First Class

I forgot to write yesterday, until it was pretty late. I had slept at Jessica’s place, because today I was going to teach my first yoga class in Hong Kong! Naturally I was too excited to sleep. I still tried, though. It’s nice to break old habits.

Today’s class was uneventful. (Which is good.) I focused on getting the basics down for my students, so they would have a good foundation for future classes. I wound up teaching them sun salutations for 30 minutes, leaving not much time for other stuff! That’s okay, though. Next class we can move faster.

Feedback includes:

1. Music! They weren’t used to a silent yoga class. Maybe I’ll bring some hip hop next time!
2. Teach about the breath. The breath is an important part of Ashtanga, but I am so used to breathing automatically that I forgot to teach about it. Jessica had trouble remembering to breathe at times, as a result.
3. Gradual learning curve. I need to learn the beginner modifications and show them first, before showing the advanced postures, for the beginners in my class. It’s better than showing my students how I do it, then showing the modifications.

I had a great time! My students seem an enthusiastic bunch, and I look forward to seeing their progress.

I’m grateful for:

1. Having the opportunity to teach friends and family. It feels great to pass on this wonderful knowledge and improve people’s lives.
2. Having loving and supportive family and friends. When I came home, my family was way happier for me than I was for myself. To me, it was an ordinary class. Obviously it wasn’t just “an ordinary class” to them.
3. Jessica, for making today possible. She’s always so willing to help others and so selfless. I’m lucky to have such awesome people in my life.
4. My mom, for caring and calling me long distance just to see how I’ve been.
5. My dad, for telling me to “forget everything”, and that he loves me and just wants me to be happy.