Who's Serving Whom?

I have just completed my first year of teaching a unique, inspiring population - people who are blind or have low vision. This small but dedicated group at the Cleveland Sight Center has challenged my teaching skills and comfort level, but also facilitated incredible growth and fulfillment.

These students say they attend yoga because they feel stronger, more flexible, more self-confident and more relaxed than at any other time in their lives. They come, they say, because I treat them as equals and don’t talk down to them.

The class inspires us all to be creative. Guide dogs must be accommodated. The room must be dimly lit because some people are bothered by overhead lights. I wear bright, vibrant colors - pinks, oranges and yellows - so those with partial vision are able to see me. When balancing, instead of focusing the gaze on a spot ahead, I ask students to focus their hearing on a sound or music - and yes, unlike other classes in this tradition we play music, for this reason.

This class requires a great sense of humor. We laugh when my instructions produce a posture not seen in any yoga books. We laugh when I stop in the middle of my instruction and tell everyone to start over because I have to rephrase everything. Giving visual demonstrations is impossible - verbal directions must guide students safely into and out of poses. Instructions have to be very precise and easy to follow. And when I or they miss the mark, we laugh.

I prepare for class by practicing with my eyes closed. My balance and proprioception without vision is much worse than my students’. I quickly appreciate the challenges facing blind students, as well as their courage, inner strength, focus, determination, and perseverance.

I respect and admire these students, who have overcome great obstacles to become independent and take charge of their destiny. One rides his bicycle to class in heat, cold, rain or snow. Some take busses and walk down busy Cleveland streets to attend. Some ride Paratransit, which can mean a three hour round trip. Because of them, I am inspired to continuously refine my language and instruction, making it more precise and specific, more direct, concise and simple. I feel humble and grateful every time I walk into this class.