HOW grateful am I? Every night I walk out of my classes at Planet Workout with the BIGGEST smile and my heart filled with excitement and love. Can I tell you how good it feels to actually have a class full of people who WANT to learn something new?
I started my first week with three and have tripled my numbers since then. I STILL haven’t even advertised yet. Something I am working on though. I have 4 regular students that have come to every class and getting to know them and hear about how much they love my classes has really been a blessing. This is truly where I shine and I am VERY thankful I stuck with it and never gave up.
Each one of my classes is different, working on a particular theme and/or muscle. There’s a big difference between 3 and 10 people in classes. Last night I had a lot more people and found myself getting up to assist more than moving through the postures with them. I haven’t really decided what I will continue to do when it comes to guiding or assisting. A lot of my students are new and I find it more time consuming to assist them through posture since they’re not that flexible yet. I’m trying not to contradict myself when I say “not flexible enough” as I stress to my students there in NO destination when it comes to a yoga posture, but you really do have to pick your battles. I do make sure while guiding them through the flow I make sure they know what they’re “supposed to be feeling, where they should feel it, and how to move deeper if it is available to them.
My favourite part is talking to each of my students after each class, especially the new ones. I continually get the same feedback, and the same smiling, relaxed but energized faces. Since I’ve started I’ve heard a lot of “this muscle was sore and tight and you completely relaxed and loosed it up” I put it right back onto the student and make sure they’re aware it was all them. I was merely there to direct and guide them. They feel proud and they have every right to. Yoga can be challenging, and in the end very rewarding.
I’m still working on trying to drop the stigma around yoga for men. I spoke to this one guy yesterday who I introduced myself to when I started there 3 months ago. He hasn’t been to my class yet...but I see him continually looking in on my classes. I like to think he’s interested...in yoga! I stopped him yesterday to mention he STILL hasn’t attended any of my classes yet. He told me “I don’t think I can, it hurts!” I asked “what hurts?!?!” He said...”YOGA!” We talked for a bit because I HAD to make sure he had a clear understanding of what yoga is, why it would be great for him and why is should never HURT. He said he’s try to come to my class tonight. I might have to rethink my flow as I had a pretty tough one planned that actually branched from Bikrams 26 postures...which is weird because I personally did not enjoy Bikrams yoga as much as the others I’ve tried. I guess I'm ready to change it up.
Either way I know tonight will be another satisfying night of yoga, smiles and a room FULL of wonderful keen students...my students!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
180 degrees
What an incredible week so far!
I had the privilege of meeting with my amazing Aunt, Irene again last Sunday. As you’ve probably read before, we have a lot in common, our views are similar and we definitely “GET” each other. Talking to her is simple for me because she gets me...and “it”. Most of the time I don’t even have to explain; she understands. This is refreshing for me as I delve deeper into myself, the universe and world around me. Understandably...a lot of questions have come up.
This last Sunday we touched a lot on the power of your own thoughts, emotions and especially your own words. It’s funny how I arrive there confused, anxious and sometimes upset because of these feelings and always without a doubt end up leaving happy, excited, somewhat overwhelmed...but calm. I think every visit I’ve cried, but laughed immediately after because I KNOW things can change, and I believe it. I’ve witnessed it happen!
One of the main focuses for my future that we wanted to work on was my yoga business. I was still at working at the gym Planet Workout, putting in my hrs weekly, but still not getting the results I wanted. I know what I had to do, but something was missing. I knew I needed some guidance and ultimately a little reassurance. I make a conscious effort to change my thinking, and just be grateful with how far I’ve come.
Last night my good friend Tania came to my class. She attends regularly, and she’s a BLAST to practice with. She’s confident, strong and always has a smile on her face. Practicing with her tends to be more playful and experimental as I know she’s very open and easy going. I try a lot of new things out with her because she’s always willing and excited. Last night I told her we were working towards inversions, and I would have her upside down by the end of the class. Half way through our class I had a woman come in asking about the yoga and if I would be ok with her participating for the rest of the class so she could try it out. I gladly welcomed her in. We had met before when I first started teaching at Planet workout, and I hadn’t seen her since. I was excited she was interested again. I do have to admit it caught me off guard as Tania and I had already been practicing for about 40 minutes and we’re very close to going upside down. I took a breath and moved forward combining a few more easy flows and postures that would allow the new woman to become more relaxed, flexible and aware, and ultimately allowing Tania to further increase her flexibility. They both did amazing, and the combined energy of these two strong, excited, passionate women made everything flow together nicely. I don’t think they noticed when I paused and had to take a minute to think. Towards the end of the flow I still wanted to guide Tania into an L Hang at the wall, but wasn’t sure how my new student would take to this. I was playing with the thoughts of coming on too strong, and her not wanting to take my classes because she thought they might be too difficult? I made sure my new student was comfortable and gave her the option to watch or participate if she felt comfortable enough. Surprisingly she jumped right into it. Both Tania and my new student got over their fear of the unknown and got into L Hang, or more so a Handstand prep. They both said out loud “I can’t believe I was able to get up” I was very proud, and had to contain the excitement of wanting to explore more inversions.
The 3 of us spent a little time after class getting to know each other and talking about our fitness programs, schedules and life styles. We learned a lot about each other, and it gave me more of a perception of what I needed to change about my yoga classes. Tania and I both left feeling grateful, stretched, proud, and happy as my new student’s energy level was so uplifting and joyful.
Afterwards, Tania and I went to see a movie. I’m the type of person who gets very annoyed by the other people who are on their phones during the movie. Unexpectedly, my phone buzzed (I did put it on silent at least) I received and email. Usually, I would just wait until the end of the movie to check my phone...but something inside me made me check it right then and there. I’m surprised I could take my eyes off the screen as it was a movie starring Drew Barrymore who I absolutely LOVE!
I checked the email and it was from the owners of Planet Workout. They wanted to hire me on, and put me on the payroll...STARTING TOMORROW! I basically had to use ALL my power NOT to jump up and scream. I showed Tania the email and we sat there shaking, giggling trying to share a very quiet freak out session. Disappointingly I’m not sure what happened in the movie as all I could think about what this amazing opportunity and the fact that I KNEW if I stuck with it, gave it my all, and believed in myself...everything would eventually pay off!
THIS is what I have been waiting for, and now it’s here! My hours and days will change, and I’ll be able to implement an actual schedule, workshops, and generate an actual consistent clientele. I am so excited to construct my weekly classes and bring something new and exciting to Planet Workout.
I am ecstatic with the way things are going and I am continually grateful for all I have been given.
Thank you!
I had the privilege of meeting with my amazing Aunt, Irene again last Sunday. As you’ve probably read before, we have a lot in common, our views are similar and we definitely “GET” each other. Talking to her is simple for me because she gets me...and “it”. Most of the time I don’t even have to explain; she understands. This is refreshing for me as I delve deeper into myself, the universe and world around me. Understandably...a lot of questions have come up.
This last Sunday we touched a lot on the power of your own thoughts, emotions and especially your own words. It’s funny how I arrive there confused, anxious and sometimes upset because of these feelings and always without a doubt end up leaving happy, excited, somewhat overwhelmed...but calm. I think every visit I’ve cried, but laughed immediately after because I KNOW things can change, and I believe it. I’ve witnessed it happen!
One of the main focuses for my future that we wanted to work on was my yoga business. I was still at working at the gym Planet Workout, putting in my hrs weekly, but still not getting the results I wanted. I know what I had to do, but something was missing. I knew I needed some guidance and ultimately a little reassurance. I make a conscious effort to change my thinking, and just be grateful with how far I’ve come.
Last night my good friend Tania came to my class. She attends regularly, and she’s a BLAST to practice with. She’s confident, strong and always has a smile on her face. Practicing with her tends to be more playful and experimental as I know she’s very open and easy going. I try a lot of new things out with her because she’s always willing and excited. Last night I told her we were working towards inversions, and I would have her upside down by the end of the class. Half way through our class I had a woman come in asking about the yoga and if I would be ok with her participating for the rest of the class so she could try it out. I gladly welcomed her in. We had met before when I first started teaching at Planet workout, and I hadn’t seen her since. I was excited she was interested again. I do have to admit it caught me off guard as Tania and I had already been practicing for about 40 minutes and we’re very close to going upside down. I took a breath and moved forward combining a few more easy flows and postures that would allow the new woman to become more relaxed, flexible and aware, and ultimately allowing Tania to further increase her flexibility. They both did amazing, and the combined energy of these two strong, excited, passionate women made everything flow together nicely. I don’t think they noticed when I paused and had to take a minute to think. Towards the end of the flow I still wanted to guide Tania into an L Hang at the wall, but wasn’t sure how my new student would take to this. I was playing with the thoughts of coming on too strong, and her not wanting to take my classes because she thought they might be too difficult? I made sure my new student was comfortable and gave her the option to watch or participate if she felt comfortable enough. Surprisingly she jumped right into it. Both Tania and my new student got over their fear of the unknown and got into L Hang, or more so a Handstand prep. They both said out loud “I can’t believe I was able to get up” I was very proud, and had to contain the excitement of wanting to explore more inversions.
The 3 of us spent a little time after class getting to know each other and talking about our fitness programs, schedules and life styles. We learned a lot about each other, and it gave me more of a perception of what I needed to change about my yoga classes. Tania and I both left feeling grateful, stretched, proud, and happy as my new student’s energy level was so uplifting and joyful.
Afterwards, Tania and I went to see a movie. I’m the type of person who gets very annoyed by the other people who are on their phones during the movie. Unexpectedly, my phone buzzed (I did put it on silent at least) I received and email. Usually, I would just wait until the end of the movie to check my phone...but something inside me made me check it right then and there. I’m surprised I could take my eyes off the screen as it was a movie starring Drew Barrymore who I absolutely LOVE!
I checked the email and it was from the owners of Planet Workout. They wanted to hire me on, and put me on the payroll...STARTING TOMORROW! I basically had to use ALL my power NOT to jump up and scream. I showed Tania the email and we sat there shaking, giggling trying to share a very quiet freak out session. Disappointingly I’m not sure what happened in the movie as all I could think about what this amazing opportunity and the fact that I KNEW if I stuck with it, gave it my all, and believed in myself...everything would eventually pay off!
THIS is what I have been waiting for, and now it’s here! My hours and days will change, and I’ll be able to implement an actual schedule, workshops, and generate an actual consistent clientele. I am so excited to construct my weekly classes and bring something new and exciting to Planet Workout.
I am ecstatic with the way things are going and I am continually grateful for all I have been given.
Thank you!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Wide Open Spaces
WAY too much has happened to me lately to NOT write a blog about it. This won’t be the “usual” format...really I just need to release a lot of information. If you’ve followed my blog, you’ll notice one is missing. I NEEDED to delete it as it was having negative consequences on my life. I remember writing it and feeling good about getting certain things off my chest. Secretly maybe I wanted the attention? At the time I felt relieved, but in the back of my mind, I knew something was still wrong. I had put this out to the universe, and not only put it out there...I put it in writing. That blog was SO negative, and I had just made a concrete pact with the universe...what was I thinking? I guess I just wasn’t.
Well although it wasn’t the greatest ideas...I am still thankful I wrote it and posted it. I learned quite a few valuable lessons from putting it out there, and it just reinforced my belief system.
So I unfortunately sprained my ankle, then contracted blood poisoning and Group B Strep in the other foot. I’ve heard that issues dealing with your feet have to do with a fear of moving forward. I realized everyone who read this blog would ultimately end of feeling sorry for me and send THAT out into the universe too. I KNOW I’m stronger than this, and didn’t need pity from anyone. Why did I want people to feel sorry for me?
I’m doing GREAT! I’ll prove it!
I completed the yoga course. I went out and got a job teaching my passion at a gym ALL BY MYSELF. I’ve networked and made some amazing connections because of it. I’ve learned more about yoga, my confidence has grown with teaching and within myself, and I’m getting better at it every day.
I got to move into the house with Lindsey and Shannon. I was given a car from my parents. I have an amazing job with an amazing pension and benefits. I am able to pay all my bills on time. I am able to go out with friends whenever I want. I have the luxury of going to the gym and working on deepening my own practice 4 times a week without having to pay for it.
I have amazing and supportive family and friends who constantly prove that they will always be there and love me.
WHY AM I COMPLAINING!?!
Just because certain things weren’t happening to me the same time it was for other doesn’t mean they wouldn’t. I had more to learn before I was ready for that stage in my life. I have never doubted that it wouldn’t happen, why was I in so much of a rush? I will appreciate the stages I’m living now. I will be grateful that I’m able to still able to do the things I’m doing. I am excited that I have the time to devote to what I want to accomplish.
Driving to work today I actually realized that over the last year I have gotten EVERYTHING I have asked for. What’s stopping me now for continuing to achieve my dreams, accomplish my goals, and at the end of the day GET MORE!?!
Every night before I go to bed I say thank you for all the GREAT things that happened that day. I have now learned to also be thankful for the not so great things because in the end, they taught me something. I learned something new, and for that always be grateful.
I’m really looking forward to the next couple of months. I had a wonderful (as always) conversation with my Aunt who planted some really amazing ideas in regards to advertising my yoga and ultimately building my clientele. I am really excited to move forward with these ideas and see what I can accomplish and accumulate.
I am going to make more of an effort to write this blog more often as it is my way of connecting with the universe around me.
As I was driving to work thinking about writing this blog, I had the question of what to name it? I really do feel my titles have been the souls of my blog and ultimately can explain my reasoning in just a few words. I recently found an old CD that my brother had made me about 12 yrs ago. I was listening to is and Wide Open Spaces came on. Well, this song pretty much made me laugh out loud and cry at the same time, especially this part
“As her folks drive away, her dad yells, "Check the oil!"
Mom stares out the window and says, "I'm leaving my girl"
She said, "It didn't seem like that long ago"
When she stood there and let her own folks know, she needed,
WIDE OPEN SPACES!”
In a nutshell!
Well although it wasn’t the greatest ideas...I am still thankful I wrote it and posted it. I learned quite a few valuable lessons from putting it out there, and it just reinforced my belief system.
So I unfortunately sprained my ankle, then contracted blood poisoning and Group B Strep in the other foot. I’ve heard that issues dealing with your feet have to do with a fear of moving forward. I realized everyone who read this blog would ultimately end of feeling sorry for me and send THAT out into the universe too. I KNOW I’m stronger than this, and didn’t need pity from anyone. Why did I want people to feel sorry for me?
I’m doing GREAT! I’ll prove it!
I completed the yoga course. I went out and got a job teaching my passion at a gym ALL BY MYSELF. I’ve networked and made some amazing connections because of it. I’ve learned more about yoga, my confidence has grown with teaching and within myself, and I’m getting better at it every day.
I got to move into the house with Lindsey and Shannon. I was given a car from my parents. I have an amazing job with an amazing pension and benefits. I am able to pay all my bills on time. I am able to go out with friends whenever I want. I have the luxury of going to the gym and working on deepening my own practice 4 times a week without having to pay for it.
I have amazing and supportive family and friends who constantly prove that they will always be there and love me.
WHY AM I COMPLAINING!?!
Just because certain things weren’t happening to me the same time it was for other doesn’t mean they wouldn’t. I had more to learn before I was ready for that stage in my life. I have never doubted that it wouldn’t happen, why was I in so much of a rush? I will appreciate the stages I’m living now. I will be grateful that I’m able to still able to do the things I’m doing. I am excited that I have the time to devote to what I want to accomplish.
Driving to work today I actually realized that over the last year I have gotten EVERYTHING I have asked for. What’s stopping me now for continuing to achieve my dreams, accomplish my goals, and at the end of the day GET MORE!?!
Every night before I go to bed I say thank you for all the GREAT things that happened that day. I have now learned to also be thankful for the not so great things because in the end, they taught me something. I learned something new, and for that always be grateful.
I’m really looking forward to the next couple of months. I had a wonderful (as always) conversation with my Aunt who planted some really amazing ideas in regards to advertising my yoga and ultimately building my clientele. I am really excited to move forward with these ideas and see what I can accomplish and accumulate.
I am going to make more of an effort to write this blog more often as it is my way of connecting with the universe around me.
As I was driving to work thinking about writing this blog, I had the question of what to name it? I really do feel my titles have been the souls of my blog and ultimately can explain my reasoning in just a few words. I recently found an old CD that my brother had made me about 12 yrs ago. I was listening to is and Wide Open Spaces came on. Well, this song pretty much made me laugh out loud and cry at the same time, especially this part
“As her folks drive away, her dad yells, "Check the oil!"
Mom stares out the window and says, "I'm leaving my girl"
She said, "It didn't seem like that long ago"
When she stood there and let her own folks know, she needed,
WIDE OPEN SPACES!”
In a nutshell!
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