The Long Version
Posted June 9, 2016by Lisa Hollister
“Authenticity”. It’s another round robin at teacher training, and this time we are supposed to say one word that explains what brought us here. I go first and start right in with my story but Jean, who is here to teach us about restorative yoga reels me in, saying “Relax your body. Breathe. Not a story. One word.” And out comes “authenticity.”
I am a elementary school teacher in an inner city public school. The challenges we face educating our students are many and varied. I have dedicated myself over nineteen years to providing my underserved children with materials and experiences that are commonplace for privileged children, but severely lacking in many public schools. When I look at my students I see possibility, but I also know circumstance weighs in heavily.
When Bread & Yoga moved to 212th street I could see the fluttering prayer flags from my classroom window. It was a peaceful sight, and at the same time a nagging reminder of opportunities that so many of my students do not have. So I did what I always do– I looked for a way to bring to my kids what they don’t have. I raised funds, took a children’s yoga teacher training and began an after school yoga class for my students.
Initially I worried that the kids might think it was boring, but mixing poses with games and activities engaged them. I was surprised and amused to find them clamoring for “final relaxation”, our little savasana. More kids were begging to be in yoga, and I started another class. But I still felt like it wasn’t enough…I wasn’t a “real” yoga teacher. So I came across the street to the haven of Bread & Yoga for teacher training, looking to find my place as an authentic yoga teacher. And that’s the long version.
