I’ve been thinking this week about all the things that I cannot do. About all the asana that continue to elude me, two decades into my practice and biologically well past my “peak” performance period. Most of the time, I get down about it, mentally beat myself up. But sometimes, I think my lack of skill in certain areas as a student is a gift to me as a teacher.
Take Lotus (Padmasana), or Half Lotus. I think when lots of people think “yoga” this image of a practitioner in Lotus flashes across the screen of their mind. And yet, it is wildly inaccessible for many bodies. It asks for deep knee flexion, so many actions required from the hip joint, even lots of shoulder and chest space if you’re including the arms binding behind the back. This asana does not come naturally to me, and while today, somedays, I have a moderately easeful seated Half Bound Lotus, I have spent many hours thinking about how to get there. Considering the physical and energetic body in the shape, and considering it from every single angle in hopes of troubleshooting my way to success. Make it make sense! I cry internally.
My personal exploration with the pose gives me a wide vocabulary for addressing what feel like barriers to entering Lotus for other practitioners. Can’t seem to fold the leg? Let’s look at what might be impeding the closure of the knee joint. Can’t find the big toe behind your back? Let’s peep on shoulder rotation and extension. Forgot to breathe because you’re so frustrated and stressed out about the whole experience? Let’s ditch the damn thing and take a few inhales and exhales in another shape. You’re still a real yogi, you’re still a treasured human being.
As I keep practicing with other teachers, I gather more clues and tips and tools for being patient with myself. And even ways to feel peaceful about perhaps never ever being able to make this shape with my body. Those lessons flow to me and through me and back out again, and I know this is a proof of kula because the knowledge is multiplied and bolstered each time it’s shared.
The Deets
June by the numbers:
- 67 classes
- 71.75 hours of teaching time
- 533 students in attendance
- 9 locations
- 1 baby welcomed!
From April through July, I’ve taught just about the same number of classes per month (67-69), but wow, the overall attendance has dropped dramatically. I’ve been predicting it; it’s the same every year. The summer slump is very real. This July attendance is 17% lower than the month prior, and 27% lower than April. Gina, one of the managers at SOMA Yoga Center said on Tuesday, “I’ve got a good feeling about August,” so we’ll see what the last month of summer shows.
Schedule Updates
I recently onboarded with Ompractice, which provides online movement classes at accessible rates (often free!). All classes are live and camera-on, so that teachers can provide feedback to students in real time. I’ll start subbing some classes on that platform in August (including prenatal!).
A hard lesson that I’ve had to learn about teaching yoga is that there are people and businesses and groups will tell you that they really want you to teach for them, but not actually want to confirm a schedule or compensate you. Blerp. I’m winding down with some corporate clients and have a few irons in the fire with other spaces and places for September. I’ll announce here and on Instagram/Threads when things are sorted!
Your Words
And here are a selection of sweet comments and funny feedback from students and peers, received or overheard. There were many really touching words expressed in July to me―thank you.
- I always feel safe and challenged!
- You’re so good at seeing people and giving really clear directions on where they are and where they might go.
- The weekly prenatal yoga class was the highlight of my pregnancy.
- Thank you for showing me how to love practicing yoga again.
- Every single practice I walk away having learned something new.
- We are so grateful for the way you build community on and off the mat, and for the warmth you emit.
- Your classes fly by like no other―even though they’re also hard as hell most of the time!
- Your classes are challenging, but not punishing! I always feel empowered.
- I just love your classes so much!
- You brought me back to the practice.
- We know you have a lot of students, but to us, you’ve been singular and special.
- Your classes are always so warm and welcoming.
SomerJill 