Prototypes Treatment Center 8.17.09

This was my first class at Prototypes, a women's residential treatment center for drugs and alcohol in Oxnard. Teaching at inpatient facilities is a totally different dynamic that yoga studios. Most people don't want to be there; for most it is just another treatment modality and I am just another face. Its a challenge and intimidating from the getgo. 

I'd planned a very mellow class but I knew 10 minutes into it needed to be even LESS. As I looked into the eyes of these women, I recognized the fear, the bewilderement, the anger, and the anguish of trying to get sober. Today's class was not about poses, it was about honoring their space. About half way through the hour long class it became obvious to me that what needed to be done is to get them in supine to breathe, and just talk to them from the heart. Totally unrehearsed I tried my best to share the link between yoga and sobriety. I offered an easy spine twist after the breathing and everybody participated and moved with mindfulness. It was beautiful.

I have to rethink how to approach this class. Glad I stuck my big toe in the water today.

Seated side bend

forward fold 

other side

cat/cow (there is some inside joke here...they got super rowdy)

balasana

tadasana

uttitadasana

1/4 suns

1/2 suns

lunge salutes

lower to cobra after 2nd side

balasana

bridge

spine breathing

gratitude pose

savasana

sit 

Namaste

sign reports 1:1 answered questions

tadasana