cultivating skill
Photo credit: Ruth Grohman
Each time I practice, I touch on poses that are very familiar to me. How many times have I done Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog)? Yet each time, if I look with fresh eyes at what has developed over the years of practicing the pose, there is always something new—a physical change in the body that makes the pose more challenging, like the tightness that has come to my upper back or a deeper understanding of the relationship between the lumbar and the abdomen to support the organic body.
This is true too, of my study of the Yoga Sutras. What may start out as a simple concept, looked at again and again over the course of many years, evolves and demands a more refined practice. Take for example the first of the yamas (the ethical principles), ahimsa (non-violence). An initial understanding of ahimsa may involve not causing harm to others which may ask us to examine our actions toward others. Lately, I’ve been looking at this not just from the perspective of what I am doing (or not doing) but to whom and how those actions are received. This isn’t always easy—how are we to know well, the perspective of another?
As I’ve returned to teaching a couple of in-person classes, I’ve found myself treading lightly around others. Most of us have been in seclusion for the good part of a year or more. Collectively, we are coming out of a traumatic time—where the mere presence of people was a sign of danger. The amount of physical space that we need may have changed in that time. Some students on their return to the studio, came in with arms open and ready for a hug. Others, wanting to carve out a space near a window and limit interactions with others. Many students have yet to return to the studio.
For those who are (or were) taking classes online, that platform offers great autonomy—you get to decide what the teacher sees or doesn’t see. As I now navigate being around students again, I am finding a new level of sensitivity needs to be cultivated. Where I stand in the room can make someone feel supported or intimidated. How close can I stand to students? Can I be close enough to touch them? Is it okay to touch them?
Pre-pandemic, I made these assessments based on what I observed of the student. Emerging from the pandemic, I’m no longer relying solely on what I SEE. I want to KNOW. I want to know that any adjustment I provide is welcome; only then can it be of use to the student. If it’s not welcome, it’s an act of violence against another.
As I have watched myself teach and interact with students these past few months, it has become clear to me that to bring this depth of ahimsa to my teaching, I must actively cultivate this skill. It’s hard to change the way you do something, to build a new skill, so I’m setting aside time to work specifically on this. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be offering a few free in-person classes at Jewel Yoga to refine my approach to hands-on adjustments. If you are interested in participating as a student in one of these classes, send me an email.
November 14, 2021