what the heck is intermediate?
i'm often surprised how many students ask my "permission" to attend down dog yoga's friday night class. i suspect it is the label - intermediate - included in its description, that can cause one to pause.
so let me be clear - - - everyone is welcome. the beginner student and the not-so-beginner student alike. the person who can float into a handstand and the person who can't touch their toes. the fearless and the fearful - and all those between.
we all come to our mat from different places. our practice is personal, as is our growth. we start from where we are . . . and from there, move on to higher places.
as i sat through another back-to-school - my last for my daughter - i listened very carefully to one of her favorite math teachers, mr. block. this particular teacher is extraordinary. actually, award-winning. once an accountant for price-waterhouse, this man discovered a passion in leading ALL students to discover their mathematical potential. even those who had never . . . especially those who had never.
his secret to success? all contained in his 5 classroom rules. which i would like to now share and adopt.
because if you are thinking about joining this yoga class - or any - it would help for us all to follow mr. block's 5 rules for success:
1. consistent effort is the main determinant for success that means showing up on your mat on a regular basis, and being committed to growth.
2. you are not supposed to understand everything the first time around. its a yoga practice - practice being the key word. its a time to try new things. perfection is overrated.
3. every person is capable of high achievement - not just the fastest or most confident. this one is my absolute favorite. it doesn't matter how old you are, how flexible you are, how strong you are. we are ALL capable - more capable than we'll ever realize.
4. strong students work together and solicit help when they need it. we gather together not just for our individual practice - but for our collective yoga community. we celebrate individual growth, and we foster it.
5. mistakes help people learn. falling not only happens, but is necessary. failing not only happens, but is necessary. once we recognize this, accept it, we can learn and move forward.
in my opinion, the best definition of intermediate is ordinary people doing extraordinary things, not without failure - but despite failure.
and if you think i'm talking to you - i am! 
see you tonight - 6 pm - down dog yoga in georgetown.
see you tonight - 6 pm - down dog yoga in georgetown.
Posted by peg mulqueen at 9/18/2009 8:02 AM 
Categories: yoga, down dog yoga
Tags: down dog yoga intermediate yoga class
Categories: yoga, down dog yoga
Tags: down dog yoga intermediate yoga class
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