Pleasing the Teacher (or, It hurts, but I'm okay)

Students in yoga classes generally want to succeed. They want to try and do what is being taught. And culturally, we accept that in a group setting, we should do what the group does. But sometimes, trying to do what the group does is not in the best interest of the student or the teacher. Recently, I have discovered folks were holding poses that caused them great discomfort. This is a safety issue that frequently stems from trying to be a good student.

If you are that "good student," if you really want to please the teacher, here are a few thoughts. (Caveat: My Eischens Yoga classes often appeal to those with injury or limitations. I also encourage an informal environment in my classes. Some of the opinions presented here might not be pleasing to a teacher of another kind of class.)

Ways to Please the Teacher Before Class

• Tell the instructor about injuries (old and new) that are relevant to your range of motion, level of pain.  Yes, the instructor should check in with you, but sometimes that doesn't happen for a variety of reasons. 
• Do not keep your injury information to yourself because you "can take care of yourself." When I see someone doing something different than what I've said, I will check in to make sure everything is all right. Sometimes that is the first time I learn they've had knee surgery, or chronic neck pain. Guess what? Knowing about that might help me offer a better modification. Or I might be able to use that information to observe where old habits are pulling you into a rotation or collapse that might re-injure the area. Not every yoga instructor can do that, but some of us are really good at it. By "taking care of yourself" and not sharing valuable information, you could miss out on moving into a new, more healthful practice.
• Find out how the instructor wants to handle questions. Some instructors are trying to create a mind-space that is meditative. Stopping for questions as they arise might be disruptive in that class. My classes are about creating body, energy, and breath awareness. I don't mind a question stemming from new awareness of movement patterns or discomfort as it occurs. Keeping a yoga journal of observations and questions can be another way to address this. Again, find out in advance, whether stopping to make a note is acceptable during class, or if there is time after class to jot down thoughts while they're still fresh.  Instructors will have differing opinions about this.

Ways to Please the Teacher During Class

• Know the difference between working hard and feeling discomfort.  When you wake up new muscles, they might get sore or tired. But when muscles are pulling so tight that you feel they might tear, when a joint has uncomfortable pressure, those are signs you may be headed for trouble. 
• Get out of a pose if it hurts. Any sign of pain should be listened to: that twinge in the knee when you bend it; feeling anxious, agitated, depressed or angry when you are in a certain pose; not being able to breathe fully; and most certainly anything that makes you say, "Ouch!"
• Get out of a modification if it hurts. (This was already covered in the last item because a modification IS a pose, but I'm saying it anyway.) I hear tales of Child's Pose being offered as the go-to pose when you need to come out of the pose the class is doing. I have also met many an individual who cannot breathe comfortably in Child's Pose, or feel pain in their knees, hips, or ankles when folded up that way.  Personally, I had an SI injury some years ago. Child's Pose was about the worst place I could go because it stretched already over-stretched ligaments. I couldn't walk after 30 seconds of that pose.
• When you have to get out of a pose, find a pose that you CAN be in. if you don't know what else to do, stand in Tadasana, or sit with the wall supporting your back, or lie down. And breathe. And when the instructor comes over, let them help you figure out how to handle whatever just occurred. It isn't an imposition. Really. It's our job.

Ways to Please the Teacher After Class

• Let the instructor know if anything feels worse OR better after class. This is how those of us who work with injury learn how to help others. Knowing what helps one student with a frozen shoulder gives me more options for the next person with that issue. Knowing what causes increased tension and/or pain teaches me even more.

So the next time, you are in class and you think you shouldn't be in a particular pose, stop doing it. Ask questions. Get help. Find other better ways to work. If a teacher doesn't respect you respecting your limits, find one who does. The annoyed teacher will probably be happy to not have you in class; the teacher who knows how to work with your issues will be glad to have you; and you will happily find your way to better health and self-care. 

Your yoga is supposed to be YOUR yoga. So always, always remember, do as the teacher says ... except when you don't.