If you fail to plan, plan to fail 2.0

One of the first rules of being a successful blogger is to write and post often...in other words...blog.

In my last blog post, titled:  If you fail to plan, plan to fail, I concluded that not having a plan was in fact THE PLAN.  But then Miss Peggy at Lake Norman Taekwondo asked if I would be interested in teaching yoga at their TKD school.  And the planning began...hours and hours of planning.  Which is why I have been such an absentee blogger...because it takes hours and hours to plan a class.  Oh.  Did I just mention that?!

A lot goes into preparing a single 60 minute class because it is important to perform the proper preparatory poses before reaching the peak pose.  (I love alliteration!)  So I am spending hours upon hours researching and researching and researching not only how to write a sequence, but also what are the proper preparatory poses and how do I cue each pose?  I'm also evaluating the sequence to ensure it flows smoothly without any awkward transitions and taking into account injuries the students have communicated such as sciatica and back surgeries.  And then there's choosing the music and practicing the class before I actually give the class.  All that and I'm sure I'm still missing key components like having a "theme."  Maybe someday my classes will have themes.  Right now my theme is, "I hope I have enough material to last 60 minutes."

The best part of all the time spent researching is that I am learning a ton and am so grateful for the opportunity to practice teaching.  And I'm convinced in time, writing sequences will become as easy as breathing.

And I've learned another valuable lesson.  In Yoga we are always seeking balance in our lives. There is a time and place for planning.  I cannot leave everything up to the Universe because like Jon V. and Benjamin Franklin said, "If you fail to plan, plan to fail."  So for now, my new plan is to embrace all opportunities as they present themselves to me and to not fail!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a class to plan.  And...if you missed the original, "If you fail to plan, plan to fail," check it out on this very blog!  Namaste.