Obstacles = Opportunity

Obstacles = Opportunity

Not too long ago, Claudia a more experienced yoga teacher, asked me to substitute-teach her class.  Initially, I was concerned because I assumed her class would be far more advance because of her impressive teaching credentials or find my teaching style and/or experience deficient in some way.  

When I subbed for Claudia, I worked really hard to be as challenging and rigorous as I remembered her being in a class I attended of hers a while back.  Some students walked out, complained during class, "the flow is too fast, slow it down for us" and complained to management.   I was quite upset after class.  I had never received so many complaints from a class.  I meditated and reflected on what happened for a while and recalled a passage I had read during yoga teacher training.  The passage suggested we begin practicing taking our ego out of situations, removing the I-am-ness.  Meaning, take the "I", "Me" or "Mine" out of a situation.  The focus should be on the task at hand and not ourselves

After, re-reading/skimming several books about Asmita (the ego) and reflecting on the passage, and feedback and advice I received from Claudia I realized taking on this 6:30 am Hatha Yoga class was an obstacle turned opportunity. Each week I studied yoga and focused on teaching Hatha Yoga (not the past-the classes or teacher before me.) I decided to meditate before each class and free myself from the negative thoughts fueled by my ego.  Each class became better and better. Students stayed throughout the class, were able to follow and learn the flow, and even offered positive feedback at the end of class. Today, was my last day teaching this class and many students told me that they liked the class and that I had improved. I am extremely grateful for the training I received at LifePower Yoga, Claudias feedback, the feedback of the students and the tools which allowed me to set my ego aside and focus on the course and the students.

-Kerrie