SAFETY!!!

I spent August of 1999 in Barksdale, LA for AFROTC Field Training.  That's the ROTC version of boot camp.  You see, we did all kinds of training throughout the school year ("Military Science" was the name of the course) and then had the pleasure of spending a horrendously hot month in some ridiculously swampy location.  Louisiana, Florida...places where fire ants thrive and cockroaches can fly - there's a reason I live in Seattle, I tell you!

Anyway, safety was a big concern because cadets are constantly ravenous, sleep-deprived and falling all over themselves to avoid getting called out - not the most "centered" group of young people.  One of the rules was:  when walking in formation and approaching a curb, the first cadet to step up or down the curb must raise a fisted hand and state loudly, "SAFETY".  All other cadets in formation then had to repeat "SAFETY" to indicate that they had heard and understood to look for...something dangerous.

I had forgotten about the safety rule until recently, when I was told about a mis-represented class one of my regular students attended somewhere else.  Now, put on your thinking cap and use your imagination:  when you think of a "Restorative Yoga" class, what comes to mind?  Could it be something like this?  Or perhaps this?  Imagine that you have had a particularly trying week, maybe you're fighting a cold, and you just want to lie with your legs up the wall for awhile, do some supported chest openers and then relax into a nice, long Savasana.  Would you be irked to find that the so-called restorative class was taught just like the "power/flow/abs" class that preceded it?  You might be put out, but hopefully your participation in the class wouldn't lead to injury.  Now look around at your imaginary classmates, some of whom are pregnant, have injuries, limited mobility, or some other physical, mental or emotional issue going on for which they specifically decided to attend a restorative class... would you have the urge to call out "SAFETY" as you watch some of them struggle to keep up with the energetic instructor?

An important component of creating a safe atmosphere for students is ensuring that what is advertised in the class description is, in fact, what they get when they show up to class.  Newcomers to yoga are particularly vulnerable in situations like what I describe above - they truly may not know what to expect, regardless of the class description.  Instructors may  of course choose to vary the theme or focus of a class, but in general students who come to Level 1 class should be able to expect to work at a certain level of difficulty - which will be distinct from Gentle, Restorative or Level 2 classes.

It is completely unacceptable for students to show up to a restorative yoga class and then be led through anything more rigorous.   Certainly, some warming poses or sequences to prepare the body for deep relaxation may be in order, but that does not mean blazing through Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and then expecting the awakened nervous system to slide into relaxation.  Slower, less mobile, or more fragile students will not benefit from this and could even be injured.  While it would be inappropriate to hold up a fisted hand and yell "SAFETY!" in the middle of class, if you find yourself in a situation like this I recommend speaking with the teacher after class.  Perhaps they got the schedule confused, or maybe that really is their version of "restorative".  Either way, it will help you to be better informed the next time you want to take that class - or a class with that teacher.

Comments

[Dorothy Clark]

HI,
I enjoyed reading your journal. Can you share with us ( your readers) about some of the impact yoga has had on your students and yourself. It would be interesting to know how yoga has evolved in your spiritual self from the start of your practice. How did you decide to teach?
If you havent listned to the cd on change your mind, change your life it is really great. I think you would like it.
I find it interesting also that when you dont feel good and you drag yourself to yoga practice you will feel renewed. Isnt that amazing? In our class we listen to our body and are taught to be aware. Sort of a yoga bio-feedback I guess. Whatever. It works!
I'm a Northern California yogini and also designer for a yoga company called yoginigirlwear.
If you want to e-mail my buisness address with your size and where you want it shipped, I will mail you a free "balance" yoga shirt. Wear it in good health fellow yogini!
Namaste'
Dorothy