--Judi Harvin
Three days after arriving home from India, I came into Focus Yoga to take a class. My body and mind were still jet-lagged, and I felt I needed to get grounded; spend an hour moving and meditating on how it feels to be in this body, on the earth of home.
I'll be honest, I have a difficult time being a student in a class at my own studio. I worry about all the things a business owner would worry about: is the temperature ok? Is the new student comfortable? Is the clock ticking too loudly?
In addition, I knew the instructor for the class was relatively inexperienced, a recent graduate of our training. I had trained this teacher myself. Was I going to be compiling a punch list in my mind of notes on cueing mishaps or possible improvements? Was I able to put being a studio owner and trainee instructor aside long enough to have a good personal practice?
I am pleased to say, yes. And, it wasn't due to my own amazing mental self-control. It was due to the clean, effective cueing of the instructor.
In our training, cueing skills is extremely important component. Simple, clean cueing can soothe a nervous, confused beginner. It can quiet the "monkey mind" of any busy (or jet-lagged) student. It can make any yoga class a moving meditation.
I've been a student in classes with very experienced instructors who haven't quite mastered that skill. They may pepper their cueing with additional words that add unnecessary complexity. They may use certain phrases repeatedly that can begin to irritate the listening student or awkward wording that can jolt the mind.
I'm certainly not suggesting that class be taught according to a script, or be bare of colorful descriptions, anecdotes, or visuals. Each instructor has a unique personality that should shine. But, good clean communication skills will only enhance their individuality.
In our training, we list some of the common cueing "traps" in which teachers can become ensnared, and I also listen carefully for each trainee's individual "traps" so we can loosen their grip before they become too tight. This isn't a fun process for the poor trainees! But, if they approach it with an open mind and positive attitude, the rewards are huge. They feel more effective and confident.
Taking the time and self-discipline to learn clean cueing has two added bonuses: first, this skill will begin to flow into other areas of communication. The trainee may feel that their explanatory skills are enhanced overall. Secondly, when cueing is clean and flowing smoothly, even teaching the class can quiet the mind and feel like a meditation.
At the onset of the class I attended, the instructor centered us, bringing our mind into the space, and proceeded to lead us through a smooth sequence of warm ups and a standing flow, with clear wording so I never had to look up from the island of my mat to see if I was following correctly. I could simply enjoy the feeling of movement. Insights were offered, small adjustments that enhanced, but never detracted from, the work. I left with a clear mind and open body. Thank you. Namaste.
Do you agree that communications skills are a very important skill for an instructor? I'd love to hear from you, please comment below!
Three days after arriving home from India, I came into Focus Yoga to take a class. My body and mind were still jet-lagged, and I felt I needed to get grounded; spend an hour moving and meditating on how it feels to be in this body, on the earth of home.
I'll be honest, I have a difficult time being a student in a class at my own studio. I worry about all the things a business owner would worry about: is the temperature ok? Is the new student comfortable? Is the clock ticking too loudly?
In addition, I knew the instructor for the class was relatively inexperienced, a recent graduate of our training. I had trained this teacher myself. Was I going to be compiling a punch list in my mind of notes on cueing mishaps or possible improvements? Was I able to put being a studio owner and trainee instructor aside long enough to have a good personal practice?
I am pleased to say, yes. And, it wasn't due to my own amazing mental self-control. It was due to the clean, effective cueing of the instructor.
In our training, cueing skills is extremely important component. Simple, clean cueing can soothe a nervous, confused beginner. It can quiet the "monkey mind" of any busy (or jet-lagged) student. It can make any yoga class a moving meditation.
I've been a student in classes with very experienced instructors who haven't quite mastered that skill. They may pepper their cueing with additional words that add unnecessary complexity. They may use certain phrases repeatedly that can begin to irritate the listening student or awkward wording that can jolt the mind.
I'm certainly not suggesting that class be taught according to a script, or be bare of colorful descriptions, anecdotes, or visuals. Each instructor has a unique personality that should shine. But, good clean communication skills will only enhance their individuality.
In our training, we list some of the common cueing "traps" in which teachers can become ensnared, and I also listen carefully for each trainee's individual "traps" so we can loosen their grip before they become too tight. This isn't a fun process for the poor trainees! But, if they approach it with an open mind and positive attitude, the rewards are huge. They feel more effective and confident.
Taking the time and self-discipline to learn clean cueing has two added bonuses: first, this skill will begin to flow into other areas of communication. The trainee may feel that their explanatory skills are enhanced overall. Secondly, when cueing is clean and flowing smoothly, even teaching the class can quiet the mind and feel like a meditation.
At the onset of the class I attended, the instructor centered us, bringing our mind into the space, and proceeded to lead us through a smooth sequence of warm ups and a standing flow, with clear wording so I never had to look up from the island of my mat to see if I was following correctly. I could simply enjoy the feeling of movement. Insights were offered, small adjustments that enhanced, but never detracted from, the work. I left with a clear mind and open body. Thank you. Namaste.
Do you agree that communications skills are a very important skill for an instructor? I'd love to hear from you, please comment below!
