Your Yoga Story

I'm curious, what brought you to Yoga? Do you practice? What style do you practice? Why did you start and what keeps you coming back?

Funny of the day (I couldn't resist)

For this one you have to put on your best Norwegian-Minnesota accent. Ole is an old-fashioned Minnesotan. Usually these jokes include his wife Lena and something about Lutefisk or ice fishing. This one's a little different but funny nonetheless. At least it was to me. Enjoy!

10 Finkers

Ole vas vorking at the fish plant up north in Dulut vhen he accidentally cut off all ten of his finkers.

He vent to da emergency room in the Clinik and vhen he got dar da Norsky doctor looked at Ole and said, "Let's have da finkers and I'll see vhat I can do."

Ole said, "I haven't got da finkers."

"Vhat do you mean, you hafen't got da finkers?" he said. "Lord-it's 2007 and Ive's got microsurgery and all kinds of incredible techniques. I could haff put dem back on and made you like new! Vhy didn't you brink da finkers?"

Ole says........"How da hell vas I suppose to pick dem up?

Marathon, O, Marathon

I have for the past several years subscribed to the magazine, Fitness. No more. Nothing against that publication, per se, except their increased coverage of running. With every issue I get I end up reading less and less because so much seems to be dedicated to running. I have nothing against running. I know lots of people who do it. And it appears to be increasing in popularity because it seems more and more people I know are doing marathons of some sort.

My beef with running is that I, personally, hate it. I don't usually use such a strong word, and really, it's more of an intense dislike/avoidance. I've never really liked it. In Middle School I tried the track team for a year. I think I came in last in everything. In High School gym classes, I would fake sick to avoid the mile run. Since then, I don't know that I've ever gotten past a brisk walk. And that's the way I like it.

I walk. A lot. And I do lots of other things too. I can even say I've tried just about everything - dancing (love it), skating, basketball (ugh), softball, skiing, volleyball, Tae Kwon Do (felt strong), swimming (not my strong suit), gymnastics, Pilates, Kick boxing, weightlifting, and of course, Yoga. The other thing I've kept up most of my life is inline skating, or as it used to be known as, Rollerblading. So this year instead of running a marathon, I'm going to inline skate a marathon, with my sister. I'm excited since this pushes me a little bit. OK, a lot. I've never done anything like this before! At least I know it won't be boring.

Most of my yoga students will tell you that there are certain things I don't like and I'm not afraid to admit it. Crunches are one of them. I would rather hang out in plank for 10 minutes than have to do 10 crunches. Now you know, running is another one. Give me a pair of skates and I'll go all day. Make me run to the end of the block and I might call you a naughty name. Thankfully, we have choices. When all the exercise experts tell you to find something you love as your form of exercise, well, they really mean it and for good reason. I walk, I do yoga, I skate and I belly dance. I thoroughly enjoy it and so it doesn't feel like "exercise". Try everything you can - take every class at the gym once, try community ed classes, rent DVD's or different shows on Fit TV. Find what works and just keep moving.

Hot for teacher

A couple of more thoughts on what makes a good teacher:

1. Know your audience and use language that normal everyday people can understand. I think of this as I listen to a yoga instructional video but I know this applies to other subjects, industries, etc. as well. First and foremost, use words and language that the average high school graduate knows. People won't learn anything if they can't understand what you are saying. Secondly, and I know this probably goes against the logic of many people, don't use jargon and words that are specific to your industry or cult. Yes you read that right, I said cult. The word means "a religious system" (and they have their own language too) and it also means "faddish devotion".

Let me explain. I think everyone has something that they are interested in or are a part of, say, you are a banker or you enjoy scrapbooking, or you're in a book club or you're a nurse, that you get really involved in. You read the trade journals or magazines, you check out related websites, you have a group of people you gather with and talk about it, or you are in some training program with others. It's like you are a groupie. I don't mean that in a bad way, so don't get me wrong. We all love and long to connect with others and usually it is around a shared interest. I have mine too. It's just that those groups, or cults if you will, then form shared language and jargon and thinking that is not readily understood by outsiders. This makes it seem strange and foreign to anyone not intimately involved in the group - especially when you are trying to teach them.

Here's an example. Again, I am a yoga teacher. I have practiced yoga for over 10 years and have gone to a variety of classes, tried several styles of yoga and have attended workshops and conferences. There is a general overarching consistency in yoga regarding the language of the poses, the use of certain tools (mats or yoga clothes) and in the reasons why people do it (flexibility, strength, stress relief). When you start to observe various styles you notice several other differences - Kundalini is more free flowing, incorporating more dance-like movements; Iyengar is a little more brusque; Anusara talks a little more of lines of energy and is, well, happy. In any case, it has struck me that I can understand why some people may think it all strange and be put off by it a little.

As I mentioned, when I started writing this I was listening (and sort of watching) a Yoga instructional video. Just a short, 10 minute thing on a website. Nothing wrong with it, per se, its just that I noticed the language was a bit, um, "flowery". Here is one line that I noticed in particular: "...the legs have a renewed interest in the moment." And my response is, "What the hell does that mean?" Funny thing is, I do know what that means. At least what it means for me. But that's yoga. I once attended a conference where the instructor asked us to relax our back brain into the floor. I imagine had you looked out over the floor you would have seen a hundred people with their faces in relaxed concentration trying to make this happen.

The point is, if I had never done yoga before I might have seen this video and thought to myself, "this woman is crazy" and turned it off and put on Fit TV instead. Or maybe Oprah. Even if I had done yoga before I might have thought the same thing. Sometimes I just tolerate this kind of language because I know the crux of what I'm getting is good.

I've often said that beginner Yoga is kind of like a game of Twister. At first you are mainly just trying to figure out where your left hand or right foot goes. Or your right from your left. Let alone your leg having a renewed interest in the moment. Bottom line is, talk so people understand you (and don't think you're crazy).

A Fine Teacher

I have taken a lot of classes in my lifetime. I love learning and take classes as often as I can. Sometimes they are college type classes, sometimes online classes, sometimes exercise classes. Today you can take a class on just about anything by just about any means you can imagine. The opportunities are endless!

After taking a weekend full of classes recently, on one particular topic, from a variety of teachers, I was reminded that there is a big difference between a good teacher and people who just happen to know a lot about something. You can be full fledged expert on a topic and completely suck as a teacher of it.

I'm not just talking about school teachers. While some of them may be dry or boring, at least the majority of their own education was in learning how to teach. Most everyone else is what they teach - teachers of business are business men and women, teachers of birthing classes are nurses, coaches of sports were in the sport themselves and teachers of dance are dancers.

I am a Yoga teacher. I also happen to be Yoga Alliance registered, which is kind of like a certification. (you complete a certain number of hours and meet certain criteria to be registered) A big part of my training included teaching methodology - practice speaking in front of people, learning how to teach the poses, how or how not to touch someone. It's not specifically included but I probably could have used a whole class on learning to speak in opposites. (often I am facing the class and have to tell the class the opposite side of the body than what I am using) I am grateful for the opportunity to learn how to teach. It may not apply to all kinds of teaching but it certainly gives me a good leg up on anything else I may try to teach.

So what makes a good teacher? Here are a couple of thoughts based on my recent weekend experience:

1. The ability to keep things moving. When people have to sit or stand around for long periods of time waiting for your direction (and I mean more than 1 minute) they lose interest.

2. The ability to improv. If you lose your notes, or the music goes down, or the projector stops working or you forgot your handouts, you either need a good plan B or the ability to change direction on a dime and do something else. If you don't, you end up with empty space (see #1)

3. A nonjudgmental attitude. Luckily I didn't experience this during my weekend, but I know this is crucial when teaching yoga and I imagine it is crucial elsewhere as well. You can not effective teach others when you sit in a seat of power and judge them. That's a dictatorship.

4. Know that people take you literally and follow every word (or move) you make. In my dance classes, I have noticed large groups of people (50 or more) that will do every move the teacher makes, even if she is just adjusting her bra strap. If you know people follow your direction then you can be clear on what you expect. And everyone is happier.

5. Humor. Let me say that again. HUMOR. I don't care if it's a little joke here and there, quirky catchphrases, a great anecdote, once an hour or 10 times an hour. I think unless you are teaching mortuary science (and maybe even then) you need to keep things light. Again, people are purposely following you. Do you want them to be dry and boring too?

6. Watch your language. First and foremost, "uh"s and "um"s and other filler words get really tedious to listen to. Until you comfortable teaching have notes or bullets to keep you on task. Choose your words carefully and walk slowly and clearly. And know that every second doesn't need to be filled with noise. Practice, practice, practice. And if you get the chance, videotape yourself and watch it. The ask other people to watch it. Then be open to change.

I do think some people are more naturally good at it than others - it's part of their purpose in life. If you teach and dread it, it's probably not what you were meant to do. If others comment that they love your classes or get a lot out of them and you enjoy what you do - keep on teaching!

And for those who attend classes, if you have the opportunity, do a little research on your teacher. Better yet, attend one class before you commit. If you don't like what you experience then try again. There are different styles and opinions for a reason. Lastly, just remember that just because someone has a big long resume of knowledge on a topic doesn't mean they will be a great teacher. For that you need to decide for yourself.

What gives you butterflies?

Instead of doing New Year's Resolutions this year I've decided to do a theme for the year. My theme for 2009 is Personal Power. It has to do with gaining strength in all areas of my life. Physical, immune system, mental, emotional, relationships, organization, commitment - everything. One thing I'm doing is challenging or pushing myself to do things that I normally wouldn't do, things that push me outside of my comfort zone. How do I pick? It's been harder than I thought. I want things that interest me, things that I find intriguing or fun. I also want things that I have to work a little harder for, things that will strengthen me, things that give me butterflies.

I've learned how to play chess. I'm applying for an Internet radio show. I'm doing an inline skating marathon in September. And then... well, I'm a little stuck. I need ideas! Any suggestions - no limitations - are welcome. What would you do?

Featured Yogini

I'm so excited that my teacher and friend, Laura Erdman-Luntz has been featured on the ShareYoga blog, including a quote from me! I hope you get a chance to read the article. Congrats, Laura!