Tag: yoga teacher

Pursuing happiness

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You want to know the real reason I quit my job?

I wasn’t happy.

I was also becoming a person I didn’t like.

And that definitely needed to change.

When I started my yoga teacher training about a year ago (can’t believe that was a year ago) it wasn’t my intention to quit my job and solely be a yoga teacher.

I planned to teach on the side and maybe eventually move more full time into health and wellness, which would include being a yoga teacher and blogger (and maybe a few other things I have up my sleeve), but like everything in life, things changed.

I have many things to do on my to do list. But the No. 1 item is to be happy.

I can’t be the best me if I am not happy and good to myself.

A few friends have asked me: Are you teaching full time? Where are you teaching?

No to the first question. Keep reading for an answer to the second question.

First, yoga teachers can’t possibly work 40 hours a week as a yoga teacher. Most teachers have to travel to multiple studios (or gyms) for classes, teaching can be emotionally and physically … Continue reading

Being a gym yoga teacher sub

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At the end of October I will be taking over yoga classes at a gym in Alameda where the regular teacher will be going on maternity leave.

She recently went on vacation, which gave me an opportunity to be the yoga sub for four classes at Alameda Athletic Club.

I taught a Thursday evening, a Sunday late morning, a Tuesday evening and another Thursday evening while the regular teacher was on vacation.

My first class I felt a little unprepared for things that were out of my control. But I reminded myself to breathe and it would be OK. I felt the class went well and the students were responsive.

Sunday late morning I had about 10 students. I had time to chat with a few of them before class and after class as well.

Two students who were there for my first class came back on Sunday. My Sunday students were very receptive and complimented me. Many told me that they really enjoyed the class. Some told me they planned to tell the front desk and general manager about me.

Someone else said I was one of the best teachers they have ever had. I’m flattered. They were impressed with … Continue reading

The BIG decision

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Near the end of my yoga teacher training we did a fantasy exercise. We pretended that we were at a reunion together a year later and we talked about what we had done over the past year since graduation.

Baxter said if you said it out loud and as if you had actually done it it would make it more real. He also advised us to write a letter to ourselves to read in a year, which I did.

One of the things I said at “the reunion” was that I had quit my job.

I have done a lot of thinking and have made a big decision in my life.

I recently gave notice of resignation and my last day is mid-month.

I need some time for me. For my own self-care. My goal is to take care of me right now.

And to explore this new gig I have as a yoga teacher. I have taken on yoga classes as a sub at a gym and am working on a few more options. (I would also love to spend more time working on this blog.)

I will also work with friends and family on one-on-one private yoga sessions. And … Continue reading

Gettin’ CPR certified

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In order to be able to sub/teach classes at the gym where I am a member they require you be CPR certified.

I recently took a CPR class with Safety Training Seminars (American Heart Association).

I am now CPR/AED certified.

I learned how to administer CPR to an adult, child and infant. I also learned how to use an AED (automated external defibrillation).

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

I also learned how to help an adult, child, pregnant woman and infant if they are choking.

I took this certification class because it was a requirement for me to start subbing at my gym (and possibly other places I may teach).

But I also think this is good knowledge to have just in case. I would rather no one I know stop breathing or start choking. But if you do, I have the skills to help you.

Is the scene safe? …

Continue reading

Gym yoga teacher sub gig

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Last night I taught my third yoga class, but my first gym yoga sub gig.

A friend of mine who I work with and lives in Alameda helped me get this sub gig. (She is also a yoga teacher.) She knew Alameda Athletic Club was going to need a yoga sub when the regular yoga teacher went on maternity leave.

A few weeks ago I attended the regular yoga teacher’s Thursday night class to get an idea of her style and meet her. After class she mentioned to me that she was going on vacation at the end of August and thought maybe I could sub those classes.

So she’s on vacation and I have three more classes of hers to teach.

In preparation for my four classes I have worked on four sequences to teach knowing that there are limited props at the gym.

Last night was a little chaotic as I had trouble finding someone who could tell me where the key was for the props locker and I started to feel unprepared for my class.

But I started the class in a seated meditation and I took the time to breathe and find my own calm … Continue reading

One taught yoga class down …

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Yesterday afternoon I taught my first yoga class as a certified yoga teacher.

After completing my 10-month teacher training program I planned a trip to Tucson to visit family, get in a little relax time at the Arizona Inn and to teach my first yoga class.

My class was called Do Good While You Feel Good at Hilda’s studio, Mindful Yoga Studio. All proceeds are going to Tucson’s Food Bank.

I had 12 students total, including Hilda and my dad.

A few of the students were invited by me, many were Hilda’s regulars and there was one couple who found the class by looking up a class that fit in their schedule. Plus they liked the idea of the donation class.

As I am not a huge fan talking in front of a group of people (talk about taking myself out of my comfort zone) I was super nervous as the class began.

But eventually I felt comfortable and at ease. I felt confident in what and how I was teaching.

The class seemed to respond well to me, my humor, my class and my style. I just kept things simple and I was just who I am.

… Continue reading