Week 3 is done, and it definitely had some highs and lows to go along with it. The week started well. Rajashree was back and taught two classes so the energy was a good way to start to the week. We also dove right into posture clinics. I delivered 3 postures this week. It is so extremely nerve-wracking. You get up in front of a group of about 40 peers and deliver the dialog to the panel of visiting teachers that give feedback on how to improve delivery, energy, personality etc. They also help with study tactics if need be. They are full of great information and tips, but the pressure is so high when you step up to deliver! My postures all went better than expected. I remembered my dialog and was able to look at the students when I delivered. I’ve noticed I’m looking at the students’ bodies when I give a command, but I’m not really registering what I’m looking at. When I say right leg lift up, I look at the leg but don’t really see the flow of the posture or what’s next; I’m just looking at the leg. Hopefully this week I’ll be able to watch the bodies and see the flow of the posture in them as I would in my own practice. The timing and flow of the postures went well, but I did have one slip up on one of them. I got my right and left confused, believe it or not. I look at the students so everything is opposite, and I said left leg instead of right. I caught myself and corrected it, but that’s something I have to get used to! Overall the feedback was good. Their only complaint was I was “being too nice”. They want me to be more stern and commanding in the dialog. I’m working on it, but that isn’t really my personality. I’m not stern or loud, so it’s really taking a lot of work!
Anatomy also started this week! We have a visiting anatomy teacher from Las Vegas, Dr. Preddy. He’s an E.R. doctor, chiropractor, massage therapist, anatomy guru, etc. etc…. The information he is giving us is amazing. He really relates it well to what we feel/ students will feel while practicing. I’ve been having lower back/ hamstring issues so it was so beneficial to learn about those muscle groups and what may be causing it and what postures will fix it. The anatomy of this yoga is something I think I want to continue to learn about when I get home, I find it so fascinating.
On Wednesday morning there was a noticeable turn in the energy around here. The lack of sleep, 25+ yoga classes we’d completed plus endless hours of dialog was noticeable in the yoga tent. It just didn’t feel the same. The yoga energy in the tent wasn’t as high as usual and I struggled through class. Wednesday night snapped me back into it. It was by far my favorite class of training (minus Bikram’s of course!). We had Jacob, from NY. He was funny, witty, and sarcastic, everything needed to keep me focused and interested in continuing with the class. The class was amazing. The energy was so high and everyone was laughing and really enjoying it. The room erupted when he finished. It was amazing, hopefully he will teach us again. His class got me thinking about me as a teacher. He inspired me to work to have that energy when I teach. This yoga is both mentally and physically challenging, so having that energy to keep the students laughing while they do it is awesome. I definitely paid attention to what I liked about that class and hopefully it’s something I can take home with me.
I’m bummed that such an amazing class was followed by such an awful day. I had my first little breakdown on Thursday. I got a little homesick. Well, little might be an understatement. I don’t know what caused it. I was in the morning class and home popped into my mind. I got really sad and unmotivated to finish my class. I came back “home” to find I had a package from my brother and sister-in-law. So, thank you Danny and Emily, it seriously could not have come at a better time. I opened it up and read the note, which of course made me cry, but was so nice to have something so familiar and encouraging. That is what I’ve been struggling with this week. This is the longest I’ve ever been away by myself. I’ve gone on trips alone, but I’m usually visiting friends or family. The yoga is going good and I’m enjoying everything, but I just miss my life. I miss home, my family, Jeremy. I’ve met really great people here, and it’s somewhat comforting to know we are all going through the same thing, but I just want something familiar and comforting to me. Someone who knows me outside of the yoga bubble.
I’ve been better since the tear fest on Thursday. The end of the week went smoothly and I’m amazed at how much I enjoy Saturday morning class. It’s the only thing we have to do until we’re free, and the energy is always so great. As much as I’d love 2 full days off, I’m enjoying the yoga and there is nothing like that feeling of accomplishment afterwards when you know you’ve done 11 classes and you’re off until Monday! Ah freedom!
On Saturday I received my package from Jeremy! He wanted to get me some stuff to help out and make everything easier for me. He bought some new yoga clothes for me, plus went and got random things like emergen-c, trace minerals and luna bars. He also got some stuff from my mom and sister! I now have an operating camera so I’ll be able to take lots of pics this week!
Saturday afternoon I studied by the pool. No matter where you go here, there is always someone to study with. It’s great. I did a little shopping in the afternoon to get myself stocked for the week. Today I went and saw some of San Diego. Minus the grocery shopping I’ve been doing, I haven’t really been out of the yoga bubble for 3 weeks. It was so great to get out and see San Diego beyond the Town and Country Resort. I went to Sea Port Village, The Gas Lamp district and Old Town. I did a TON of walking and my legs are so tired, but I’m so happy I was able to go out and explore San Diego a little. Hopefully week 4 will be strong. We’re almost halfway!!
Carrie, I'm glad you've successfully finished your 3rd week, but I'm sorry you're feeling homesick. Believe me, I know how hard that can be, but after 8 weeks on my own I can honestly say it gets a lot better, you just have to push through it! Think about how awesome you will feel after you finish this program; you're doing something that so many people could never do. I know I wouldn't be able too, so you should be so proud of yourself! Just be thankful that people around you are going through the exact same thing and keep in mind how you'll feel at the end! I miss you so much and hope you're doing better! Lots of love, Michelle
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