On a Mat, not a Pedestal


Wherein Our Heroine is Rewarded.
In my experience, it is almost always a mistake to idealize situations or people. Setting things up on a pedestal is tantamount to setting them up for a fall, and all too often the falling object lands on your head. Knowing that, it is also sometimes difficult not to make heroes or mistake a fantasy for reality.

When I was offered my own Yoga class, I was worried. I was worried that I had idealized the work, that it wouldn't be what I had hoped it would be, that I would be just plain bad at it. Yes, I had a smidgen of experience working with other people's classes as a substitute and I had a very happy private client, but I wasn't sure if I could take that and successfully translate it into planning a class through the entire arc of the session, yet having the flexibility to improvise. I wasn't even sure if the need to improvise would be clear to me - what if adherence to my plan didn't serve the class? What if I abandoned the plan to try to please everyone and ended up serving nobody?

I was also unsure what the hallmarks of long-term success might be, but I think I have that one figured out. It is pretty simple. I have a class of five people enrolled for the session, and they show up. Not every person every time, but after three (three!) whole classes (yes, I know, it's a small sample, but yet...), I have witnessed dedication and commitment.

This past Saturday was snowy and I wasn't sure if the Maryland terror of the falling flake would cause me to have to cancel. But I showed up early, and I was rewarded with four out of my five. They have worked hard since the beginning, but in this class they started to ask questions and show other signs of comfort with each other and with me. I have a long way to go, but I think my early indicators are good.
Posted: Thursday - January 27, 2005 at 06:31 AM         | |

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