The day did not disappoint. We started with a gentle pranayama practice, which consists of well patterned breath exercises. As I understand it now, it was more a series of kriyas, cleansing techniques.
The rest of the day involved long stretches of reading, listening, asking questions and dissecting yoga poses in minute detail. We also observed each other and practiced teaching each other. Mostly, we began to establish routines and learn how to learn this type of material.
The most impactful takeaway came when we first learned how to observe a student. Before we began our first observation, our teacher asked the class, "What is the first thing you agould notice when you observe a student?" The room went silent as we looked to each other for the answer. This was definitely not in the homework. Her answer was so simple,"Their divinity."
If I learned nothing else this weekend, I know that the most important thing to do as a teacher is see my students. To see them for the whole and amazing people that they are. To recognize and appreciate the light of the divine in each of them. And, to remember that it is that light the warms my heart.
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