Routines before classes

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (Bhakti 4) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:39:57 GMT

I have to soak my spine in the tub before teaching or practicing... or I feel off.
Bhakti

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (purnayoga) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:33:32 GMT

I guess we just do things differently. How wonderful diversity is.

I actually don't find that short list to be much in the way of preparation.
Most of it is maintenance. Students should not be subjected to rough hands when touched or my lunch when whispered to.

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (ManitobaYogi) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:15:33 GMT

Wow. Thanks to everyone re the posts. I too ask people how they are feeling and what they would like to work on. I think of it like making a soup mix. I have an idea in my head on what we are going to focus on but want to know if they need anything special. It has worked great asking for feedback.

I like the idea of asking about their NRG level. I will try that this week.

Hugs to all from Canada!

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (mugwagilly) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:11:58 GMT

Wow, Purna, that is a lot of prep work.... aside from the cleanliness thing that people have talked about (which I hope would be obvious) I also try to arrive at least 10 minutes early to chat with the peeps. Not necessarily about yoga either. We've covered american idol, baseball, vacations, you name it. But before we start I'm always sure to ask what people's energy levels are at; if anyone has an injury, or is something is tight, tweaked or about to fall off; if I see new peeps...

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (simpleyogini) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:49:11 GMT

when I taught....I was always there earlier...to get things set up....and then I would go with how I felt that day...
if I need to do a short savasana...or meditation....or listen to calming music ......like erich says....not deciding in advance...
so I sort of just listen to what my bod needs before I taught....and go from there...

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (yogini db) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:22:02 GMT

wow... that is some major preparation purna!

i'm there about 10 or 15 minutes prior to class to greet and talk with students as they arrive.

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (purnayoga) — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:07:42 GMT

This varies for me though generally I:

shower,
change into clean clothes,
make sure my breath is clean,
finger and toe nails cut and filed,
callouses filed and smooth

Once at the studio I prepare the room, place my mat, my blocks, tidy up the props...

Then a brief heart centering meditation in the empty classroom (when scheduling permits) so that I am grounded and focused on teaching from the heart.

After class I wash hands and feet...

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (Suzanne LaForest) — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:27:51 GMT

I'm not teaching at present but my preference was to come in and practice in the space before class and definitely to meditate for a few minutes at the minimum. Sometimes with the class schedule that wasn't possible, but I liked having my own practice first and connecting to the energy of the space.

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (yogialison) — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:47:28 GMT

I clean my teeth before class and arrive 10min before to setup and organize myself etc.It is hot amd humid here so will usually need a shower before and after class.
Alison

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (KimTX) — Sun, 10 May 2009 14:22:53 GMT

I also arrive at least 10 minutes early. I also usually go into a handstand! I just started doing that. If I'm nervous or have scattered thoughts, for whatever reason, during centering with the students, I ask God (in my head) to grant me the ability to teach a good class for the people who joined me that day. I always get that when I ask.

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (yogabylorien) — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:49:39 GMT

When I first started teaching, I had a problem I called "diarrhea of the mouth"... it was a disconnect between my mouth and brain, and I would find myself talking, talking, talking, way too much! I learned a practice of speaking gibberish, just to get the need to talk out of the way, and so I would speak gibberish in the car all the way to my class. It worked! I rarely have to use that technique anymore, but I do stretch my jaw a lot before class (like a silent scream)... helps me...

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (junipertree) — Wed, 06 May 2009 06:58:57 GMT

I used to shower before each class, but it started feel not so "green". I love the washing of the feet idea, someway to clean a part of the body, come in contact with the calmness of water. I get to the class 15 min. early to straighten up and take a min. to meditate on the mat. I always find myself coming up into a handstand against the wall for some blood to the head before I teach as well.

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (vtyogini) — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:32:13 GMT

I always shower before (and after) and I arrive early at the classroom to 'sweep the temple floor.'

Pam

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (ma data) — Wed, 06 May 2009 04:23:01 GMT

I usually chant "ong namo guru dev namo" before I teach any class including group ex, and also ask for guidance in my thoughts words and actions. I also try to be a bit early so I can set up music, sign in etc...

Thanks for sharing your idea.

Ma

Re: Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (Erich Schiffmann) — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:23:45 GMT

I try to get to the studio about 10 min before class starts. That way I don't feel rushed and I can talk with the peeps.

Routines before classes

feeds@yuku.com (ManitobaYogi) — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:41:00 GMT

Hello everyone:

Question? Does anyone have "routines" they do before they teach? I started washing my feet before class (on my feet a lot and sweat) and found it really helped me to feel a disconnection from my day job. Can't explain it.
But when I was my feet and go teach Yoga, it feels good.

Linda