Sticks and Stones
The class I taught this week seemed like a success. Besides a few mis-spoken words, it went pretty smoothly. There were no loud outbursts. If anyone rolled their eyes, I didn't notice. And the sequencing seemed to be well-received. So when class was over I gathered my belongings with a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye.
But looks can be deceiving, I suppose. When I walked outside of the studio one of my students was waiting on me—and she didn't look particularly pleased. "I'm so happy you made it to class today!" I said with a hopeful smile.
Her response was more or less a list of grievances—a very long list. She poses I teach are too hard. She gets a headache during class. And, frankly, she's only coming because her mom is making her.
How's that for honesty? Ouch!
At first, this hurt my feelings. But as I gave it more thought, I realized what a brave act it was for this young girl to confront her teacher with issues that were bothering her. She should be applauded for bringing this to my attention. If the class isn't benefiting her, I need to know about it. Maybe I should offer more modifications or give more personalized instructions for different bodies. (Of course, this is easier said than done. I am who I am, and there's a limit to my knowledge and how much attention I can give one student in a group class.)
If that doesn't help, maybe I should just accept that my teaching style won't be everybody's cup of tea . . . and hope she can find a class, and a teacher, that meets her needs.
Comments
Yikes! Maybe she's got so much negative energy because she is being made to come. Heck, I love yoga, you'd never have to make me do it, but I can tell you if my mom had forced me I'd never have wanted to.
One way my instructor teaches to variable levels of practices is to say, every time we go downdog, if anyone needs to they can return to child's pose. And she emphasizes anyone can go back to Child's any time in the class they need. Maybe this young lady will spend half the time that way, but the other half might be more positive, empowering experience. Good luck!
Posted by: Lotus Pie | January 25, 2008 02:53 PM
as the mother of a teenaged daughter, i can assure you, the object of her wrath was most likely not you or your class. probably her mother, or her best friend, or a school assignment...but most likely her mother. she must find you a safer target to lash out at. it's very good/big of you to at least try not to take it personally. on some level she must enjoy your class otherwise her mother would find trying to force her to go is very similar to pushing a string.
hang in there, but try not to be her punching bag. it's great that she can be open with you but don't let her cross the line into nastiness.
Posted by: nancy | January 29, 2008 11:40 AM
You've really had quite an interesting stream of events recently, huh?
In the Baha'i Faith, we recognize that Tests and Difficulties provide us with an opportunity for spiritual growth.
Try to recognize the ways that you can grow without causing yourself an undue amount of strain and anxiety.
Tomorrow is another day and MOST DEFINITELY - your class is not for everyone! None of us can be matched up with every yoga student out there.
Headaches? Is she drinking enough water before class? Is she horribly addicted to coffee?
If it's a coffee addiction, I would recommend something called MochaTonix. They're made to replace coffee and they give energy for working out and help tone the body, too. Also, it's made by a company that I can trust - which is saying a lot - and is, I believe, in an isotonic state, which is the best for absorption.
You can email me if you'd like to talk sometime. I'm sure you have access to that as the administrator.
Posted by: Karen Segretto, Traditional Hatha Yoga Instructor | April 4, 2008 03:50 AM