observation

Last week my teacher, mentor and friend "officially" observed my class for the 1st time. One of the steps on the path to becoming an Anusara Inspired teacher is having a Certified Anusara teacher observe your class and recommend you for the inspired status.

Anusara yoga focuses on seeing the good first. We are trained to 1st see the good and then see how it can be enhanced/refined. This is part of the process of the observation and feedback of teachers. It is a very different process than what I was used to from the critique process in college ; that was almost always to find what was wrong, scrutinize it, re-hash it over and over - each person adding in why it was wrong. Maybe, just maybe you would get some good feedback if you were lucky. (And we wonder why so many people have negative self images?)

I have been looking forward to my observation for some time. I am hungry for information and feedback. I appreciate hearing what I am doing well and ways that I can enhance my teaching. The observation process is a great way for me to refine my teaching skills. This process also helps me to evaluate myself and find a deeper connection to who I am, where I started and where I am going.

Tonight my mentor and I met and reviewed her feedback. It was great!

She offered very clear positive feedback - reinforcements of the good. Some of what she mentioned were particular things I have been focusing on since receiving feedback from her and others. It was nice to hear that the effort I had been putting in was coming through.

Interestingly, not surprisingly, almost all of the recommendations for things to refine were things I was already aware of. Enhancements that I had been contemplating (some distantly), some of which I had been stuck on how to approach. The discussions that developed brought things to mind that I hadn't noticed myself i.e. don't use the wall as back rest during centering (hum didn't realize I was doing it.) I have so many things to now contemplate. To look at my strengths, to look at how far I have come in a short time and to look forward to where I am going.

I went to teach a class after our meeting and was able to take specific feedback into that class - WOW what a difference. The students rocked, I rocked - it was awesome!

This observation was a re-affirmation of how invaluable a mentor. The insight that our teachers offer will help us to transform.

I am already looking forward to my next observation!

November is Gratitude Month

November is Gratitude Month. As a remembrance for the month we are all asked to each day think of something that we are grateful for.

Yesterday I had so many things I wanted to start off my list with. Unfortunately it became a day of sad news which changed where my heart and mind were with gratitude.

I received sad news of an acquaintance, 37 years young, passing over the weekend from a brain tumor. On this same day another friend, also 37 years young, was told by the doctors that her 5 year old son was in the final stages of his battle with cancer and it was time to say goodbye.

These are reminders that life is so short and precious. Both of these people thought they had beat their tumors. Both had received 2nd chances - they both went into remission and lived 2-3 more years. They had an opportunity to LIVE, LOVE, BREATH, CRY, LAUGH and BE LOVED for longer than they expected. They were given a gift and made it count. Each day is a gift, a gift that we should honor and celebrate.

I am grateful for each moment I have in this world.

I am also grateful that I have come to a place in my life where I am thinking and recognizing how important this is.

What are you grateful for today?