Monday, August 27, 2012

Got your back



My life in 2012 is taking shape in so many unexpected ways.   It is a constant unfolding into the unknown and quite unexpected.  For the most part, I'm doing ok with the changes.  
July into August has been slightly ungrounding, but I'm starting to find my ground now.  As I do, ideas are forming.  Thoughts and plans are starting to take shape.  Projects that had to go underground for a while are starting to show just above the surface again.  And it's time to start talking about it.

Here's what I want to do:  Yoga Mentoring.  Mentoring for yoga teachers, teachers-to-be, and practitioners who want a more personal connection than the 90-minutes we get in our group class once a week.

I really think I'm meant to start doing this kind of work/service/whatever.  It is just so obviously needed.

When I was nearing the end of YTT with Todd and Ann I asked Todd who I could be in contact with, who could mentor me.  I knew I had this big light inside, but I was totally afraid to let it shine.  He didn't even know what was in there, and what I was capable of... I had an inkling, but was super afraid to start to put myself out there.  (honestly, I still grapple with that, but have made huge shifts since 2010).  He helped me figure out a teacher to get in contact with, but she was far away and we only corresponded infrequently by email.  It wasn't satisfying.

What I wanted was someone who really knew me, knew my struggles, had my back, and egged me on a bit to take that next little step.  Someone I could come to with a horrible class, great class, questions abut philosophy or meditation... questions about how to fit all this amazing revelation into my life.  Someone real and in person.

 Actually, I still want that.  Luckily I get hits of it when Lila comes to town.

So that's what I'm offering.  To teachers, to teachers-to-be, to students.  Actual committed support along this crazy path we call yoga.  I've been teaching for a while, I've worked as a therapist, I'm a mom, I'm a real life practitioner in this real life crazy world of being married and having a job and trying to make it all fit in.  Mostly, I care.

I want to elevate the teaching in my area by supporting teachers and students alike.  

What I ask from the mentee is simple: Commitment and Responsibility.  A real desire to grow and learn and question.  A willingness to explore.  By commitment I mean and envision this as a formal real relationship where we agree on some guidelines including: meeting together on a regular basis (phone or in person as needed), and some homework or something, possibly a small fee or trade on a case-by-case basis.  By responsibility I mean you show up.  If we're scheduled you don't cancel or just blow it off.  You do the homework or mediation.  You move more towards adult spirituality.  (or we both move towards that together).

I just am tired of people feeling so alone out there.  I spent way too much time feeling super alone in my spiritual journey.  I struggle with that often.  If I can alleviate any small amount of the struggle for those in my community (and beyond) I'm so there to do that!

So that's on my agenda starting in September.  Want it on yours?  Leave me a comment and we'll go from there.



4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Sarah,
This is Keith from your tuesday night class. I want to thank you again for a great class.
Your way of teaching and your personality are inspiring and comforting

Thanks again, Keith Sacra

dancingyogini said...

Thanks Keith! I so appreciate that you take the time to comment. And it's such a treat to me that you continue to come back week after week bringing your devoted steady presence to the class. It's a joy to teach you and your cohorts in that class.

Thank YOU! - Sarah

Anonymous said...

Hey Sarah!

I'm down in the carribean finishing up two unbelievable weeks of vacation, and on a whim decided to check your blog. What do I find, but yet another reminder of what a fantastic teacher you are.

I'm thrilled about your decision to guide and support people in yet another way. Your willingness to explore your actual life experience, the good and the challenging, gives your class an authenticity and depth not present in every class. I have no doubt that same quality will shine through your mentoring.

Sign me up! See you Sunday, when we can chat more...

Scott H.

dancingyogini said...

Awesome, Scott! So glad to hear you're having a great trip. And thanks for the vote of support on the mentoring. I see you as an authentic seeker and questioner, with a kind heart. Just the type of person this project is meant for. Safe travels home, and we'll talk soon. - Sarah