One of our first assignments, other than readings and asanas, was to practice SILENCE for 12 hours. Once completed, we were to write a paper describing our experience and thoughts about silence. Well, it was enlightening, very enlightening, not to mention frightening to listen to my mind "citta". I found that in my silence I learned so much about myself, my ego. I realized how much I evaluate people and events according to what I think should be, of course, with me knowing what should happen or what someone should have done.
I have taught 2 classes to date. I teach on Thursdays after work. My first class had three participants. It lasted for about 40 minutes; poses included Mountain, Warrior I and II, and Triangle pose. We also had a centering time and a nice, 10 minute Shavasana complete with enhancements. I learned that when I teach I have to know the poses by heart, each movement, inhalation, and exhalation. I enjoyed it though. My second class had one participant, which was very cool. It was like a private lesson; she had not participated in Yoga previously. The class included the above poses plus spinal twists, neck rolls, and leg work on the mat. My participant has a Hearing Dog because of her hearing deficit and he was very confused. He wanted to be on the mat with her and did not understand why she was lying on the floor. In the end, it turned out to be great for all three of us. Next week I have my first evaluation by my instructors. I think it will be fine; a little scary but good.
Another assignment for the trimester is a pose to practice every day. Mine is Navasana or boat pose. I had this same pose last trimester but my shoulder and my aversion to pain resulted in my not practicing it too much. Well, now I am better able to practice it. My first few tries were pretty pitiful. I have since been practicing Navasana when seated at work, at home after doing my PT exercises, on the Bosu ball [which works on core and balance, in addition to the pose], and at other times when it seems to fit. I am able to balance and hold it and with this achievement, I have noticed that my ego talk, negative of course, has diminished. I am able to be a little more steady every day.
At first, I was on the ego-control path, not strong enough, too fat, to stiff, no muscle strength, etc. Now the daily practice has reduced that and I am thinking more positively..."I can stay in the pose for a count of ten breaths, I can do this, I am getting stronger"...it all goes back to SELF-DISCIPLINE.
Today in class the intention was to think frequently "My body is...". I again felt my ego, but with thoughtful verbiage from the instructor, I was given the opportunity to think of my body and whatever ails me, as one and the same; my shoulder hurts, my body hurts.
I am skimming through "Bringing Yoga To Life" by Donna Farhi. I am in the section discussing the "kleshas" and the "four attitudes (brahmavihara) to life's challenges and the application of these to all our relationships and to all situations.". They are: friendliness toward the joyful, compassion for those who are suffering, celebrating the good in others, and remaining impartial to the faults and imperfections of others.
The fourth brahmavihara resonated within me; it looks at how we inflict suffering on ourselves and how we manufacture our own torment by failing to detach ourselves from things that ultimately we cannot change in another, [Donna Farhi, Bringing Yoga to Life]. In a nutshell, what we fear, despise and hate in someone else is what we fear, hate and despise in ourselves. Boy, think about that for a few minutes. What a wake-up call on how we interact and criticize others. Think about it, what you dislike in someone, the trait that makes you crazy, is also present in you. Yikes!, on many levels.
Tomorrow, Sunday, is our 4-hour class. We have a 1-hour practice then 3-hours of education. We are learning the ins-and-outs of being a Yoga instructor. Can't wait; though the best teacher is ourself [in all aspects of life].
Namaste
