Yogi Chronicles: ... 8.20.15

*You're right...today is not the 20th*

There was a 5-day period earlier this month during which I taught four classes. I was a sub for 3 of them, and 1 was taught as a part of birthday festivities. Nothing like the waves crashing against the rocks in the background being your music for class. I enjoyed teaching the classes and got some great feedback. But, what I learned in that 5-day period is though I'm guiding others through a practice, it doesn't mean that I should stop attending class for myself.

Can't stop. Won't stop. Take that. Take that.

The last two classes I taught in that 5-day class were back-to-back. I had a 15 minute break in between the classes. Also, I had to work my full-time job before heading to the studio to teach. I was t-i-red after that last class. But a good tired.

What exactly is a good tired? Like, after sex? Is that a good tired? It's been so long, I can't...

Where was I? Tired.

Right.

During my class, at the end, I guide students through Savasana, pointing out parts of the body to relax from toe to the top of the heads. As I was guiding the students in Savasana, I was actually getting relaxed myself. Maybe that's what it was...I was extra relaxed. Lord knows I wanted to come into Savasana with them, but the class isn't about me. It's about them. That's something else I'm learning as I teach more. I've become very of observant of students' as they move into different poses. So, while I'm teaching others, I'm learning, as well.

Bazinga!

Speaking of Instagram, I have over 100 followers, yet average 12 likes per posts. And some of the likes are from folk who don't even follow my page; they search hashtags. And I'm OK with that. I can't get caught up in the likes and followers. I post because I want to share with others my knowledge, and at the same time, getting some practice on how I give instruction. And if what I posts makes one person go "Let me try that," then I've succeeded.

K to the...

Now what?

I didn’t want to let the month of July go by without me updating the blog. There has been so much going on that I can blog about, but after I say to Self “I could blog about this,” something else happens that I can blog about. It's like monkey brain...but outside the brain. hahahaha

Last time I wrote, I mentioned how I got started with my certification class. I'm certified to teach...now what?

Well, because of people going on vacation and other summertime activities that occur, summer isn’t a good time to start a class. So, right now, I’m subbing when needed and posting to @AHoopinYogi.

I really like posting pics and videos, guiding others through poses. I’ve had people ask questions, and I’ve also learned about different ways to do different poses. Though I can teach others, that doesn’t mean that I stop learning, ya know?

I’m also really enjoying the now. Yes, I look forward to upcoming trips or events that are planned, but I also enjoy what goes on in the present. Mediation really helps me with that because in those 5 minutes of stillness, I’m getting rid of any mental trash that clouds my thinking.

As a gift to myself for certification, I got some new ink on my leg. My biggest tattoo…and the 3rd one from the very talented Ryan Henry at 9Mag Tattoo Studio. When I arrived at my appointment, he was like “So I heard you’re going big with this one?” He LOVES doing big tattoos, especially on fresh skin. He was able to go ham with this one…and that he did! You’d think I would have gotten a yoga-related tattoo since this was a gift to myself for finishing my certification class. Well, the lotus that I have is yoga-related…so that’s handled.

But I had to get something that said so much about me without me having to say anything. I thought a customized Chicago flag was perfect. The placement of my zodiac sign and basketball is intentional. And I love it. Totally worth the pain.

Well, I randomly decided that I want to run a 5K that my gym has every year. Not a big deal, right? Wrong! I hate running when I’m not on a basketball court. I’d rather ride a bike for a 3.1 miles than run. The name of the 5K is “Anyone Can Do A 5K”. Why not me? Training begins tomorrow (Today, as you read this). Y’all pray my strenf!

Rest well, Ellean "Elaine" Wafford-Williams and Sandra Bland.

K to the...

Yogi Chronicles: The Hoopin' Yogi

“One door closes, another opens. You never know who is watching you…and seeing a skill in you that you definitely didn’t see in yourself. That’s a dope feeling.”

I posted this status on August 30th, 2014 (Facebook Timeline is good for something) after having a nice, lengthy conversation with my yoga instructor. Before she excused us from class on this day, she told the class that she would be teaching a certification class and she had flyers for those who would be interested. I go to get a flyer…just to be nosy. As I grabbed the flyer, she looked up and said, “So, you’re ready to start teaching?”

*scratches record* What?

Though I had been taking a more advanced class for about a year, in addition to her class…I didn’t feel I was “experienced” enough to guide others. But, she saw something that I didn’t see in myself. I told her I would think about it and get back to her. It took less than a week to decide to go through with it.

And I'm glad I did.

This past Saturday, I received my certificate of completion. I celebrated by taking a nap (Because...32), then popping the finest Italian bubbly with the peeps that put me on to it. I still have some ongoing training to do (subbing so I can get used to teaching), but there is a good chance I'll have my own beginners' yoga class by the end of the summer.

The class will more than likely be at the gym I go to...which I joined thanks to an ex...who is the reason I started taking yoga. Ain't life funny?

I had created an Instagram page, but I didn’t want to share the information with anyone until I was officially done. I'm not sure where I want to go with the page, but in the meantime...gon’ ‘head and follow TheHoopinYogi. :-)

Namaste.

K to the...