As Gyrotonic teachers, we are not merely leading bodies through a series of exercises, but guiding people who are each bringing their unique spirit, energy and psyche into their sessions. Consequently we are often sensitive to our clients on multiple levels: we are carefully observing their bodies moving, attuning to their moods and listening carefully to what they verbally share with us. In my view, teaching Gyrotonic (or Pilates, yoga, etc.) is not just attending to the client’s whole body, but their whole person.
However, all of this sensitivity can sometimes leave a teacher feeling overwhelmed or drained. Also, we might not only be sensitive to our own clients, but we can be especially susceptible to the environment that surrounds us, whether that is a noisy studio or the hectic city outside.
On January 29th, NY Spirals is holding an event in which I will guide teachers through awareness exercises aimed at lending support while teaching. Following this will be a teaching lab in which instructors with 5+ years of experience, master trainers and a physical therapist will address issues raised by teachers.
I am very excited about the formation of NY Spirals. According to their website, NY Spirals is “a community of Gyrotonic instructors/studio owners who are interested in promoting the Gyrotonic method through education, research, marketing and networking.” For years I have been longing for such a forum where we teachers could share information, ideas and questions about this amazing technique.
This upcoming event will be held at Fluid Fitness on Saturday, January 29th from 5 to 8 pm.
The address is 1026 Avenue of the Americas (between 38th and 39th Street), 5th Floor.
If you are an interested Gyrotonic instructor, come join us in exploring ways to find grounding, space and breath in caring for ourselves as we teach–and then fire away with those questions!
See you there!
This was originally posted January 12th, 2011.
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