safely with those specific asanas.
In our readings, I realize there are so many different ways to offer an assist. Not just physical touch. Some assists may just be a matter of coming near the person on mat and cueing the correction as if it is for the entire class. Even coming within a distance that is more audible for them to hear your breath work can be an assist.
I also think if I am giving cues to have a whole class make adjustments, and I still see alot of misunderstanding, I can ask the group to pause, and observe me. Watching as I demonstrate the correct form and what happens to body when not keeping good form.
Ultimately, I hope my student will feel at ease, and safe from harm if ever offered or given an assist from me.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

I plan on using music when teaching. I feel, with the correct choice, it aides in helping people feel calmer, more relaxed, peaceful, and helps to get in the right mindset. Music for most, has such a healing property to it. It activates our mental state, and does something to the physical body. Depending on the kind of music, it can calm you, amp you up, bring happiness and joy. And in some instances, back to a memory or time that is not so happy. My experiences as a student in class that uses music, has told me that I prefer instrumental styles of music. When there are lyrics, I tend to be distracted or influenced (sometimes in a negative way) by what they are saying, versus the melody that is playing. I also feel that it would keep me, as a teacher, in a good place; meaning I am sure there will be times when I am at a loss for words, or direction. The music can also help to ground me and direct me into a good place, so that I might bring positive energy to the class. I understand that it can be tricky, because not everybody has the same ideas about a specific genre of music. I do feel though, that a non-agressive beat and melody can be pretty much universal or even have a more neutral quality to it. And, if it happens NOT to be to the liking of anyone in particular, it is something that is doable and not extreme enough that it would bring them to an intense negative emotion.
I have had the experience where there was no music during a class. And it did not bother me as much as I thought it might. I did focus a lot more on the verbiage and how I was using the teacher’s words to apply them to specific parts of the body in the asanas. I just feel from a teaching perspective, it would be more comfortable to use music rather than not. I would be willing to try either way. And who knows? I might surprise myself with what preference I choose.
I also have enjoyed the use of bells when trying new classes. Sometimes, they startle me if I’m in a very deep state of meditation. So, I have mixed emotions about that, and would like to learn more on how to properly use bell tones.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

When I read the hand-out descriptions of yogis, I have to admit I was shocked to see where I fell in this list. I thought I would fall into the “mystic” category. Knowing I am a very spiritual person, and on the creative side, it would make the most sense to me. Instead, I fall into the “scientist” category. And although I understand that could change frequently, as we are always evolving, it seems according to the definition, not only do I fit in this category now, it has fitted my approach to yoga from my very beginnings of a yogic lifestyle!
My journey with the practice of yoga began 19+ years ago. I was having medical issues, and lots of anxiety coping with them! I was fortunate, and blessed to have a primary care physician who said to me, after lots and lots of traditional western medicine testing, “why don’t we explore some holistic approaches before getting into any types of medicines?” Even though I had no exposure to holistic means before, something inside me leaped with great hope, faith, and joyfulness. I immediately felt “at ease”, because up to this point in my life, I was strong, no medical issues and never thought of what choices would I make if were ever faced with such issues, which would need to be addressed, one way or another! I was truly grateful for this doctor and her wisdom and insight to bring this alternative choice to my attention.
Looking back with 20/20 hindsight; maybe having this knowledge, even in healthier times of my life, I might not have gotten to the point of needing all the medical care necessary for me. With that said, I don’t want to sound like I regret any part of my journey. As I said in the beginning here, I am deeply spiritual. I trust God in all ways, most especially placing me wherever I am to be, according to His will.
Moving forward, I used the tools and approaches of yoga to grow stronger, healthier, grounded and present! As a teacher, I know this will be helpful to my authenticity as I share and teach others. We are all made in the same way, but are blessed with very unique qualities that make us appear different. I feel I can help students along their own exploration into self. By showing them how to pay attention to their bodies and what it needs. By practicing self care, so they can give back. By being and living in the present. Reminding , or maybe for some making them aware for the first time, of the Yamas and Niyamas, so they can be the best version of themselves.

Regina

[regmarlew63]

I have had more than a few pleasant and helpful meetings thus far with my mentor. We relate well each other, which lends to very easy conversations. We are signed up to attend a workshop together this month. She was explaining to me her awesome beginnings with the particular teacher of this workshop. She told me how eye opening it was for her and how she felt it would be extremely beneficial for me to not only learn about a different style of yoga, that which is restorative, but also to learn from someone who is very skilled in this genre and who makes a huge impact on a person in a positive way. I am excited. I think it will be awesome to experience the new style, teacher and studio especially alongside my mentor. I feel it will be yet another good way for us to bond. I have also been fortunate enough to experience a new class and new teacher with Mary Coleman. I learned so much! I was so inspired by her word choices and amazed at what positive effect it brought to my practice. We have been talking alot about this, and I thought I understood the importance. But, experiencing it firsthand, was eye opening! I hope with time, effort, and practice I can learn to incorporate this talent whenever teaching to a student. Also, she used little sayings (tips)that kind of just stick to you, and pop up unexpectedly when practicing in a totally different class, with a totally different teacher. I guess they can be referred to as little reminders to enhance my practice. When meeting with my mentor, I was able to ask some nagging questions I had about all the different styles of yoga, and exactly what I might call what I’ve been doing for the last 20 years. She was able to help me understand better and gave me little comparisons of the many different styles, and the different focuses of each. I appreciated that. I felt so much more informed. And that brought me some comfort in knowing.
When I think about me as a teacher, I have alot of apprehensions. Probably because I had a preconceived notion coming into the YTT program that I had no intention on teaching when finished. Instead, I just wanted to know and have a deeper understanding into my current practice. But now, I am having feelings that maybe I do want to share in some capacity the knowledge I have about a yogic lifestyle. If that does happen to be my path, I hope that I present myself as a very warm, approachable, kind, and compassionate teacher to anyone who comes to me for any guidance or instruction. I hope that I can guide them with clarity and leave them with more answers than questions afterwards.
I hope I can be open enough to learn from my teaching others. I feel if I am always yearning to learn…I will reflect a good energy that my students will pick up and carry with them.
I hope to demonstrate all this by how I behave. To be sure to actually be present in conversations and or a practice. To be available before class and after. To not carry any heirs about my knowledge and or to act superior in any way. I hope I have courage to show students, I don’t know all there is to know about yoga and that there will be areas I am not equipped to answer.

Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

Sutra 1.24 God is the Supreme Being whose actions are never based on misapprehension.

This is the sutra that speaks mostly to me during this point in my life. To me, it magnifies the foundation of my faith in God. Growing up, I was blessed to have parents and grandparents who taught me how important our faith is. How it is the only way to walk through life with a sense of certainty. Although every moment of every day is never certain or constant, one thing always is and always will be, and that is God. I believe that when I hit adulthood, this concept of trusting God in uncertain times, as well as times of everything going “right”, began to take on a deeper meaning. Maybe because with growing up, we realize the world is not always kind. Situations that cause pain or fear are always part of life. God never promised us a problem free life. But His constant love for us would never change. He knows all. And we cannot expect to be privy to knowing how all things will turn out, that is where our faith is tested. We must accept the events God has set before us. We must live with faith and trust that He knows the path we are to take. Even if, it brings us pain. We will be better for it on the other side. In the beginning of these tough journeys, we just don’t see a way through. But, when we make it through, with confidence in God’s mercy, it’s easy to think “I can’t believe I survived that!” And, mostly we can even admit to realizing some good was attained through the whole experience. When I face daunting days, easy days, I try very hard to keep my focus and attention on the one who created me, and the journey, that was set uniquely for me alone to travel. Sure, I have been blessed with an amazing family, and lots of wonderful friends who support me, love me, and pray for me..but in the end, I am required to do the work! And to do it with gratitude, happiness and above all, trust. This sutra speaks to me, because it reminds me that God knows exactly the plans and knows exactly what He is doing. His actions reflect what is needed for the end optimum result.
I will end with this thought. I once heard that God NEVER tells us “no”. He will say “yes”, “not now”, or “I have something better”.

Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

Yes! My yoga practice has ALWAYS had a strong spirituality to it. I am pretty sure that is why I was hooked immediately. 19 years ago, I was dealing with alot of uncertainty and felt lost, and anxious. I couldn’t seem to hear the message that was being sent to me from my divine power. When I got on the mat, and started focusing on my breath, and my alignment in asanas…it brought an amazing stillness to my world. And in that stillness, I could see what was important. What deserved my attention.
In the branches of yoga, the emphasis is on love, connection, consequence, and awareness; all to a higher power. Whatever that divine power is to each person practicing, there is a relationship happening. Once a person starts a practice of living a yogic lifestyle, the benefits of waking up feeling stronger, healthier, relaxed, focused are evident. We realize our physical body is a temple. And when we honor the divine one who dwells inside, it only exemplifies the spirituality that comes with yoga.
I would try to bring my students awareness to their physical body & the changes they feel when practicing and afterwards. I would remind them to pay attention to this feeling and to revisit it during the ups and downs of life. I would also tell them, it is a safe space they create with the practice and it is always there for them to return to whenever they feel the need.

[regmarlew63]

1. you are not doing this right…say instead: Be mindful of your form in this pose, you want to be sure your arms are straight out from the shoulder…

2. don’t forget to breathe….say instead: Where is you breath in this pose?

3. don’t let you knee extend past your toe….say instead: to protect your knee, glance down to see that the knee is not past the toe line.

4. don’t worry about everyone else…say instead: wherever you are in this pose it is part of your journey, notice what your body is saying to you.

The environment I would like to create:
If there are students new to yoga, find a discreet way to let them know, if they are not certain with the names or execution of a pose, I will be sure to talk them discreetly through the pose, and to encourage them to use the modifications I speak out.
I plan to do the asanas along with the class, and tell the sanskrit name after instruction into pose. Some students, even experienced ones, do not know all the sanskrit terminology.
Acknowledging, and welcoming students as they enter in and be sure to introduce myself and the style of yoga before starting class.
Be sure the students know I’m available after class if there are any questions.
Tell about where they can purchase yoga equipment.
Encourage them to practice at home between classes. Tell them about free resources, like library videos…
Have humor.
Thank them for their time and effort to attend.
Ask politely, for them to be mindful of others by being on time, turn off cell phones, and lend to a clean and neat environment.
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

As a student, this sutra will be helpful to me in the ways I approach the circumstances of living all my days. I feel, that if I approach living life as a student, meaning always searching to learn from all things and people I encounter along the way, there will always be a lesson there that will grow me. In growing through doing and trying and sometimes failing, it will be enriching to me when the uncomfortable situations arise, instead of being painful. This meaning has an emotional component to it.
As a teacher, this sutra has a more “physical” component and meaning. That which is, by being observant, and watchful of my student’s actions, reactions and energy they are displaying. By being connected to them in this way I can offer modifications. Trying to deliver to them the instruction they are wanting and will benefit from with a healthy approach to their own needs.
This sutra, as it applies to being human, means to be respectful. Respectful of others, respectful of the earth, respectful of all living things. By living with respect, and honor, and gratitude, I generate kindness, love, and goodness. These beautiful qualities will flow back to me at some point, bringing with them blessings. Even in difficulties, these things will lift me up closer to my Divine power. Understanding that we all experience things that are painful, and that pain usually comes from being uncertain, fearful, and surprised by unexpected circumstances. If we do our best to trust that these pains will pass, and good will always come from it all, then, it is all worth it!
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

This quote reminds me of one of my favorite prayers, called the “WIT” prayer. It recites like this “Dear God, do this With me, In me, Through me.” The prayer is asking God, my divine power, to travel the path of life with me in every aspect.
The Bhagavad Gita scripture, is telling me that yoga is a perfect channel to be open to my divine, higher power. To be open in my thinking, doing, and being; so that I can see the way that has been planned for me, and to follow that way. This will make the path to my destiny more peaceful, more meaningful, more beautiful.
By carrying this concept I can be a blessing to others in my life. I can serve with a happy spirit, the way God intended.
When I take the time to “wait” and be patient (instead of forcing) as my journey unfolds, it makes me more aware, or even awake to the “feeling” of life; not just walking through the motions of daily happenings. By being more awake, that in turn gives me a greater sense of gratitude for the blessings all around me. Without this sense of awareness, I am missing my gifts sent to me by God. I’m leaving them on a shelf. I don’t want to do that!
Regina Lewis

[regmarlew63]

My first experience with yoga ever, was 19 years ago. I enrolled in a Hatha Yoga class for beginners. I quickly realized the benefits, physically, mentally, spiritually from the practice. This was such a relief to me, as the reason for my enrolling was dealing with unexpected life events, which brought on a lot of anxiety that I was not able to cope with as I had done in the past.
I developed an amazing bond with my teacher. To this day, I still practice under her guidance. And still, thankfully, reap the benefits of doing so.
I enjoy hatha, because of its focus of breath, linking it to the poses, linking it to the meditation & awareness of how my body feels, reacts & performs in the postures. I am certain, this type of practice & this particular teacher will ALWAYS be part of my life.
Since I have started my journey on the YTT program at Balancing Owl, my eyes have been opened to the MANY MANY types of yoga & classes out there. At first, I felt overwhelmed. But now, after taking some classes on different styles, teachers, & environments, that overwhelming feeling has turned to excitement. And an eagerness to explore & grow even more in the way of healthy living.
Through my exploration so far, I have found that sometimes it is hard to be really focused on what I am feeling during a new class or teacher. I look forward to being able to just take part in the newness & connect with the true experience of learning something new, and seeing where it brings me. I found that even in one particular class, there are elements I feel totally uncomfortable with (translates to “I don’t like this”), and elements I have a moment of “oh, that’s really a cool feeling”…
I have tried classes that are more gentle & calming than what I have done. I am looking forward to the styles that will be more of a physical challenge than what I am used to, even though it scares me a bit. I have no interest in “hot yoga”, but do want to try styles that hold poses longer, or ones that are not connected to the breath as much as what I have always done & enjoyed.
I am learning to get excited about trying something different, even challenging. An approach, my whole life I would never do.
I have always been aware, that yoga can be found in all ways of life. And honestly, some of my deepest awakenings have come in the form of yoga where there is NO movement. I have found out a lot about myself in the stillness. And, for that, I am grateful.
Regina

[regmarlew63]

Someone who has an open mind and perspective. One who is patient, and realizes that everyone’s practice is individual to them, and is their own personal journey. A good teacher will also learn along the way with their students.

[Author]

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