About Me

Yoga changed my Life and it's just too good a thing to keep to myself! I have been practicing yoga since 1995 and am a certified yoga instructor. I teach a combination of classical Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow. My teaching style is safe, compassionate and challenging at the same time. I teach at a number of studios, and also offer private and group lessons!

In addition to my schedule, I post other writings here, about yoga and Life in general. For private or group lessons, contact me at: workofheartyoga@gmail.com .

Monday, June 28, 2010

subs, and what's up Saturday class???

Hello all my yogis,

I'm always worried about what to do if I'm going to be gone or on vacation... On the one hand, if I tell my students I'm not going to be there, many don't show up for the subs, and the studio loses money, making it less likely that they will keep me on staff in the long run... on the other, if I don't tell my students and they DO come and are bummed to have a sub, they often won't come back when I return... Conundrum.

But folks, the truth of the matter is: yoga teachers are human (gasp!), and they need vacations too. So, here's my compromise.

I usually don't announce it in class, but I will announce it on my blog. And here's how I feel about it.

I know what it's like to find a teacher you really jive with, and to show up expecting them, only to find this other totally new person you've never met before. It's jolting. Disorienting sometimes. However, I have often found that I learn something new from new teachers. They have a different way of explaining the poses or more of a focus on breathing or alignment. Not to mention, that when I practice at a studio, or teach at a studio, I consider it part of my community. It's not just a teacher that I'm supporting, it's the entire studio community. And I hope that my students get that feeling from my teaching... and I hope that they will think of it as their community too.

I encourage my students to come even when I'm out not only so that I'll have a job waiting for me when I come back, but also because I believe in the people I have subbing for me and think my students might actually learn something, heck, even enjoy their classes!

At the same time, I will never give my students a hard time if they can't or choose not to show up. There are a million reasons why folks may not show up (vacation, illness, something came up, they left the coffee pot on, etc,) and they are none of my business. However, if someone doesn't show up because they didn't enjoy a class of mine, or a class I had a sub teach, I, OF COURSE, want to know about it, so that I can do something to change it. But it's up to you if feel like telling me!

That being said... I'm going on vacation this week. Don't freak out. It's only a week...Here's my list of subs:

JULES HOGAN: Saturday July 3rd, Level One (11-12:30)
Sunday, July 4th, call the studio to find out if any classes are being held
CHERYL MOSS: Monday, July 5th Prenatal. (10-11:30am)


PULEEZE enjoy these women, these classes and something new for a change. And come back to me when I'm back, tell me all about it and what you learned! You won't regret it! I'll miss you tons and look forward to seeing you again soon.

And a shout out to my Saturday class students: WHERE ARE YOU?! I miss you all!

Peace,
April