My First Official Class, Full of Modification

This morning I taught my first official class of the Core 40. Sure, I have taught a little bit here and there, but it has been less formal and more personal - just me and a friend or family member going through some postures. This was my first scheduled, promoted, attended class with a time limit and everything.

My parents attended (thanks Mom and Dad!), and they ended up being the true learning experience of the day. I didn't have any issues with the logistical stuff like remembering postures or sequences or screwing up right and left. But both of my parents have limited mobility. My mom had both of her knees replaced in the past year, so she can't bend them much and she can't kneel at all.

It was a challenge to my understanding of the postures to be constantly modifying in at least two, sometimes three different ways. Mostly it made me realize how important it is to personalize the postures. And how important it is to understand the intent of each posture, something Tony emphasized constantly.

All of our bodies need such different things, and most people who come to yoga class can't do what we as experienced practitioners have come to take for granted. Most won't know how to adjust their pelvic tilt or rotate their hips. But they need the yoga at least as much as we do. I loved the humbling experience today of modifying the yoga to serve those who needed it.