Learning from my students

“I like the tennis ball”

We’ve now had ten classes of the new Yoga for All accessible classes in Old Colwyn and I’m very much enjoying teaching them. I’m loving seeing the students develop, and what they do and don’t enjoy, celebrating their successes and joining in the laughter.

It’s also been great to hear where they’ve been continuing their practice at home and that they are already feeling the benefits from their work.

One of the most frequent conversations we have is where they feel they are getting it wrong, they’ve turned in the wrong direction or aren’t coordinating moving opposite arms and legs. It often ends in laughter or playful finger pointing, but sometimes I can really sense the students’ frustration.

I’m trying to reassure and encourage them to release any frustration and have introduced the yoga concepts of ahimsa (treating themselves kindly) and sthira sukha (steadiness and ease) so they’re not too hard on themselves - it’s not about striving for excellence after all, everything is a practice. 

What I didn’t expect is how quickly they’d develop their favourite bits of the class and recognise the more challenging poses. But they’re not shy in feeding back either - I’m well aware working the feet with a tennis ball is a particular favourite!

At the end of the day I’m really pleased to see that everyone is enjoying the classes and is able to participate. As long as you’re safe, there is no wrong. The key is bringing a light heart to the class, enjoying each lesson for what it is and not striving - we’ll all find our place in the end.