I just wrapped up the 4-day Baptiste Power Yoga Assisting Workshop in Cambridge, MA. The event was a great follow-up to Level 1 and 2 trainings earlier this year.
Throughout the course we learned anatomy, practical assisting techniques as well as exercises in “being present” and assisting with clean energy and intent. There was plenty of learning by doing as well….with partner work and even the chance to assist an entire 90-minute class!
Coming away from this workshop I’ve been reminded of a few things that will greatly improve my assisting going forward.
- Assisting starts before you ever lay your hands on someone. Your presence in the room, awareness of the students and presence to their unique condition are all important factors in assisting.
- Breathing is the moment powerful assist. Just standing next to someone and breathing can greatly improve students experiences.
- Every body is unique. We all have the same skeletal structure, but the bones are not arranged in the same way. Respect the differences in the human bodies you touch.
I’ll get to apply my new assisting techniques on Tuesday when I assist an introductory class at Shakti Vinyasa.
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melody 11.24.08 at 3:40 am
Awesome meeting you in person at the assistant training in Cambridge. It was wild that I set up behind you the first day of practice. Who would have thought we’d ever meet face-to-face.
P.S. I totally agree with your post. As we learned, assisting is powered through intention and breath -as well as having the power to recognize & honor the uniqueness in everyBODY.