While I am a teacher of this beautiful path of yoga, I am also an ongoing student…every day there is a new lesson to be learned on many levels. I feel sometimes that I have only just scratched the surface of this incredible inner world of ours and there is SO much more to understand. But what I HAVE learned on this path is what I endeavour to share with my students, and it is a responsibility that I take quite seriously.
People come to yoga for many reasons; I cannot possibly know what every participant in my class is going through. But what I do understand is that EVERYONE is going through SOMETHING and my job as a teacher is to create a safe, supportive space to allow students to process what they need to process. This job of holding space is twofold – first it requires keeping an eye on physical things like alignment, positioning, movement, and posture. Second (and more importantly), it requires guidance inward, beyond the physical to those places that we might not visit often enough…if ever. To go there involves trust and in guiding students to these places, we teachers must be gentle and compassionate, truthful and authentic.
When I’m sitting on my mat leading a class, it might be interesting to know what I’m experiencing as a teacher. While everyone’s eyes are closed, I am keeping a watchful eye. I have seen faces of bliss, faces of strain, faces of sadness, faces of boredom, faces of determination, faces of courage, faces of doubt, faces of anger, faces of defeat, faces of hope, and faces of love…Often I close my own eyes and just feel the energy of the room. Holding the space means being there with my students, guiding them deeper but not losing them. To me it means wrapping my arms around each and every one and holding them with care.
I have learned this from my own teacher, Yogrishi Vishvketu, who lovingly has taught me that our birthright is happiness, joy, fearlessness, and bliss…If I can help create the space for others to experience this, then my role as a teacher is fulfilled…and REAL. Come and explore with me…
Yoga In My Backyard 
Heather Stubbs said,
April 18, 2014 at 4:48 am
Hi Anne,
I wish I lived close enough to be a student in your classes! You share these ideas so beautifully! I completely and utterly agree about our birthright being joy, fearlessness and bliss.
John and Stephanie are picking us up about 7:30 this morning and we’re heading to Montreal, home Sunday. I’m glad I’m starting to feel more like my normal self…almost there.
Have a great long weekend,
Love, Heather
Heather Stubbs Presentation Skills Trainer Speaker, Coach
#6201, 120 University Avenue East Cobourg, ON, Canada, K9A 0A9 289-252-0796
http://www.skilltime.ca Blog at http://www.tipsontalking.com
Suzanne Emmerson said,
April 19, 2014 at 12:31 pm
Each week I feel how much care and thought you put into each class. You manage to create a safe and supportive space for your students while never judging abilities but always encouraging us to connect with ourselves and strive to be better. Thank you.
ANNE STUBBS said,
April 19, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Thank YOU! It is an honour and a privilege to be a guide…
Nancy Lowry said,
April 23, 2014 at 7:57 am
It is true. I feel the warmth of your embrace in every class, Anne. You hold us ‘up’ without holding ‘on’ to us. You give us space to explore the moment, to be in the moment. You guide gently, we arrive peacefully.
I am ever grateful.
Nancy
Judy Fagan-Cornell said,
April 27, 2014 at 12:23 pm
The spirit of God the Universe is moving through you to me to give me gratitude for motion and rhythm in life. Thanks
Judy