I have such a hard time teaching a gentle yoga class. It just isn't in my nature to slow down! I have a hard time sequencing a 45 minute class without sun salutations. It's some kind of mental block. A couple weeks ago I was asked to sub a gentle class. I really took the time an hour before to think about it and put myself in a person with limitations shoes. It was hard! I went to the studio and the first couple of people groaned when they saw me. Ouch! I promised I would take it easy on them. Promised!
As we start I really slow my breath down and think through every pose before I put them into it. I watched them carefully to see when they finally made it into the pose and gave instruction on a modified version when I saw them struggle. We stretched slowly and with purpose. I enjoyed the pace and could see the excitement on a few students faces as they made it in and out of poses they struggled with before. With proper instruction and slowing down they gained confidence and body awareness. With a proper instruction I gain a sense of confidence that I could help them gain body awareness.
At the end of class one of my students looked at me with a smile on her face and said "You nailed it! I feel great!". Big sigh. I finally got it right. Now I hope next time I sub that class they will be excited to see me instead of rolling their eyes!
