Observe-a-class #3
I haven't written lately because I was sick for 2 weeks. I had a cold which lingered and then I had pink eye. Not fun, but I'm feeling better now and I'll catch you up on what's been happening. Sorry to keep you in suspense!
The day before I got sick I observed another yoga class, which was the third and final required class observation for this YTT course. It had been almost 3 months since the last time I observed a class, and there was a big difference in how I felt this time, and in what I was able to notice. Since I've been practicing teaching yoga, I've learned through experience how to observe the students for their understanding of the poses. When the teacher gave a new instruction, I looked around the room to see which students understood and who could use another prompt to get them in the correct alignment. I walked through the class, and followed the teacher as she walked through, and watched the adjustments she made for some students. I kept my mind focused on the teacher's instructions, and on my own intention, which was "love" and "courage". Previously when I observed, I mostly stayed seated at the front of the room. This time I gathered up my courage to be more involved, and although I only gave one "assist", my presence was supportive to the students' experiences. After the class, several people thanked me for assisting, and commented on what a great class it was. I said "you're welcome" and agreed that Dina is a wonderful teacher. And I thought to myself that it was nice of these people to acknowledge me. I was surprised because I didn't feel like I had done anything, I was just observing. But after being acknowledged by the students, I realized that my presence was felt and appreciated. I thought about how my own yoga practice might be more focused if I knew there was an assistant standing near and watching me. I assisted without words or touch. And meanwhile, I was making notes to myself about ways I might assist with words/touch in the future. (I'm planning to assist Dina's classes regularly after this course.)
The day before I got sick I observed another yoga class, which was the third and final required class observation for this YTT course. It had been almost 3 months since the last time I observed a class, and there was a big difference in how I felt this time, and in what I was able to notice. Since I've been practicing teaching yoga, I've learned through experience how to observe the students for their understanding of the poses. When the teacher gave a new instruction, I looked around the room to see which students understood and who could use another prompt to get them in the correct alignment. I walked through the class, and followed the teacher as she walked through, and watched the adjustments she made for some students. I kept my mind focused on the teacher's instructions, and on my own intention, which was "love" and "courage". Previously when I observed, I mostly stayed seated at the front of the room. This time I gathered up my courage to be more involved, and although I only gave one "assist", my presence was supportive to the students' experiences. After the class, several people thanked me for assisting, and commented on what a great class it was. I said "you're welcome" and agreed that Dina is a wonderful teacher. And I thought to myself that it was nice of these people to acknowledge me. I was surprised because I didn't feel like I had done anything, I was just observing. But after being acknowledged by the students, I realized that my presence was felt and appreciated. I thought about how my own yoga practice might be more focused if I knew there was an assistant standing near and watching me. I assisted without words or touch. And meanwhile, I was making notes to myself about ways I might assist with words/touch in the future. (I'm planning to assist Dina's classes regularly after this course.)
posted by Anonymous @ 11:48 AM
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