Light Leaders Teachers Training

On our path as youth yoga teachers, the triumphs and pleasures are important landmarks to encourage and uplift us through times of doubt and challenge. There will be times when you walk away from a class feeling exhausted, frustrated, or even defeated. Self-awareness and constructive critical reflection can be helpful growth tools, but beware the trap of spending too much time there - don't quit because of a bad day!

I teach in an after school program for pre-teens from the "inner-city" who have either been in disciplinary, foster, or psychiatric care during the last few years. Many of these young people won't be in this program long enough for me to build any rapport with them, so I have to teach each yoga class as my only chance to connect. Today was one of the special and rewarding days in my career that helps me remember why this work is worth staying in the game.
I walked into a room of 10 noisy kids ranging from 12-14 years old. They continued snacking on their crackers, chips, and Kool-ade, name-calling and chasing each other around the room as I greeted them.

I decided to take a seat quietly among them to observe the group energy for a bit. After a few minutes the noticeable "leader" of the crew said, "Miss, I can't do Yoga." I asked him why and he replied, " I used to but I get too angry." I asked him if he'd try again with us today. Another student said, "Don't we have to be calm and flexible? I'm not." They started the perfectdialog to transition into our class. They were extremely hyper and loud during the beginning; throwing their mats, exclaiming that they can't take their shoes off. I gave them a few moments and then shouted from my naval, "OK, everybody sit down! We're starting." I had their attention and tuned them in. They had a few outbursts of laughter and distraction through the chanting, which I let them know is a normal reaction. But I noticed gradually more participation and listening as we went through our warm-ups and set of postures, even from the "leader."

Before long, a playful innocence seemed to replace the aggressive energy I first walked into.
I saw these young people getting to play and feel silly, but it was OK because we were all in it together. I decided to teach them a meditation to calm anger and told them I knew they could do it for 3 whole minutes. I watched some of them wiggle and open their eyes at first. One boy said that when he gets angry he wants to punch things. I asked him to feel that and then "blow it out with his breath." They got so quiet and still that we went for 5 minutes. The boy who said he couldn't do yoga was still and peaceful throughout. I could have heard a pin drop when they laid down for Shavasana.
When they told me how good they felt I knew that the connection was made. The yoga speaks for itself and when we, as teachers can get out of our own way to let it work, it does!
Always stop and reflect on these rewards - they are your well-deserved fuel!

Crystal D'Angora