Well I did it, after 3+ weeks of intense training and overcoming my nerves, I taught my first complete yoga class! It was 75 minutes. It included a metta (loving kindness) meditation and a vinyasa flow that peaked with "shining your wild heart to the sky" (in "wild thing", one of my favourite poses). I felt so energized and content throughout the class, which was a relief after feeling so nervous leading up to it. At the end of Savasana (resting "corpse" pose at the end) the sun was setting on the horizon of the ocean with such vibrant light and colour. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful scene to close the practice with. While my students laid with their eyes closed in silence I couldn't resist snapping a quick pic of the sunset (although photos never do it justice). Then I invited them to open their eyes and be greeted with it.
This class took place during our 3 day "yoga mehla", the period when we take turns teaching a full class to the group (well technically half of the whole group). We also co-taught (in groups of 3-4) evening yin/restorative classes to all students and teachers during the mehla. In 3 days I taught 2 classes and participated in 10 others, with each day starting with my hike up the hill at 5:30am and ending at 9pm. Sorry knees!!
I'm very grateful for this experience. Teaching to this group of people who I have bonded with on so many levels made it extra special. Seeing each of our personalities shine through in what made each class unique, and the support and encouragement for each other, has been really wonderful.
Today marked the end of the mehla, with a moving session that is difficult to describe. The remaining two days will involve far less intensity and pressure than the past 3.5 weeks (although the same amount of time).
Our graduation ceremony is on Friday night. It will be bitter sweet! The goodbyes will be emotional, but I'm really looking forward to the evening.
If you're unfamiliar with "wild thing", here's what it looks like when you're trying not to fall off a large bumpy rock!
Namaste and buenas noches.