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Karma Classes –
I was fortunate that I was able to teach all my Karma classes at Tapestry Healing Arts Center, Troy, Ohio. My goal was to teach a later evening (730p-830p) class that backed up to a growing Yin class that Tammy was offering. The students could stay for the next class (students that I take classes with) and my friends and new clients to support the numbers for the class. My plan is to continue the teaching the class after I graduate starting in September.

My classes were all beginners/gentle class, Hatha style. Tammy put the class on the website and I had good attendance each class. Our studio holds 10-12 and my classes averaged 7 people a class. Tammy attended all but one class because there was no room. I was thrilled that they were well attended. All classes were 60 minutes.

My classes were May 17, 24, 31, Jun 7, 14,21,28 and July 5.

Good Teaching Experience:
-I started and ended my classes on time.
-Voice projection was good sometimes I was to soft, and its okay to have water, my mouth would get dry.
-Always practice
-Greet students and remember their names
-Be a grateful teacher
-I decided to use yoga music on Apple Music for my classes
-My sequences were all set up with 1) Meditative Beginning/Warm Up/Stronger Middle/Cool down/Savasana – poses were all from the book
-Listen to students, what are they saying, and how can you work that into your next class
-Relaxed after about the 4th class.
-Students are cool folks, my yoga class, their connection really matters, together you can change their energy and health -and the world will be better

Lesson Learned Teaching:
-Turn your phone on airplane mode
-Have fun with it, be yourself
-How Yoga really helps people- more than I realized
-You are always learning
-Right now I do not need to memorize my sequence
-Working on cues – introduce the pose before moving into it
-Stay with the pose book during the YYT training – master these first before moving on – on my fourth class, I made it up from Tummee, and Tammy felt that I was not ready for using an outside source. She suggested that for my last 3 classes that I look at my first three classes, and with my new knowledge of teaching look at them, and make improvements. That worked out great.
-I have to work on my stamina, when I did my classes I practiced it twice, took TAmmy’s class at 6p and did my class at 730p and paid for it the next day. 4 hours of yoga.
-Be confident that you matter, your class matters

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Part 1 -pages 24-25
From diary – irritated or frustrated – I was driving to a yoga class and missed the exit, immediately I cursed, and my hands were tense on the wheel, stomach fell, and immediately I felt pissed, mad at the car that would not let me in to take the exit feeling anger. Hands tense, stomach afraid not sure what to do next, and mind in anger. Luckily, my GPS picked it up and I was able to make it on time to the class.
My body spoke my anger and fear of not making the class. As a teacher, be at class very early and not to worry about being late. But I would teach my students to breath through issues like this.

Anxiety Reactions – When I started to teach my karma classes, I convinced myself that these folks are my friends and I do not have to be anxious, but about an hour before the first couple class I felt light headed, a little shaken, and sure I would forget all that I practiced. For my students, pranayama is the key, practice creates confidence. So, if you are unsure, practice.

Watch your reactions – for this questions I had to reach into my past, not too many people shout at me anymore – I remember another drive yelling at me to get off my phone, he followed me, until I put it down. My stomach dropped and I started to shake. I was fearful of what he might do, and pissed that he was right I needed to get off my phone. I should have pulled over as I was shaking, – my whole body inside and out reacted. As at teacher, my actions effect my students. Be professional at all times.

Observe the effect of memories- usually I have tears these days, and feel melancholy if I look at old pictures, or I hear a story that brings back memories. They could be tears of joy or sadness, and my body starts to feel tired and wore out. I would suggest to myself and my students when emotions take over, it would be a good time to do yoga, shift my enger, as they can shift theirs.

Analyze illness and injuries – In my past I had right hip issues, it was from a new puppy, sleeping on the couch because he was so noisy at night. It ended up being chronic for years, PT, shots, PT shots, and then I started regular massage a few a week, so I feel I (me) finally relaxed and let go.
It was my right side, and I usually have my pain on my right side.
As a teacher, always bring awareness to my students of their bodies, my thoughts are to pose these questions to my students.

Part 2 – Listening to your body – quiz

Question 1, 3, 4 – have played a part in my condition of TMJ. My illness has had me look over all my behaviors, tenseness, and how to deal with it. My body was telling me that I was not not letting go and dealing with issues, just storing them. My illness has been a private matter, my spouse is supportive. Question 13 – my spouse is going thru a health issue, too, that most likely adds to my TMJ.
We have been very open about our health, and how we move forward, and the help we need. My self care is number one, and one of the reason I took the YYT, using all the tools to relax, meditate, and focus on a better life style. My students are going to have issues and connection to loved-one’s issues. Being compassionate is so important, you become close to your students, so be able to acknowledge their struggles and be empathic is important, but I will have to have my boundaries to project my energy and what I might hold on to myself. As a teacher, a balance of sharing of how much I can help my students, and not take it personally, keep their highest good in my heart and mind.

Part 3- Balancing Review – My right side is more developed, it seems stronger. I mentioned before my right hip was injured and the pain reoccurred over a 5 year period. My masculine side is stronger. To balance, I have learned about left nostril breathing, being connected to the Moon and its cycles, trying more “to be,” and allowing myself not be in control. Being more creative, writing, warm baths, its okay if I do not have a to do list, and checking in on my compassion and empathy. Once again, being aware and checking in on my feelings and why. Having this knowledge, and working on myself can only enhance my practice, and how I approach my to my sequencing, my themes, and working with my students. They can ask themselves about the balance of their feminine and masculine.

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This entire experience has reminded me, enlightened me, and changed me. And those shifts are continuing. For my students, suggesting they make changes now at a younger age make it easier on themselves and their family. That you can make a difference in how you Feel, and you can feel energetic and more alive. And for my older students, go for it, small shift can help you.

My lifestyle wheel- daily habits had a whole section missing, as I do struggle to get out of bed in the AM. Working on it. How wonderful to have a few hours in the AM for self care. My first focus of changing habits this summer is Rising earlier, being more in nature, slowing and quieting the pace. Listening more to my body.

As I create my future classes, my choices of time is day, and the season will be taken in consideration. Giving them information on a yoga lifestyle, it’s benefits, and consider going alittle deeper into the lifestyle.

Truly enjoyed the book, and Tammy’s knowledge helped tremendously.

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My dosha is kapha-vata.

Yes, this does resonate with me. The shorty in the family, everyone two- three inches taller than me.
Resist the cold as much as possible, and love the hot tub. My moods easily switch, and always been a good sleeper.
I catch on quickly, and move on, have to take time to lock in learning.
Folks always comment on my thick hair.
This dosha fits me overall.

I hope to gain a better direction in self care, an armor against disease.
Overall feeling my best, and making it easier on all my systems.

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I did not attend the curvey class, but I have thought a lot about the concept of special populations. I am 65 and have curves do I want to be singled out?? I feel someone who is taught to be in charge of their body’s ability and practice to their potential could fit in any class. I feel the description of classes need to be precise. And I would offer private classes to help folks restricted from movement to learn how to modify.

Theses are just my thoughts as my experience to date. Put open to continue to grow in my teachings.

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Our group had not reviewed the section on special groups, yet. But this is the reason I took this course. I am a senior and I want to remain flexible, have balance, and have a practice that gives me joy. Brings my body, mind and soul into the light. Meditation will lengthen my life, poses will keep me strong and flexible, and community will give me support. You start identifying with “old” and it mentally wears on you.
So my goal is to continue my practice, get better, and help others do the same.

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There is a tremendous amount of information and many applications in this course and in the exposure from other teachers, so it’s hard not to want to be creative.

As I improve my practice and teaching I will refer to my notes on things I want to incorporate. For now, just practicing the basic foundation, and offering it to my karmas classes.

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My approach to planning is morphing into how I want the future in yoga teaching to work for me. Simple, creative, and student engaging. I have been testing online sequencing programs, ad so glad tummee was mentioned. My last two classes I have used it. Makes it Simle and I can be so creative, and it also contains so much info!!

Now the student engaging piece, working on it. Probably will be looking for feedback, and will be recording sessions soon. Working on my delivery, words I choose, etc. Improved teaching skills.

Finding my teaching style what I want in this adventure is fun, mental challenge mand giving me fitness at the same time.

My approach is being able to merge teaching into my crazy schedule so I can continue teaching.

Simple, creative, and student engaging.

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My teaching takes place at a yoga studio, I chose a time that I feel will be good for me teach in the future. I am working on remembering names, and something special about each student, connecting to keep class going after Karma classes are done. The teaching environment is good. I use my own music/speake, finding out I like it as just background noise.

Prior to class, I play funky up beat drum music, bring the vibes as I greet students.
Quiet thing down before I begin. And yes, phone on airplane mode!

I chat with new folks about how their past yoga experiences, just to get to know them.

Next few week I will video some of my classes to test out my voice and learn more. The angle of the camera will only show me.

For me, I practiced and took yoga class and then my Karma all in one day. That is just too much, so I am changing that process.

I my challenge and would love feedback.
How are you displaying your sequence plan? iPad, paper?? I have trouble seeing the plan while standing?? I guess new glasses?

Sally

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Meditation is a choice to set time for being quiet, do nothing, and allow your mind to rest. Meditation is a practice, and the more your practice the more you notice how it calms, and gives you clarity. Meditation creates an expansive state of mind, free of signals, and doings, just being.

Meditation is not being high, asleep, or hypnotized. It is a unique physiological state.

Mindfulness is a result of an active mediation practice. You notice what you are noticing, your awareness is sharp. You are clear on your path, and you pay more attention to your words, your listening, and connection with people. I feel you are more compassionate.

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I have not taught other than at a studio to date. My approach would be to do a site inspection and create a list on how best to create the comforts of a studio.

Now, I taken classes outside a studio. As a student, here we my take aways.
The surfaces either have been so hard or soft (sand). It’s had been in the hot sun, high noon. I feel time of the class Important if it is outside.

Check out how safe an area, people traffic. What are the noise factors.

Then think about the group you will expect in your class. What type of yoga will they be expecting? And of course, your liability coverage.

My next thought will be how to market myself and my home studio??

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My shifting moments in this class have been often. How strong I feel, my waist line, my desire for calm, my commitment,
My feeling joy after a class, and more.

Yogis are amazing people and I want to hang with them. How I look at life differently. The variety of classes and the content is rich over the top. Very complex and challenging, I feel challenged and have goals mentally, physically, and soulfully to reach as a Yogi. I love being called a yogi!!!

It is the most well rounded life changing experience I have had for years. It has made look at older age as a very good thing with depth and curiosity.

I just hope I can bring all of the above to students, so the keep coming back. Spread the chi, the love, and get more folks to the mat, where the can thrive.

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My breathing is still developing along with my practice. When I first started yoga often I would find myself holding my breath, well maybe not holding it but not breathing. Then my next noticing was I was breathing opposite of what the teacher was saying. I was breathing in when I should be breathing out. My feeling were I was doing something so wrong, but then on day in class the explanation of expanding and contracting
Put it visual context for me. Forward fold as an exp ample. Breath in coming up and out in fold. My breath started to match up with the teacher direction.

My awareness has furthered my breathing. My teacher talks often thru our classes about breath importantance, and I can feel the impact of deep breathing. I know that with each practice I will connect faster and better.

My plan in my classes is to bring awareness and discuss the importance and benefits of controlled breathing.

My awareness has allowed me to breath deeper into poses, and benefit from relaxing from a breathing pace. I usually prepare to sleep with belly breathing. I find myself taking deeper breaths during the day.

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Inversions and arm balances other than foward fold, bridge, staff pose at wall, are ones that I do not ha e e experience with YET.
My plan is to continue along the begin way and learn how to do the poses safely, and or cues the poses. I am feeling that is a few months away as I build stamina and strength.

I understand the benefits, when I take my makeup class will learn more. I am alittle afraid, so moving past that is first and continued practice as I grow my confidence will follow.

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I agree it is so much to learn, and where do you start. And I am working to keep the overwhelming shakes to take over, so I am applying my secret weapon.
Plan, do, study, act to all of the learning. This way of repetition helps me grasp information, create the library to refer, and give out info quickly, then create the next better version.

The teacher must be able to discuss the movement and what is effected in the body. Help a student connect to their body.

It’s the nitty gritty of yoga, one of the many layers of yoga. The science of how it works to build a better body. And eliminate risk.

My position right now is to have 7-10 basic poses that I have studied, and can explain, and will be using our books for reference. Anne went over some of the most asked questions, that was helpful.
I would love to have those questions with the answers to have for reference.

The only thing lacking is experience, and the tincture of time.

Continue to study and learn will support my confidence. And will create will rounded classes for students to grow.

[Author]

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