Happy Valentines Day!

Hello Everyone,

It is really great to read everyone's posts.   It makes me so excited to see how we are all out in the world sharing yoga.  Since the end of December I have been teaching some private lessons, but starting two weeks ago I picked up five classes a week at a new health-club.  Those classes have been really enjoyable to teach and I just love the space (cork floors, low lighting, high ceilings and live plants all give it a very zen feeling).   My classes during the week have been pulling two to three people per class, which I expect will grow along with club membership.  The Saturday classes have been packed.   My first Saturday morning class had 15 students and I got so excited that I totally pulled a Paula (anyone in my teaching group knows that means I unintentionally kicked their asses).  I was so jazzed up that I ran through my entire 90 minute flow from Nosara in my 60 minute class.  I teach two classes back to back on Saturday so I tried to tone it down a little for the next class but still hit it hard.  I did realize how hard I had made the classes until the next day when I could hardly walk.  I'm fearful that I might have broken some of my students.   Today, round two of Saturday classes, I still had good attendance but only five repeat customers.    The good news is that I am finding my voice as a teacher and figuring out how to read the crowd.  It's a process. 

On the life front, things are going well.  I have finally decided to come out of "retirement" and look for gainful employment.  I'm in the updating my resume stage and trying to figure out exactly what my employed lifestyle would ideally look like.  Similar to Lindsay, I have become quite accustom to my retired lifestyle.  I have really been relishing being the master of my own schedule and am hoping to not have to give that up - possibly a work from home situation would be best for me. TBD. 

Note on teaching classes to beginners:  One of the private lessons I have been teaching is for my Mom and her co-workers.  They were all new to yoga and lacking in both strength and flexibility.  I spend most of my time on the mat doing conditioning movements, focusing on opening the spine and releasing tension in the neck, shoulders and hips.  I also let them know that I have been practicing yoga for over a decade and that it took a long time to become as flexible as I am.  I think they find it somewhat encouraging to know that I couldn't even touch my toes when I started. 

John:  I'm LOVING the tattoo!  

Jennie:  I know exactly how complex leaving a job/changing your life can be.  Just remember that it is always better to have many opportunities instead of none.  Keep your eyes and heart open and it will become clear which path you are supposed to go down.  When I was trying to decided what to do I took to reading church marquees and fortune cookies.  Hopefully, your signals from above will come in a less corny format.  :-)

Lisa:  Great audition story.  Thanks so much for the Elko invite.  I didn't see it until I got back.  BOO!

Missing you tons.  Loving you kilos.

Alice