Yoga is a practice of attention

A yoga class has visible parts: mats, movement and shapes. It also has quieter parts: listening, noticing and making choices.

Look beyond the shape

During teacher training at RedTail Power Yoga, class observation was part of the coursework. We were asked to notice how a teacher spoke, connected with students and responded to the people in the room. Teaching involved attention to the whole experience.

That is a useful way to approach your own practice. You can notice whether an instruction is clear, whether a variation would help or whether you would like a moment to pause. These observations matter even when they are invisible to someone across the room.

Questions belong in the room

If you do not understand a cue, ask. If you would prefer another option, say so. Learning a practice includes learning how to communicate about it.

The same attention can extend to how we share a space: leaving room for someone else, listening without comparison and welcoming a person who is new.

Carry one question with you

At your next class, try asking yourself, “What am I noticing?” You do not have to produce a profound answer. You might notice that you are distracted, that an instruction helped or that you are glad you came.

That small act of paying attention can be part of your practice.

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Teaching foundation: RedTail Power Yoga class-observation assignment, November 15, 2024, and teacher-training discussion of service and contribution, November 18, 2024. Original commentary informed by Jessica’s training.