Friday was beautiful round these parts.
I was strolling home from my community class taking in the sights when I bumped into Daba Briggs, one of my yoga inspirations.
Daba is the kind of teacher the imagination conjures when you hear the words ‘yoga teacher’. She’s knowledgable, humble, talented, giving and powerful.
My mind always get to mull over a nugget of wisdom when I talk to her. On this sunny Friday, we chatted about how my new teaching journey was progressing.
I’m not ready to pursue the next yoga education (formerly) yet. But I’ve been craving- something. So I’ve been reading a lot. I blurted out my concerns, am I moving in the right direction? I feel like I want to fill in some gaps…Am I doing the right things?
Keep taking classes, teaching classes and exploring self-study she advised. As I meet teachers and go to studios, I’ll know when the right mentor and teacher training will present themselves.
Daba also mentioned a few studios that offer great classes for teachers. She reminded me that I can always take her classes when I can.
I’d gotten so caught up in my hot yoga practice and trying new disciplines that I’d strayed a bit from the basics. A good practice starts with a good foundation.
Her class provided one of those building blocks. Daba’s focus is structural yoga, where alignment is queen. Her use of props and cues allow a yogi to grow in a pose even if you have been doing yoga for years.
Her prop workshop rocked my warrior world.
My Virabhadrasana I and II have never been the same. Seriously. Standing with my back foot pushing against a wall, I could feel my heel truly ‘root down.’ People have said that before, ‘root down the heel.’ In that moment, I got it.
Huz-zah.
How could I let myself slip out of those great classes? No bueno.
I committed to go to her Saturday morning class. I felt a little exhale and smile rise from inside.
Okay. Feeling more centered.
It’s important to keep reaching out when you start teaching. Shit, it’s important to keep reaching out all of the time.
I’ve never been great at this. Once again yoga is gently nudging me so I can stay on track.
Are these mini revelations yoga?
Methinks so.
Of course her Saturday class was just what I needed. The tweaks and adjustments were an ass kicker. I mean that. My ass was killing me. But more importantly, I had an aha moment as a teacher. There were great adjustments and cues that I could be using in my own classes.
Another smile and exhale.
I enjoy the notion that for every piece of knowledge I glean, the ocean of what I don’t know about yoga (and well everything) gets bigger. So big that I can’t see the horizon.
Exciting stuff.
This is yoga, and it stretches on forever. Maybe.
Namaste y’all.
