Expanding My Wings as a Course Coordinator
Are you passionate about a topic that you would like to explore with PLATO members but not sure about stepping into the role of a course coordinator? I was too! Having just completed my 7th term teaching Gentle Chair Yoga for Stress Reduction to PLATO members, I’m happy to share the highlights of this worthwhile experience.
I have been practicing yoga since 1997, when I took my first class while living in San Francisco. After almost 30 years of exploring various yoga teachers and traditions, I became certified as a yoga teacher myself. Since I work part-time, I had visions of leading a regular class in my neighborhood on Madison’s east side. And guess what? The logistics were more difficult than I imagined, and I was more nervous about it than I thought I would be!
I pondered how to overcome these obstacles and one day the thought occurred to me to try teaching online – how convenient for both me and class participants. So, I decided to submit my idea of offering a class to PLATO members, even though yoga is a departure from PLATO’s typical offerings which tend to be more intellectual in nature.
I am so grateful that the Curriculum Committee let me give it a try – I have truly come into myself as a teacher. It wasn’t easy at first, the introvert in me was like, “Why are you doing this?” The number one reason is because it’s important for me to lean into things that make me uncomfortable because it builds my confidence when I do. I never regret it. The second reason is because it’s important to me to give back to my community. And, thirdly, because it allows me to practice yoga too!
My course attracts many first-time participants, and some have continued to attend regularly. Since I start each class 10 minutes early, we all chat a bit as we settle in and this time together over the last year and a half has allowed us to build a sweet little community. Truth be told, I look forward to that bit of connection as much as the actual class itself.
So, if you are like me, feeling a little unsure of what it will be like to offer a course, know this: it is OK not to be perfect – it is OK to make mistakes! It is OK to learn as you go, because PLATO members are a generous, patient, and supportive bunch. We are lucky to be on this learning journey together!
