Just back to Jasmine's home after a truely inspirational day. My voice is going, but throat lozenges and immune boosting herbs are coursing through my body to bring me stability for the final training day tomarrow, so all is well.
The second day of the training is magical for me. While on the first day, I sometimes feel odd at hearing my own voice speak so much, hoping that everyone feels they are in the right place at the perfect time, by the time the second day comes bodies are moving even more, smiles and laughter erupts spontaneously, and we joyfully get to witness brand new teachers putting on the headset mike and teaching class like pros.
Of course there are moments of sensory overload as new teachers try on their new role as facilitators... moments where they may forget what they are "supposed" to say, where they may be thrown off by a difficult learner experience .. all perfectly natural for a first time teacher. But the bottom line is that they are all having fun learning how to stay centered in even the most trying of teaching circumstances, surrounded by a supportive team who is sincere about helping them succeed.
What is especially unique about this class is how direct and forthcoming they are about providing constructive critcism to eachother after the teaching practicums. Sometimes new teachers in training are shy, hold back and are quiet, or simply offer praise of what was great and worked. These new teachers have keen observation skills to see where things have been forgotten or could be improved, they have the courage to call everyone's attention to these items, and the gentleness to voice these things in ways which empower and uplift. Wow! Each training just gets better and better ... and I think what we provide gets more cohesive and deep as well. What an absolute honor and privelege to be able to share this material with people from around the world who travel so far and invest so much into the experience!
Another great experience today was the photography session. Every time we have a training, I hire a professional photographer to take action shots and pro portraits of students which they can use to begin building their business on cards and websites and that we can also use to promote the training. I provide some modeling coaching to whomever wants it as they each pose for their own shots. I hesitated this time beacuse of budgetary reasons, but went for it on a whim. Today's group was exceptionally playful with the camera, and the gorgeous dance studio was especially perfect for action photos while we learned the different cycles of the class. I am so glad I made the extra investment because having this live photo experience really helps me feel like we are providing that extra mile of resources to students.
Candice is simply amazing. It seems every time we teach together, she has developed even more awareness and skill. I honestly feel blown away by the depth of her keen perception, her ability to articulate the body's movement, her playful real approach to teaching and her clarity of instruction. I am honored and blessed so deeply to be able to co-teach with her... a teacher whom I continually learn from merely by being in her presence. Thank you!
Ms Taj has definately made this training unique as well. She flew all the way from Chicago to assist and train to be a master trainer. At any possible moment of need, she has shown up and quietly held everything together... leaping into discussions at the perfect moment to contribute her perceptions and ideas, and as always, speaking with a keen awareness of presence, gentleness and strength. I am so excited to watch her emerging skills in holding space at this new level and and so grateful that she extended herself so enthusiastically to be a part of our training team. Really, it is a profoundly touching experience to be directly approached by someone who totally believes in what you are doing and from the bottom of their heart is willing to support and particpate in any way possible. I feel like Taj is an angel in disguise and I can't wait to watch her fly as a master trainer.
Well, off to take a soothing bath! I need to rest.
I am so grateful!