Be Healed!

My good friend Paul Fowler (left in the photo) is owner of the Chicago School for Thai Massage. He is a wise man, a great healer and a good musician, to boot! He and Paul Weitz, his business partner and friend, studied in Thailand earlier this year and learned many wonderful things.

The most important thing Paul F shared with me is the idea that when we heal others, we need to also be healed. So, I've been more open to letting the benefits of yoga effect me as I teach. This sounds simple and obvious, but it's actually tricky to do this!

When I'm teaching, I'm in my head. I'm constantly scanning the room to see which students need physical help, help with breathing, or need a kind word or touch. I'm sequencing the class in an intelligent, safe way and have to keep my mind on that, as well. I'm also thinking about how I'm speaking - am I loud enough? Clear enough? Articulate enough? So, there are many things that go through my head as I teach.

I'm better at being in the moment (see previous post!) and relaxing while teaching because of my growing experience as a teacher (five years and hundreds of classes, by now). I am more and more welcoming the prana (energy) of teaching and from the students into my heart. I, too, should be transformed as a teacher while I'm teaching.

Many thanks, Paul F! 

(Everyone, make sure to get the best Thai massage ever from this guy!)

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