In my search of deepening ways to share knowledge and practice, I have been working towards a model of teaching. A model that allows its participants to really get a chance to feel their bodies, work slow and come out with an understanding of what these practices were intended for.
I call it Sessions, where students get the opportunity to commit to a 4 week class in which we work at the same set, building up the postures, times and really understanding that alternative postures are NOT just for new or limited mobility practitioners. Alternative postures can be for those days the body is just saying 'no thanks', or 'I'm exhausted', and even 'I just don't want to be here, but I showed up'. And really, the alternative posture, brings you back to the basics.
It seems every sport out there has a way of instructing that stresses the basics. Through my years of teaching (outside of yoga/Chi Kung) those basics have been the fundamental pieces that have pushed my boundaries in advancing to next levels, safely/confidently.
When I started out as a snowboard instructor I was teaching in the mountains, and yes, I pushed all sorts of boundaries there. At one point in my career, for financial reasons, I chose to teach at a small city ski hill. I can still remember the look of dread from my fellow mountain teachers... How could I give up long runs, beautiful scenery, POWDER, cliffs, trees for the $$$$? It wasn't until years later that I realised that decision was one of the best things I could have done for my own personal development. I was forced to go back to basics in order to keep my soul satisfied and challenged. I came out of those winter seasons a more confident and skilled rider.
And it was from these types of experiences that this way of teaching was reimagined. And no, I am not taking credit or thinking this is a new idea, these ancient forms were probably originally taught this way. The difference now is you pay with money instead of washing floors of an ashram or being in service to the teacher! So, call me old fashioned, but I am very excited to bring back the days of old...Sessions honours what these traditions were always meant for, keeping in shape AND listening to that deep wisdom your body is forever offering.
Oh...and it aligns perfectly with teaching online!
*video from 8 February 2021. It rarely snows in The Netherlands and even more rare is the snow to actually stay! This video is me trying to get some snowboarding in since lockdown has prevented our annual snowboard trips to the Alps. Again grateful I have these practices of learning body and mind, to always be ready for anything!!!