I assisted in a yoga class at Willow Street Yoga on Wednesday. I had been a little anxious all day. Why? I wasn't teaching. But I had a role, to assist, and I'd never done that before.
What to do?
Observe. Be aware. Be sensitive to the whole situation. What did I see in the students? Signs of exhaustion in a long held downward facing dog? Hands not placed in the best way to safely support weight? The need for a block, or a blanket?
How much intervention is helpful? How much is too much? Let Rebecca teach, and attend the students. Don't get in the way, but go where she isn't. Attend to what she cannot.
Consider the first of the principles known as Yamas: Ahimsa - non-harming.
A couple of times during the class, I lost my concentration. Tired of observing, I found my mind withdrawn, turned inward, idling. Like waking up after dozing off, I turned my attention back to the room, letting the information in and processing it. Paying attention again.
Then the class was lying down for Savasana. The setting sun streamed light through the front window on a couple of students. I quietly went up and pulled the shades closed.
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