Something's gotta give....

I certainly still consider myself a new teacher - I have been teaching for about  year and a half, though, plenty of class-hours, and last night was the first night I had a student leave in the middle of class.

I consider myself lucky - hearing stories from Kathy and others about the times they have had students walk out, either because of something personal going on with them, or maybe because their favorite teacher wasn't in that day - but I didn't realize how it would make me feel!

It wasn't what you might think - sure I was hurt that this student was not enjoying my class - but the hardest part was why she left. I think she was crying, and I'm pretty sure from pain.

As a teacher, I feel the responsibility to make sure everyone in my class feels safe and comfortable, in asking students to try asanas, I know I am asking some people to try things that might otherwise put them in an awkward position (ha ha.)

I could not take care of her in the way I wanted to. I do not want yoga to hurt, I want yoga to heal, and I felt ashamed that my yoga was not healing for this woman last night.

She had come up to me before the class and told me she had recent injuries, low back pain and had pretty recently had shoulder surgery. She had asked me if this was suited for beginners, and being an Intro to Ashtanga class, I said yes, though I did give her the disclaimer that  it could be a very vigorous practice, and even spent time with her checking out down dog and plank before we began the class.

As soon as we did our second sun salutation, I saw that upward facing dog was killing her. Her low back was extremely tight and I could tell it was painful to even try the small back bend. I tried to give her a modification, but it may have been too late.  I saw that in the next down dog she was sniffling, and I hoped it was just a cold. I showed the class child's pose, then we sat up to practice ujjayi.

She could not sit comfortably, and she was fighting back tears. My heart went out to her, and I tried an alternative pose. It was over, and I had to come back to the other students.

She sat and watched for a moment, and then got her things and left the room.  No one else felt as awkward as I did, and the other students seemed to have a great class, and enjoy it.  I had just felt like I had failed this student, and that she may have been further deterred from practicing yoga.

I realize that there is another side to the experience, I just wanted to share my thoughts and insecurities with you all! I would love to hear about your teaching experiences, especially teaching people with injuries.

I just hope I did not discourage her, and that she finds the perfect yoga to help her work through her injuries.

OM.

Adena